TIAS CONFERENCE: “FUTURE PROOFING – YOUR LIFE IN POLAND”. Pension Security for South Korean Citizens Working in Poland
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
On October 17, 2024, the TIAS Conference titled “Future Proofing – Your Life in Poland. Pension Security for South Korean Citizens Working in Poland” took place in the historic Bellotto Hotel in Warsaw. We were honored to organize this event in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Poland, the Korean National Pension Service (South Korea’s counterpart to ZUS), and ZUS (the Polish Social Insurance Institution).
The conference was designed specifically for South Koreans residing in Poland, as well as Polish HR and accounting professionals and business owners who employ South Koreans. The aim was to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical guidance on the available tools for securing their future life in retirement.
MEETING WITH ZUS EXPERTS
The conference served as an invaluable forum for knowledge-sharing, allowing attendees to interact directly with leading ZUS experts specializing in pensions for foreign nationals. ZUS representatives’ extensive involvement in organizing the event ensured access to vital, practical information and answers to key questions on pension issues.
Key topics addressed by ZUS speakers included:
🔸 options for contributing to social and health insurance in South Korea while working in Poland,
🔸 practical information concerning the KR-PL1 form,
🔸 useful tips on factors influencing retirement pension amounts,
🔸 case studies.
KNOWLEDGE SHARED BY THE KOREAN NATIONAL PENSION SERVICE (NPS) AND TIAS
Held under the honorary patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Poland, the conference attracted a large audience from the South Korean community. In addition to presentations delivered by ZUS experts, the session with representatives from the Korean National Pension Service (NPS) was also particularly well-received.
NPS experts provided a comprehensive overview of pension-related matters for South Koreans working in Poland, covering topics such as:
🔸 differences between the South Korean and Polish pension systems, and the rules for granting retirement benefits,
🔸 the bilateral agreement between South Korea and Poland and its impact on pension calculations,
🔸 aggregating insurance periods in both countries,
🔸 exemptions from ZUS contributions for South Korean citizens.
Another notable highlight was a lecture given by Adam Smuga, Managing Partner and Attorney-at-Law at TIAS Legal, who outlined the most important legal and administrative considerations for South Koreans planning to retire in Poland.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The conference had a strong practical focus, with an abundance of detailed information shared during Q&A sessions.
🔸 Aggregating contribution periods before 2010
One of the most common questions was about the possibility of combining contribution periods from both countries before the Poland-South Korea agreement took effect in March 2010. Experts confirmed this is indeed possible, but only for periods starting after January 1988, when South Korea’s National Pension Fund was established.
🔸 Full refund of contributions paid in Poland
Another frequently asked question concerned the possibility of receiving a lump sum refund for contributions made in Poland. Currently, the Polish social insurance system does not provide for such a possibility. Instead, accumulated funds will be disbursed as retirement pension benefits, in accordance with the bilateral agreement and Polish law.
THE KR-PL1 FORM
A particularly popular topic was the KR-PL1 form, which, once submitted to ZUS, can result in a reduction of employment-related costs while ensuring full social protection in South Korea.
The KR-PL1 form is essential for South Koreans who are assigned to work in Poland and want to avoid paying social and health insurance contributions twice. Under the bilateral agreement between South Korea and Poland, employees can remain exclusively in South Korea’s social security system for up to five years, exempting them from ZUS contributions in Poland, provided they submit the KR-PL1 form to ZUS.
AN IMPORTANT EVENT FOR THE SOUTH KOREAN COMMUNITY IN POLAND
We are honored to have hosted such an important event for the South Korean community in Poland. It was a remarkable undertaking that provided a unique opportunity to bring together leading experts in foreign nationals’ pension matters under one roof.We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and partners for their involvement and support!
TIAS SUPPORTS SOUTH KOREAN CITIZENS IN SECURING THEIR RETIREMENT
At TIAS, we assist South Korean citizens with completing KR-PL1 forms, submitting applications, and facilitating communication with relevant state institutions. We also provide comprehensive guidance on pensions and other social and health benefits.
Contact us: office@tias.pl
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