Poland's internal security agency draws 20,000 applicants in under two months

Recruitment drive on commercial portals

Poland's Internal Security Agency (Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego, ABW) posted 71 job listings on commercial recruitment websites, including pracuj.pl, alongside its own website. In less than two months, the agency received over 20,000 applications, averaging approximately 300 submissions per listing. ABW emphasized that commercial platforms are only one of several recruitment tools and described the move as a response to a changing labour market.

The agency is seeking operational officers, investigators, analysts, cybersecurity experts, IT specialists, and foreign language experts, among other roles. The exact number of vacancies and the current size of ABW's workforce are not publicly disclosed, given the classified nature of the agency's work.

What ABW offers

For positions requiring higher education, ABW offers a net salary of 8,368 PLN per month at its Warsaw headquarters after completion of basic training. Regional offices (delegatury) pay between 6,906 and 7,506 PLN net, depending on location. The agency describes compensation as tailored to each candidate's knowledge, skills, and potential.

Benefits include a pension after 25 years of service, a housing allowance, a thirteenth salary, a uniform allowance, interest-free loans, medical and dental care, an office gym, and longevity bonuses. Candidates are not required to have prior service in the police or military.

Selection process and requirements

Candidates face a multi-month recruitment process that includes psychological evaluations, a psycho-physiological examination on a polygraph, and a background check at the final stage. Applicants must hold Polish citizenship, enjoy full public rights, demonstrate moral, civic, and patriotic integrity, be capable of maintaining secrecy, and possess appropriate education along with physical and mental fitness.

Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesman for the minister coordinator of special services, commented on the volume of applications.

This scale of interest shows that ABW can be an attractive place of service and work for people who want to develop their competences, take on ambitious challenges, and be aware that the effects of their work have real significance for the security of the state.

He added that the large number of applications does not mean automatic admission, noting that candidates undergo a full and demanding qualification process.

We choose the best of the best.

Agency background and myths

ABW was established in 2002 following the dissolution of the Office for State Protection (Urząd Ochrony Państwa). Its tasks include detecting and countering hostile activities by foreign states and organisations. In 2024, ABW restored its regional offices, though one article's reference to a specific location was cut off.

The agency's website addresses several misconceptions about service. Officers may resign at any time, with a notice period of up to six months. Private travel abroad is permitted, though certain countries require a supervisor's approval. Tattoos disqualify a candidate only when their symbolism or placement conflicts with the officer's image or regulations. Candidates may inform close family about applying, though the circle of people informed should be kept to a minimum.

Dobrzyński stated that while detailed plans for the number of admissions are not made public, the direction is clear: the agency intends to strengthen itself both in numbers and competences.