Poland Set To Raise Minimum Wage To 5070 PLN

The Polish government is set to implement significant changes to its minimum wage regulations starting January 1, 2026, in response to the European Union's directive on adequate minimum wages. These changes will not only adjust the minimum wage but also redefine how it is calculated, affecting millions of workers across the country.

According to a report by Rzeczpospolita published on April 18, 2025, the new rules for determining the national minimum wage will be necessary to comply with EU Directive 2022/2041. This directive mandates member states to ensure that minimum wages are adequate and fair.

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, which is spearheading the changes, initially proposed to establish the minimum wage as the basic salary, effectively removing a closed catalog of components that would not be included in the minimum wage calculation. This proposal suggested that bonuses and awards would be excluded from the minimum wage, a move that received pushback from other government ministries.

After negotiations, consensus was reached, and the revised project no longer includes provisions for setting the minimum wage as the basic salary. Instead, the new regulations will phase out specific components from the minimum wage calculation. Currently, elements such as jubilee awards, severance pay related to retirement or disability, overtime pay, night work allowances, seniority allowances, and allowances for special working conditions are not included in the minimum wage.

Starting January 1, 2026, the function allowance will be excluded from the minimum wage calculation, followed by other allowances in 2027, and bonuses and awards in 2028. These adjustments aim to ensure that the minimum wage reflects a more straightforward and transparent wage structure.

As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Poland was raised to 4666 PLN gross per month, which represents an increase of 8.51 percent compared to the previous rate. This translates to a net amount of approximately 3511 PLN per month for workers earning the minimum wage. The government has also indicated that by 2026, the minimum wage is projected to rise to 5070 PLN gross, based on the estimated average wage in the economy.

In February 2025, the average gross monthly salary in the enterprise sector reached 8613.14 PLN, reflecting a 7.9 percent increase from the same period last year. This context highlights the ongoing discussions around wage adequacy and the need for further adjustments to ensure that the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation and economic growth.

The government’s plan stipulates that the minimum wage will be set at 55 percent of the projected average wage in the national economy. This marks a shift towards a more systematic approach to wage determination, aiming to provide workers with a living wage. The government anticipates that the average wage in Poland will reach approximately 9219 PLN gross in 2026, which would support the proposed minimum wage increase.

Moreover, there are long-term plans for future increases, with projections indicating that the minimum wage could rise to 5648 PLN gross by 2028. These changes are expected to have significant implications for employers, as they will no longer have the option to offer salaries below the minimum wage.

Employers will face stricter penalties for non-compliance with the new regulations. A fine ranging from 1500 PLN to 45000 PLN will be imposed on those who pay less than the minimum hourly rate or fail to pay at all. This is designed to enhance compliance and protect workers' rights.

As the legislative process continues, the government is committed to ensuring that these changes not only comply with EU standards but also enhance the living conditions of Polish workers. The adjustments aim to create a more equitable and transparent wage system, addressing long-standing issues related to wage inequality and ensuring that all workers receive fair compensation for their labor.

In summary, the upcoming changes to the minimum wage in Poland represent a significant shift in labor policy, aligning national regulations with EU standards. As these reforms take effect, they are expected to improve the financial well-being of millions of workers while also presenting new challenges for employers navigating the evolving landscape of wage regulations.