What new sick leave rules are in Poland: what Ukrainians need to know

New sick leave regulations L4 will come into effect in Poland on January 27, 2026. The changes aim to strengthen control and combat abuses in the social security system, particularly among foreign workers. This is reported by Relocate.to.

The new regulations expand the powers of the Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych (ZUS). The institution will be able to check sick leaves not only due to the employee's illness but also when caring for a sick family member. ZUS will have the right to require additional explanations from the patient, employer, and doctor, as well as check individuals who have lost their right to medical insurance.

New sick leave rules in Poland from 2026

The law obliges doctors to more carefully verify data on incapacity for work that are entered into the electronic healthcare system. The period during which sick leave is valid without additional examinations is also reduced to 14 days. After this, the patient must return to the doctor. If an employee works during the L4 period, they may lose all benefits.

Changes to L4 in Poland: control and responsibility

Fines are introduced for unjustified use of sick leave. Responsibility will lie not only with employees but also with medical institutions that issue L4 without sufficient grounds. Additionally, a reduction in sick leave financing for employers will be foreseen if employees frequently take sick leave.

Key changes include:

• expansion of ZUS powers regarding inspections;

• limitation of sick leave without examinations to 14 days;

• possibility of complete loss of benefits for violating L4 rules;

• fines for employees and medical institutions;

• involvement of nurses, physiotherapists, and other specialists with experience in decision-making.

From April 2026, not only doctors but also nurses, physiotherapists, interns, and specialists with five years of experience will be involved in decision-making at ZUS. Their remuneration will be linked to the average salary in Poland. These changes do not apply to individuals who are not officially employed and do not fall under mandatory medical insurance.

It is worth noting that millions of Ukrainians in Poland risk losing sick leave benefits (zasiłek chorobowy) due to a simple visit to family or an "innocent" walk. ZUS cancels payments if you are not at home the entire time.