Starting from 2026, the rules for accounting work experience in Poland will change. Periods of work under civil law contracts, including contracts of mandate, as well as entrepreneurial activities will be counted towards experience equally with classic employment. This grants the right to a longer vacation and greater social guarantees. This is noted by InPoland.
Contract of Mandate with ZUS: What Counts Towards Experience Now
New rules encompass not only periods after 2026 but also previous years, if they are correctly confirmed. The following will be included in the work experience:
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work under a service or commission contract
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work through an agency
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conducting non-agricultural entrepreneurial activities
In Poland, the experience directly affects the duration of annual leave. Employees with less than 10 years of experience have the right to 20 days, while those with more than 10 years are entitled to 26 days. Greater experience also means higher severance payments, anniversary bonuses, and longer notice periods for termination.
If you are interested in working in Poland, we offer you to explore 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.
Work Experience in Poland: How to Submit an Application through PUE ZUS
You can confirm periods of work under a contract of mandate or entrepreneurial activity by contacting the Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych. Applications are accepted exclusively in electronic form through the PUE ZUS system.
For this, you need to:
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log into your account at zus.pl/ezus/logowanie
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in the «Usługi» menu, select to submit an USP application or enter «USP» in the search
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fill out and send the electronic form
ZUS verifies the data in the insurance profile. If information is missing, periods will not be automatically counted - in this case, a separate request must be submitted, and confirming documents must be added.
Let us remind you that Poland has increased the fees for work permits.