When will salaries in Poland reach EU levels: Finance Ministry forecast

The minimum wage in Poland will gradually increase, but it will not reach the levels of leading EU countries until the end of the decade. This is reported by "InPoland".

As of 2026, the gap between EU countries remains significant: from around 620 euros in Bulgaria to over 2700 euros in Luxembourg. In Poland, the minimum wage is 4806 zlotys gross.

How the minimum wage will change in Poland

According to the forecasts of the Polish Ministry of Finance, the minimum wage will gradually increase:

• 2027 year — 5103 zlotys

• 2028 year — 5420 zlotys

• 2029 year — 5747 zlotys.

This means a slow but steady increase in incomes. At the same time, even such rates do not allow for a rapid reduction of the gap with the wealthiest EU countries.

In 2026, the government established the minimum wage at 4806 zlotys gross, which is only 140 zlotys more than the previous year.

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Why salaries in Poland do not yet reach EU levels

One reason is the delay in implementing the European directive on adequate minimum wage. If implemented, the minimum wage could reach about 55% of the average salary in the country.

Factors affecting income levels include:

• differences in economic development among EU countries

• different costs of living and tax burdens

• features of national labor markets.

At the same time, experts point out that nominal figures do not always reflect actual purchasing power. For example, in Poland, the minimum wage is equivalent to about 1139 euros, but taking into account the cost of living, its real value is estimated at around 1500 euros.

Poland has not yet completed the implementation of the EU directive, although the corresponding draft law has already undergone discussion. Once approved, the approach to calculating the minimum wage may change.

It is worth noting that the minimum wage in Poland, upon full implementation of the EU directive, may exceed 5000 zlotys gross. As of January 1, 2026, it is set at 4806 zlotys.