Minimum wage in Poland according to EU directive: what amount to expect

Minimum wage in Poland in case of full implementation of the EU directive may exceed 5000 zlotys gross. Currently, as of January 1, 2026, it amounts to 4806 zlotys. This is reported by InPoland.

Minimum wage in Poland 2026: new EU benchmarks

According to the Polish Ministry of Finance, next year the minimum wage may cross the mark of 5000 zlotys gross, and within five years approach 6000 zlotys.

The European Union directive requires the implementation of a transparent minimum wage calculation mechanism. It should be:

• 60% of the median salary;

• or 50% of the average salary.

Today the Polish “minimum wage” is approximately 51% of the average salary.

EU directive and business reaction

The Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy has prepared a bill proposing to set a reference value at 55% of the average salary. Although Brussels does not mandate this indicator, the Polish side plans to rely on it.

Employers criticize the rapid increase in labor costs, as this raises the cost price of products and services. Meanwhile, trade unions insist on a fair increase in the lowest incomes.

If the changes are adopted, bonuses will no longer be considered in the minimum wage calculation. For businesses, this means an increase in the real wage fund and possible reduction of bonus mechanisms.

The implementation of the directive is already delayed; initially, it was planned to be completed by the fall of 2024. At the same time, experts warn that a sharp leveling of salaries may affect the competitiveness of companies and the labor market.

As of January 2026, there is a significant gap in minimum wage levels across Europe. A third of EU countries have not raised the minimum wage since July 2025, raising concerns about social justice and the quality of life in the region.