Poland Overhauls Work Experience Calculation Rules, Effective 2026

Poland's New Rules for Calculating Employment History

According to ХВИЛЯ: Poland is implementing a significant reform to its employment history calculation system, with new rules set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This update will allow for the inclusion of previously uncounted periods, substantially broadening the scope for workers. The reform will be rolled out in phases across different economic sectors to ensure a smooth transition to the new framework.

Under the revised regulations, the following periods will now be counted towards an individual's employment record:

• Time spent running one's own business;
• Work performed under civil law contracts, such as specific-task agreements (umowa zlecenia);
• Assignments arranged through employment agencies;
• Periods of childcare leave, provided contributions for pension and disability insurance were paid.

The reform process is already underway, with its initial phase completed. The new rules will first apply to the public finance sector starting January 1, 2026. They will then be extended to all other sectors of the economy from May 1, 2026. It is important to note that the changes are already in effect for employees in the public sector. The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine has provided this information, highlighting the significance of these changes for labor legislation. This reform aligns Poland more closely with evolving European labor standards, which increasingly recognize diverse forms of employment.

Implications for Social Security Benefits

These amendments to Polish labor law are poised to have a substantial impact on workers' social security entitlements. By counting a wider range of work periods, the changes could positively influence future pension payouts. The reform reflects a broader trend in many countries to modernize labor laws in response to contemporary market demands and to support employment. This includes formally recognizing non-standard work and caregiving periods. Consequently, the update may encourage entrepreneurship and improve conditions for parents balancing professional and family responsibilities, fostering a more inclusive labor market.