Poland changes vacation rules from 2026: millions will receive additional vacation days

New Rules for Calculating Work Experience in Poland

Starting from January 1, 2026, new rules for calculating work experience will be implemented in Poland, which will include periods of work under civil law agreements and entrepreneurial activities. These changes will lead to an increase in the duration of annual leave for many employees. It is expected that millions of people will automatically receive an additional 6 vacation days.

According to the new rules, employees with less than 10 years of work experience will have the right to 20 vacation days, while those who have worked for 10 years or more can expect 26 days. As of 2025, over 1.39 million people in Poland were working under civil contracts, and 2.8 million individuals were running businesses. These changes will significantly affect vacation days for these groups of employees.

Impact of the Innovations on the Labor Market

In 2026, there will be 14 official public holidays in Poland, which may also contribute to better working conditions. Additionally, 90 companies will participate in a pilot project to reduce working hours, with results expected in 2027. The average working time in Poland is 40.4 hours per week.

Changes in the tenure rules are part of a broader policy aimed at improving working conditions, including micro-breaks, long weekends, social benefits, and combating 'garbage contracts'. These innovations could significantly improve the quality of life for employees in Poland.

The introduction of new rules for calculating work experience in Poland could significantly change the labor market, providing greater flexibility and protection for workers who are employed under civil law agreements and run businesses.

Expanding vacation rights may encourage employees to legalize their activities, which in turn could positively impact the country's economy. The participation of companies in the pilot project to reduce working hours also indicates the intentions of the government and business to improve working conditions, which could attract new specialists and increase overall employee satisfaction.