What will change for Ukrainian workers in Poland from 2026

In 2026, the Polish labor market will undergo significant updates due to several legislative changes that will affect salaries, hiring conditions, labor relations, and powers of labor inspectors. Most provisions have already been approved, while others are in the final stages of consideration. In Poland reports In Poland.

Minimum wage: what amounts will apply in 2026

From January 1, 2026, the new minimum wage will come into effect:

• 4806 zlotys gross per month

• 31.40 zlotys per hour for civil law contracts.

Although the increase in the minimum wage is small, it will automatically affect several payments:

• night work allowances

• severance pay

• the amount of social contributions.

Also, from December 24, 2025, employers will be required to indicate the salary amount in job postings, use gender-neutral job titles, and will not be allowed to ask about earnings from previous jobs.

New labor rules: experience, inspections and combating mobbing

Poland will implement the EU directive aimed at reducing the gender pay gap. Companies will need to regularly report on the pay levels of men and women.

Changes will also affect work experience. Periods that were previously excluded will now count, including:

• work under civil law contracts;

• entrepreneurial activity;

• suspension of work due to childcare;

• work abroad.

These periods will be confirmed by ZUS. This provision will come into force on January 1, 2026, for the public sector and on May 1 for the private sector.

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The National Labor Inspectorate will receive expanded powers, including remote inspections and the ability to recognize civil contracts as actual employment contracts.

The definition of mobbing is also being updated - the emphasis will be on the prolonged, repetitive behavior rather than proving intention. A minimum compensation is being established - 12 times the minimum wage. The law will oblige employers to implement internal procedures to combat harassment and discrimination.

The procedure for payments for unused vacation will change: funds will be transferred during salary payments, and part of the HR processes will be moved to an electronic format.

Comment from employment expert Vitaliy Serhiyovych Belenets:

«The changes Poland is implementing in 2026 will significantly impact Ukrainians working in the country. The increase in minimum wage is a plus, but employers will pay more attention to expenses, so competition for simple vacancies may rise. The requirement to openly indicate salaries in advertisements will be most significant. This will allow our workers to avoid opaque conditions and better assess the market.

Previously, we wrote that the average salary in Poland is equivalent to four in Ukraine.