From 2026, the minimum wage in Poland will increase: what about other payments

Poland has announced an increase in the minimum wage starting January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will rise to 4,806 zloty gross, which is 140 zloty more than now. Workers receiving the minimum wage, after contributions are deducted, will have 3,605.85 zloty net, which is nearly 95 zloty more. This was reported by In Poland.

New figures for workers and employers

The change will affect not only the base salary but also the hourly rate — it will increase from 30.50 to 31.40 zloty gross. Along with the increase in the minimum wage, tax and insurance contributions will also rise, resulting in employers spending more on payroll: the total cost of employing a worker will increase from 5,621.60 to 5,790.28 zloty per month.

The most noticeable increase will be the contribution to health insurance. From 2026, it will be calculated based on the full minimum wage rather than 75% of it. This means an increase from 314.96 to 432.54 zloty per month.

What else will increase along with the minimum wage

The wage increase will impact other payments:

• night work allowance — from 5.83 to 6.01 zloty per hour

• minimum payment during downtime — from 4,806 zloty

• maximum severance pay — from 69,990 to 72,090 zloty.

The limit for unregistered businesses will also increase — to 10,813.50 zloty per quarter (225% of the minimum wage).

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The increase in the minimum wage will also lead to higher fines and compensations. The minimum compensation for breaches of equal treatment or harassment principles will be 4,806 zloty, and the maximum fine for financial violations will reach 96,120 zloty.

Poland regularly reviews the minimum wage to adapt it to inflation and labor market conditions. The next increase is meant to support workers' incomes while also raising business costs. The new rules will complete the transition to a full base for the health contribution, which has long been planned as part of the social insurance reform.