Minimum Wage in Poland: Complete Guide for 2026

Last Updated on 6 days ago by International Employment Specialists

What Is the Minimum Wage in Poland?

The minimum wage in Poland is the lowest amount employers are legally allowed to pay employees working under an employment contract (umowa o pracę). The Polish government reviews and updates the minimum wage annually, taking into account inflation, economic growth, and labor market conditions.

In 2026, Poland continues to maintain one of the highest minimum wage levels in Central and Eastern Europe, reflecting the country’s strong economic growth and increasing living standards.

Minimum Wage in Poland in 2026

As of 1 January 2026, the gross monthly minimum wage in Poland is:

PLN 4,806 gross per month

This represents an increase from:

• PLN 4,666 in 2025;
• PLN 4,300 in July 2024;
• PLN 4,242 in January 2024.

The increase reflects the government’s efforts to support workers amid inflation and rising costs of living.

Minimum Hourly Wage in Poland 2026

Employees and contractors working under civil law agreements are entitled to a minimum hourly rate.

PLN 31.40 gross per hour

The minimum hourly wage applies primarily to:

• Contracts of mandate (umowa zlecenie);
• Certain service agreements.

Employers must ensure that workers receive at least this amount for every hour worked.

Minimum Wage Poland Compared to Previous Years

Between 2022 and 2026, Poland’s minimum wage increased by nearly 60%, one of the fastest growth rates within the European Union.

Net Minimum Wage in Poland in 2026

After taxes and social security contributions, employees earning the minimum salary receive approximately:

PLN 3,630–3,700 net per month

The exact net amount depends on:

• Tax allowances;
• Pension contributions;
• Health insurance contributions;
• Personal tax circumstances.

Annual Minimum Salary in Poland

Based on the monthly minimum wage, the annual gross salary equals:

PLN 57,672 gross

(PLN 4,806 × 12 months)

The approximate annual net salary amounts to:

PLN 43,500–44,500

Which Employees Are Covered by the Minimum Wage?

The Polish minimum wage generally applies to employees working under:

Employment Contracts (Umowa o Pracę)

This includes:

• Full-time employees;
• Part-time employees (proportionally);
• Polish nationals;
• Foreign workers legally employed in Poland.

Employees cannot legally waive their right to receive the minimum wage.

Does the Minimum Wage Apply to Foreign Employees?

Yes.

Foreign employees working in Poland are entitled to the same minimum wage as Polish citizens.

This includes workers from:

• Ukraine;
• India;
• the Philippines;
• Nepal;
• Serbia;
• EU countries.

Equal treatment principles under Polish labor law prohibit employers from paying foreign workers below the statutory minimum wage.

Working Hours and Minimum Wage

The standard work schedule in Poland consists of:

• 8 hours per day;
• 40 hours per week;
• Approximately 168 hours per month.

Based on the 2026 minimum hourly rate of PLN 31.40, a full-time employee working 168 hours per month earns approximately:

PLN 5,275 gross

Actual monthly earnings may vary depending on the number of working days in a given month.

Minimum Wage Poland Compared with Europe

Although Poland’s minimum wage remains below Western European levels, it is among the highest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Social Security Contributions Paid by Employers

Employers hiring workers in Poland must also pay social contributions in addition to salary.

Typical employer costs include:

Total employer social security costs generally amount to:

19%-22% above gross salary.

Average Salary vs Minimum Wage in Poland

In early 2026, the average gross monthly salary in Poland exceeds:

PLN 9,000 gross

This means that the minimum wage represents more than 50% of the average salary, one of the highest ratios among EU countries.

Sectors Most Affected by Minimum Wage Increases

Minimum wage increases have the greatest impact on industries such as:

• Retail;
• Hospitality;
• Manufacturing;
• Construction;
• Agriculture;
• Warehousing and logistics;
• Cleaning services;
• Food production.

Employers operating in labor-intensive sectors often need to adjust compensation structures annually.

Impact on Employers

Higher minimum wages increase:

• Payroll costs;
• Social security expenses;
• Overtime rates;
• Holiday pay calculations;
• Severance payments.

As a result, many international companies carefully monitor minimum wage developments when planning investments and expansion into Poland.

How Foreign Companies Hire Employees in Poland

International companies often use an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire workers without establishing a Polish entity.

An EOR handles:

• Employment contracts;
• Payroll processing;
• Tax withholding;
• Social security contributions;
• Compliance with Polish labor laws;
• Minimum wage requirements.

This allows foreign employers to hire employees in Poland quickly while ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

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