Since 2026, the Polish labour marketplace is expected to change importantly minimum wage for work. The government plans to introduce fresh minimum wage rules aimed at adapting national rules to the EU Directive and ensuring decent working conditions for all employees.
New minimum wage rules
According to the proposed regulations, since 2026 minimum remuneration will constitute 55% of projected average wage in the national economy. This means that the minimum wage will be straight linked to the average national salary, which aims to make it more dynamic in line with the current economical situation. Currently, the minimum remuneration is PLN 4666 gross, and in 2026 it is forecasted to increase to PLN 5070 gross. cityturn0search3
Forecast rates for subsequent years
According to the data contained in the Budget Law for 2025, the following values are foreseen: average gross remuneration and corresponding Minimum wages:
- 2026 year: average wage – PLN 9218, minimum wage – PLN 5070
- 2027: average wage – PLN 9748, minimum wage – PLN 5361.40
- 2028 year: average wage – PLN 10 300, minimum wage – PLN 5665
Such forecasts indicate a steady increase in wages in Poland, which can positively affect the standard of surviving of citizens.
Changes in remuneration components
The fresh rules besides supply for modifications to the ingredients included in minimum remuneration. From 2026 to the minimum wage there will no longer be bonuses, bonuses or prizes. This means that employers will gotta supply workers with a basic wage of at least 55% of the average national salary, regardless of additional benefits.
Possibility to frost the minimum wage
One of the more controversial provisions in the proposed government is the anticipation of Minimum wage freeze. If the government considers that earlier increases were excessive and could negatively affect the economy, it will have the right to suspend further increases in minimum wage. This mechanics aims to defend the labour marketplace from the possible negative effects of excessive increases.
The planned changes to the minimum wage strategy will have a crucial impact on both employers and workers. For workers, this means possible income increases and surviving conditions. On the another hand, employers will gotta adapt their budgets to fresh requirements, which may require cost optimisation or restructuring.
Penalties for non-compliance
With the introduction of fresh rules, the government plans to tighten penalties for non-compliance employers minimum remuneration. This aims to guarantee more effective protection of labour rights and to destruct unfair practices in the labour market.
System improvement Minimum wage The planned for 2026 introduces a number of crucial changes aimed at adapting Polish law to EU standards and improving the financial situation of workers. The direct link between the minimum wage and the average national wage and the exclusion of allowances from its calculation are steps towards a more transparent and equitable remuneration system. Employers should be preparing for the upcoming changes to guarantee a smooth adaptation to the fresh legal requirements.
More here:
Revolutionary changes in minimum wage since 2026: what awaits Polish workers?
