Polish entrepreneurs must prepare for the financial earthquake. According to the latest forecasts of the Ministry of Finance, in 2026 monthly social safety contributions will go up to the historical level, approaching PLN 2000. This is an increase of over PLN 400 compared to current rates, which for thousands of tiny companies could mean a conflict for survival. Experts and analysts beat the alarm, predicting a wave of closures of business.
A violent collision with the fresh reality awaits anyone who runs their own business in Poland. The basis for the calculation of the contributions is the average remuneration, which is expected to scope PLN 9656 gross in 2026. ZUS contributions are charged from 60% of this amount, which straight translates into a drastic increase in burden. For many one-man businesses and tiny companies that are already balancing at the cost limit, specified a sharp increase in fixed costs can be a nail to the coffin.
Shocking calculations of the Ministry of Finance. We know the amounts for 2026
The analysis published by BiznesINFO.pl, based on authoritative data of the Ministry of Finance, leaves no illusions. Estimated average wage in 2026 at PLN 9656 gross means that the basis for the contribution of the Social safety Fund to entrepreneurs will be PLN 5793.60. It will be from this amount that the individual commitments will be charged, which will full the evidence rate.
According to detailed calculations of Bankier.pl portal, the monthly burden of entrepreneurs in 2026 will look as follows:
- Pension premium: PLN 1130.91
- Pension premium: PLN 463.49
- Voluntary illness contribution: PLN 141,94
- Accident premium (average): PLN 96.75
- Contribution to the Labour Fund PLN 141,94
After summing up all the ingredients, the monthly commitment to the Social Insurance Institution will be precisely PLN 1975.03. This is an amount that does not include a wellness contribution, calculated separately according to the form of taxation and income. For many companies this will be the highest fixed cost, importantly higher than expenditure on accounting or office rental.
The yearly cost of moving the company will increase by thousands of PLN. What does this mean in practice?
A monthly increase of over PLN 400 translates into a immense increase in costs per year. In 2026 entrepreneurs will pay a full of around PLN 23 700 of the social contributions themselves. For comparison, the projected contributions for 2025 are about PLN 21 287 per year. This means an increase of over 2400 PLN in just 12 months.
What does that mean for a typical owner of a tiny company? Imagine a freelancer, a craftsman, or a tiny store owner whose monthly income is oscillating within PLN 5-6 thousand. The request to give almost PLN 2000 to the state, even before paying income tax, drastically reduces profitability. In many cases this may mean that business activity will cease to be more profitable than work on a period.
Services, creative industries and low margins are the most vulnerable. The sharp increase in fixed costs will force them to rise prices, which in turn can lead to failure of customers and a decline in competitiveness. It's a vicious ellipse that's hard to get out of.
A contribution vacation? Relief soothes the blow, but not for long
The only light in the tunnel for entrepreneurs remains the alleged contribution vacation, which entered into force in 2024. This solution allows business owners Once a year, benefit from a monthly exemption from social contributions. In the context of forecasts for 2026, specified a simplification will reduce yearly costs by PLN 1975.
After taking into account contribution holidays, yearly commitments to the Social safety Office in 2026 will fall to the level of around PLN 21,725. This is inactive much more than today, but for many companies this difference may be crucial for maintaining the liquidity and endurance of the most hard period. However, entrepreneurs must remember that the relief does not include a wellness contribution that will should be paid in full.
However, the key question remains the future of this solution. Faced with the increasing budgetary and demographic needs of the social safety system, there is no warrant that the contribution vacation will be maintained in subsequent years. Their possible liquidation would be another powerful blow to the SME sector.
Experts alert: A wave of bankruptcies is coming. Who is most at risk?
Market analysts have no uncertainty – specified a drastic increase in burdens must lead to negative consequences in the economy. It is expected that The increase in ZUS contributions may origin a wave of closures of tiny enterprises, in peculiar those operating in low profitability industries. The increase in fixed costs by respective 100 PLN per period can rapidly shift the company's balance sheet from a tiny profit to a loss.
The problem besides affects the global competitiveness of Polish companies. Higher labour and business costs will force entrepreneurs to rise the prices of their products and services. This in turn will weaken their position in dealing with competitors from countries with lower fiscal burdens. The cost Spiral, driven by inflation, rising pay with minimum and now evidence contributions, becomes a immense challenge.
In this situation, the owners of companies must act now. Experts advise to urgently analyse corporate budgets, optimise costs and prepare a strategy for a new, hard reality. It will be crucial to make maximum usage of the available allowances and to search fresh ways to increase gross that will compensate for higher contributions.
Continued here:
The government released the data at 2026. ZUS' contribution of nearly PLN 2000 will destruct thousands of companies?
