The Ministry of Finance presented a proposal for a fresh minimum wage to enter into force from 1 January 2026. As announced, the lowest remuneration in the country is expected to emergence to PLN 4806 gross. The change concerns about 3 million Poles, and the decision will be made in the coming weeks.
Government proposal: PLN 4806 gross as of January
The Ministry of Finance has prepared an authoritative proposal increase in minimum wage from current PLN 4666 to PLN 4806 gross per month. That means a rise by PLN 140 per month, which is PLN 1680 per year. The task is to be presented at 1 of the forthcoming meetings of the Council of Ministers, which means that the decision may be made before the holiday.
The Ministry explains that the increase has been calculated on the basis of forecast inflation for 2026, which is expected to scope 3%. This means that the increase not only nominally increases revenue, but besides aims to keep the real value of the remunerationthe purchasing power of employees.
Who's the rise for?
According to the Ministry of Finance data, the proposal concerns around 3 million workerswho presently receive a minimum wage or a wage close to its level. The increase in minimum wage will automatically increase besides other benefits linked to the lowest remuneration, specified as night work allowance, check-in or minimum contributions to the Social safety Office for contract contracts.
The increase may so have a affirmative impact not only on the situation of full-time employees but besides on persons employed under civilian law contractswhose remuneration is calculated on the basis of the hourly rate resulting from the minimum wage.
Minimum protection against inflation
According to estimates of the Ministry of Finance, the increase of 3% is to defend workers from failure of purchasing value of their income. Come on. PLN 140 per month may seem a tiny amount, in a yearly take it 1680 PLN more in the home budget.
Faced with the continuing advanced prices of basic products and services — specified as food, energy, transport or housing charges — any change in favour of workers is of major social importance. The Ministry emphasises that the increase was designed to guarantee minimum social protection and prevent the alleged "working poverty" phenomenon from getting worse.
Real benefits or just a symbolic gesture?
Although the government's intention is to adjust the minimum wage to inflation, The real value of the increase will depend on the price increase in 2026. If inflation is higher than projected 3%, purchasing power will only increase symbolically or stay at the same level.
In the past, actual inflation has been importantly higher than government forecasts, which offset the increase effect. For this reason, trade unions may in future request a mechanics to automatically adjust the minimum wage to the CSO inflation rates.
Costs for employers
The minimum wage increase is besides increasing costs for employers. Currently, hiring 1 worker per minimum wage means the full cost to the company of PLN 5621.60 per month (including contributions from ZUS, FP, FGSIP and others). If the fresh rate is approved, the cost of employment will increase even more.
This is peculiarly crucial for micro and tiny enterpriseswhere any increase in labour costs can lead to decisions to reduce employment, control to civilian law contracts or automate processes. As a result, although the government's intention is socially positive, Economic consequences can be more complex.
Perspective for the coming years
Under the current rules, minimum wage must be established annually on the basis of a number of macroeconomic indicators, inter alia. forecast GDP growth, inflation, price basket of goods and services and average wage. In fresh years, a gradual increase in minimum wage — both in consequence to inflation pressureand social and political pressures.
Experts point out that the continuation of this policy may increase wage force in the economy, lead to Flatting of the remuneration net and hindering the price competitiveness of Polish companies in global markets. On the another hand, rising minimum wage can stimulate interior demand and combat economical stagnation.
Summary
The Ministry of Finance's proposal assumes increase in minimum wage to PLN 4806 gross since January 2026, which concerns approx. 3 million workers. The increase is expected to balance the expected 3 % inflation, however, its real impact on the financial situation of the least earners will depend on the actual price increase.
Although a government task can be seen as an expression of concern for the poorest social groups, costs for employers and overall impact on the labour market require further analysis and monitoring. A decision of the Council of Ministers will be crucial, which may come before the end of June.
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Three million Poles with a rise since January 2026. Ministry reveals a circumstantial amount
