The Polish government has set the minimum wage for 2026 at PLN 4,806 gross per month, up from PLN 4,666 in 2025 — an increase of PLN 140, or about 3%. The minimum hourly rate for certain civil-law contracts rises from PLN 30.50 to PLN 31.40. Both amounts apply from 1 January 2026.
Why it matters for foreign workers
- Work permits and declarations. The pay offered to a foreign worker must be at least the minimum wage, adjusted for working time. Applications that offer less risk refusal.
- Existing contracts. If your salary is below the new minimum, your employer must raise it from January — the minimum wage applies automatically.
- Civil-law contracts. The minimum hourly rate applies to mandate contracts (umowa zlecenie) and contracts for the provision of services.
- Gross versus net. The figures above are gross. Your take-home pay is lower, because social security and health contributions and an income tax advance are deducted.
What it means for employers
Employers should review salaries and the pay offered in pending applications, update contract templates and check that the pay declared to the authorities matches the pay actually received. Several other amounts are linked to the minimum wage, so payroll settings are worth checking at the start of the year.
The bigger picture
Salary thresholds for some permits are much higher than the minimum wage. The EU Blue Card, for example, is linked to the average salary in the national economy — see our comparison of the EU Blue Card and national work permits.
Want to check whether a job offer meets the requirements? Contact our team.