- Poland has updated wage rules affecting local and foreign employees.
- The new minimum wage requirements will take effect in January 2026.
- Revised thresholds for certain work permits are already in place.
Poland has announced updated wage rules that will affect local employees and foreigners working in the country under various license categories.
New guidance issued by the Polish authorities introduces revised minimum wage requirements that employers must comply with from January 2026, as well as renewal thresholds for certain work permits that are already in force.
Minimum wage changes in 2026
As of January 1, 2026, the national minimum wage will increase for Polish citizens and foreigners employed under work permits and single permits:
- Monthly minimum wage: 4,806 PLN (originally 4,666 PLN)
- Minimum hourly rate: PLN 31.40 (originally PLN 30.50)
These increases do not apply to license types that follow separate remuneration structures, such as EU Blue Card and Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) licenses.
Important Compliance Reminder for Employers
Polish authorities stressed that companies employing foreign workers must ensure that the jobs provided comply with the latest wage standards. The main rules include:
- Wages must be consistent with what Polish workers earn in similar positions.
- The income level must be sufficient to support the foreign worker and any dependents residing in Poland.
- Employers must adjust wages to meet the new regulations, including ongoing cases and renewal applications.
- Benefits, bonuses and allowances do not count towards minimum wage requirements.
- Foreign employees must be paid in Polish zlotys (PLN) through the local payroll system.
Updated salary rules for ICT license holders
New minimum wage benchmarks for intra-company transfer (ICT) work permit employees come into effect on November 19, 2024. The revised monthly salary is:
- Warsaw: PLN 5,926.63 (originally PLN 5,255.99)
- Krakow: PLN 5,084.37 (from PLN 4,487.73)
- Wroclaw: PLN 5,190.16 (from PLN 4,593.43)
- Gdańsk: PLN 4,965.30 (new base)
These rates also apply to EU ICT license holders. The authority noted that certain applications may be assessed individually to ensure wages reflect current market standards.
EU Blue Card has higher salary requirements
At the beginning of 2024, Poland increased the minimum wage for EU Blue Card holders from PLN 10,733.22 to PLN 12,272.58. This amount is equivalent to 150% of the national average salary.
Applications submitted before February 2025 but decided after will still have to meet the increased threshold.
Other rule changes you should know about
GistLover reports that Poland has also modified the process for obtaining a single permit, which combines work and residence authorization.
As of July 1, 2025, individuals entering Poland on a student visa or with long-term residence in another Schengen country must first obtain a Polish national work visa (type D) before they can apply for a single permit.
This marks a significant change from previous guidance, which allowed:
- Polish student visa holders
- Individuals holding long-term Schengen visas issued by other EU countries
- Residents of other EU countries holding a valid residence card
… apply for a single license from within Poland.
Under the new regulations, these applicants must now return to their home country or country of legal residence and obtain a Polish work visa at a consulate before starting the single permit process.
