Poland will increase the minimum wage and salary levels for work permits starting in 2026

Poland will increase the minimum wage and salary levels for work permits starting in 2026.
In 2025 and 2026, Poland plans to adjust income thresholds for foreign workers and raise its minimum wage. EU Blue Card holders, ICT transfers, and local hires are all impacted by the reforms.

Here is a crucial update you should be aware of if you intend to work in Poland. New wage regulations that will go into effect in January 2026 have been announced by this central European country. Both domestic and foreign workers with various work permissions will be impacted by these developments.

Increase in the Minimum Wage starting in January 2026
Poland's minimum salary will increase from PLN 4,666 to PLN 4,806 gross per month on January 1, 2026. Additionally, the minimum hourly wage would rise from PLN 30.50 to PLN 31.40.

The monthly salary was raised from PLN 4,666 to PLN 4,806.
The hourly rate was raised from PLN 30.50 to PLN 31.40.
Local hires, including those with Work Permits and Single Permits, are immediately impacted by this move. It is important to remember that other regulations apply to income thresholds for other categories, such as EU Blue Cards and Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permits.

Things Employers and Employees Need to Know
The wage given must be comparable to what local workers make in comparable positions.
The worker's salary should be sufficient to sustain them and their family while they are in Poland.
Even for current or renewal applications, employers are required to modify pay if the new criteria are applicable.
The minimal salary calculation does not account for benefits and allowances.
A local payroll must be used to pay foreign employees in Polish zloty (PLN).

Updated Salary Thresholds for Intra-Company Transfers New minimum salary requirements for Work Permit-Intra-Company Transfers will take effect on November 19, 2024.

New City Salary (PLN/month)Previous Pay (PLN/month)
Warsaw 5,926.63 5,255.99 Kraków 5,084.37 4,487.73 Wrocław 5,190.16 4,593.43 Gdańsk 4,965.30—
These numbers also apply to EU ICT permits, albeit some situations are examined on an individual basis to make sure pay stays competitive with local market rates.

Update on EU Blue Card Salaries
Additionally, Poland raised the wage criteria for EU Blue Card applicants earlier this year from PLN 10,733.22 to PLN 12,272.58 gross. This is equivalent to 150% of the average pay in Poland.

This revised criteria must be met by applications that were submitted before to February 2025 but processed after that date.

Why It's Important
These changes are a reflection of Poland's efforts to provide equitable compensation for both domestic and foreign experts and to match wages with inflation. It requires careful budgeting for impending renewals and new hires for businesses employing foreign workers.

Update on EU Blue Card Salaries
Additionally, Poland raised the wage criteria for EU Blue Card applicants earlier this year from PLN 10,733.22 to PLN 12,272.58 gross. This is equivalent to 150% of the average pay in Poland.

This revised criteria must be met by applications that were submitted before to February 2025 but processed after that date.

Why It's Important
These changes are a reflection of Poland's efforts to provide equitable compensation for both domestic and foreign experts and to match wages with inflation. It requires careful budgeting for impending renewals and new hires for businesses employing foreign workers.