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Poland increased its national minimum wage from PLN 4,300 to PLN 4,600 gross per month (7.6% increase) and the minimum hourly rate from PLN 28.10 to PLN 30.50 gross (7.5%), both effective January 1, 2025. The government also enacted significant labour code reforms including: separation of collective bargaining rules into standalone legislation with new term limits (5 years for enterprise agreements, 10 years for supra-enterprise agreements); expanded unemployment benefits with 100% base benefit for all claimants and extended duration (up to 365 days) for workers over 50, those with dependents, disabled claimants, and large families; new employment subsidies for hiring seniors (50% of minimum wage for 24 months) and disabled workers (increased workplace creation loans up to PLN 75,403.60). The minimum wage increase automatically adjusts night-shift premiums, standby pay, sick leave, and severance calculations.
Poland raises minimum wage to PLN 4,600/month and enacts labour code reforms effective January 1, 2025
Poland increased its national minimum wage to PLN 4,600 gross per month on January 1, 2025, up from PLN 4,300—a 7.6% increase. The minimum hourly rate rose from PLN 28.10 to PLN 30.50 gross (7.5%). Both rates remain fixed for the full 2025 calendar year with no mid-year adjustment planned.
Who is affected
All employers in Poland must pay at least the new minimum to full-time employees. The increase automatically adjusts night-shift premiums, standby pay, sick leave calculations, mobbing compensation, and the non-attachable portion of wages. Employers hiring workers with disabilities or seniors aged 60+ (women) or 65+ (men) may access new subsidies introduced alongside the wage increase.
What's changing
Minimum wage
| Rate type | Old (2024) | New (2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly gross | PLN 4,300 | PLN 4,600 | +7.6% |
| Hourly gross | PLN 28.10 | PLN 30.50 | +7.5% |
Collective bargaining
Poland separated collective labour agreement rules from the Labour Code into standalone legislation. Enterprise-level agreements now have a five-year maximum term; supra-enterprise agreements a ten-year term. A new National Registry of Collective Labor Agreements replaces the prior registration process. The Minister of Labour no longer pre-approves agreements for legal compliance; courts will adjudicate disputes.
Unemployment benefits
Claimants with under five years of qualifying service now receive 100% of the base benefit for the entire entitlement period (previously 80% after the first 90 days). Individuals over 50 with at least 20 years of service, those with dependent children under 18 (or disabled children under 24), disabled claimants, and large-family members may draw benefits for up to 365 days. Benefit duration no longer varies by district unemployment rate. Only wages meeting or exceeding the minimum wage count toward eligibility.
Employment subsidies
Employers hiring a registered job seeker aged 60+ (women) or 65+ (men) may claim up to 50% of the monthly minimum wage for 24 months, conditional on retaining the worker for an additional 12 months. The subsidy does not apply if the employer previously employed or contracted with that individual before registration. Employers creating a workplace for a disabled person may borrow up to PLN 75,403.60 (raised from PLN 45,242.16); up to 25% may cover personnel costs.
What NEO partners and clients should do
- Adjust January 2025 payroll to the new PLN 4,600 monthly and PLN 30.50 hourly minimum wage.
- Review collective agreements for compliance with the new registry and term-limit rules (five years for enterprise agreements, ten years for supra-enterprise agreements).
- Update internal policies on sick leave, night premiums, and severance caps to reflect the higher minimum wage.
- Verify subsidy eligibility with the local employment office if considering disability or senior hiring.
