Labour Law Changes in Poland from 2026 — What You Need to Know

Starting from 1 January 2026, a major reform of the Polish Labour Code (Kodeks pracy) will come into force.
The reform aims to simplify procedures, digitalize employment documentation, and ensure a fairer system for calculating employment seniority.
These changes will affect both employees and employers.

New Rules for Calculating Employment Seniority

Until now, only periods of employment under a standard employment contract (umowa o pracę) were included in the calculation of seniority.
From 2026, other forms of professional activity will also be counted, including:

• running a sole proprietorship (JDG),

• working under a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie, umowa o świadczenie usług),

• cooperation with self-employed professionals,

• periods of business suspension due to childcare,

• working abroad (if properly documented),

• membership in agricultural or cooperative associations.

Why It Matters

The new regulations create a more equitable system that recognizes various forms of professional and personal activity.
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and parents returning to the labour market after maternity leave will all benefit from a more inclusive approach to calculating work seniority and employee rights.

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