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:
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running a sole proprietorship (JDG),
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working under a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie, umowa o świadczenie usług),
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cooperation with self-employed professionals,
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periods of business suspension due to childcare,
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working abroad (if properly documented),
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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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