Conscription in Poland: Who Would Be Called First?
Officials say conscription in Poland could return quickly. Read who would be mobilised, who is exempt, and what expats must check.
Polish generals and security officials now say the question is not if but when conscription in Poland returns. Consequently, the suspended draft may be reactivated by presidential decree without new laws. Therefore expats should understand who would be called and who would be kept in essential civilian roles.
What changed and why conscription in Poland matters
Poland suspended mandatory military service in 2010 while moving to a professional army. However, politicians never abolished the law. Moreover, a 2022 defence act explicitly allows the President to reintroduce service by decree. In addition, the standard term would be nine months. The government can shorten that term by regulation if soldiers are ready sooner.
Who would be mobilised first
First, authorities would call reservists with an assigned mobilization place. These people hold a specific unit or job on paper. Next, former professional soldiers and those who completed voluntary basic service would follow. In 2026 the voluntary intake cap reached 39,000. In addition, planners will summon Territorial Defence (WOT) soldiers and active reserves. Consequently planners aim to call up to 200,000 passive reservists for exercises in 2026.
Moreover, the draft would also include men with category A fitness from the recent medical boards. Those boards examined about 235,000 people in 2026. Therefore having category A means you could face a call if authorities restore compulsory service. Finally, authorities may call Polish citizens living abroad. Thus residing outside Poland does not automatically exempt you.
Who would be exempt or retained for essential work
However, the state already plans a system to keep critical services running. The government issues ‘reklamowanie’ exemptions for key staff. For example, executives in national energy and gas companies can remain in place. In addition, hospital staff, emergency medical dispatchers, and certain rail workers receive protection. Moreover, civil administration leaders and National Bank personnel can also avoid mobilisation if authorities register them as essential.
Furthermore, the defence industry keeps its own priority lists. Therefore companies that supply the military must secure worker exemptions ahead of time. Employers bear the duty to apply for these protections. Consequently businesses in energy, transport, health, or communications should act early.
System gaps and practical steps for expats
Officials admit the system still has holes. For example, planners sometimes assigned people to specialised units without checking skills. Consequently a drone unit might receive a recruit with no drone experience. Moreover, authorities lack a central registry of civilian competencies. Therefore matching skills to roles could prove inefficient in a major mobilisation.
For expats, the practical advice is simple and urgent. Check your military category with the local Military Recruitment Centre. In Warsaw this includes centres in Śródmieście, Ochota, Mokotów, and other districts. If you have a mobilization card or assignment, you must not ignore it. Ignoring a card can lead to fines (a “mandat” in Polish law) and worse penalties during exceptional states. Also, ensure your employer has processed any necessary exemptions if you work in a protected sector.
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