Poland’s minimum wage could top 6,300 zł

13 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The government links minimum wage Poland to 55% of the average; simulations show ~6,388 zł by 2030 while 2027 proposal is 4,950 zł.

Poland has proposed using a new reference rule to judge adequacy of the minimum wage. The proposal mentions a benchmark equal to 55% of the projected average wage and brings up possible figures above 6,300 zł.

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Why the 55% rule matters for the minimum wage Poland

The Ministry argues the reference value will help assess whether the lowest pay remains fair over time. The draft comes as Poland implements an EU directive on adequate minimum pay. The proposal does not automatically set legal pay at 55% of the projected average.

Analysts ran simple simulations on the government projections. If the minimum matched 55% of the government forecast average wage, the floor would look like this: 2027 – 5,518 zł, 2028 – 5,822 zł, 2029 – 6,123 zł, 2030 – 6,388 zł. These figures follow projected averages of 10,033 zł, 10,596 zł, 11,132 zł and 11,615 zł respectively. The headline number of 6,388 zł for 2030 therefore comes from a mathematical application of 55% to the 11,615 zł forecast.

What is actually proposed for 2027

The government published a concrete draft for next year. It sets the monthly minimum at 4,950 zł gross from 1 January 2027. The draft also proposes a minimum hourly rate of 32.30 zł gross for some civil-law contracts. Today the floor sits at 4,806 zł and the hourly rate at 31.40 zł, so the proposal raises the monthly wage by 144 zł and the hourly figure by 0.90 zł.

The administration estimated the 2027 increase would affect about 1.58 million workers. Social partners discussed the draft in Rada Dialogu Społecznego. Trade unions sought at least 5,200 zł. The council did not reach consensus. The lack of agreement means the cabinet will set rates by regulation if no compromise appears.

Timing and process

The procedural deadline matters. If social partners fail to agree, the Council of Ministers must issue the regulation by 15 September. The regulation cannot propose figures lower than those already presented to Rada Dialogu Społecznego. Thus the 4,950 zł draft now on the table is the government’s formal starting point for next year.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: For expats, the minimum wage affects many practical matters. Gross wages include social contributions paid to ZUS (social insurance) and health contributions to NFZ (public health fund). Net pay determines take-home income and can affect tax credits and benefits. If you work short-term, your contract type matters; some civil contracts use an hourly minimum. Keep your PESEL (national ID number) and employer records ready when you register or update employment details.

In short, the ministry’s proposal creates a reference benchmark to guide future increases. It does not automatically guarantee a 6,388 zł floor in 2030. Individual yearly decisions and formal procedures will still determine the legal minimum each year.

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