From 2026, private business and work under agency contracts will be included in the length of service in Poland.
The Polish government has adopted a project that promises to significantly expand the concept of “work experience” to include periods of running one’s own business and working under civil contracts. This initiative, which will come into force in 2026, will be a real relief for millions of people in Poland who previously felt left out by the system.
In Poland writes about this.
Until recently, Polish law recognized only official employment under an employment contract as work experience.
The new project of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy changes this injustice. From January 1, 2026, periods of non-agricultural entrepreneurial activity by an individual, as well as periods of cooperation with entrepreneurs on the basis of service agreements, will be counted towards work experience.
Such periods of employment will need to be confirmed by certificates issued by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). However, if the work in question is not subject to reporting to ZUS or if it is paid work abroad (which was not official employment), then the employees will have to confirm it themselves.
The Ministry of Labour notes that the implementation of the new regulations will require a long adaptation period (vacatio legis) so that employers have the opportunity to properly prepare for the innovations.
Let us recall that Poland is introducing a 4-day work week. The main goal of the innovation is to give workers the opportunity to work fewer hours, but keep their wages at the same level.
