Poland has announced an increase in the minimum wage and new income thresholds for foreigners who require a work permit, an EU Blue Card or are undergoing an intra-corporate transfer. Find out what amounts will apply from 2026 and how this will affect employment

Poland continues to update its labor legislation and increase the minimum wage. This affects both local workers and foreigners who apply for a work permit or plan to move to the country. We will tell you about the changes in the wage level in Poland from 2026 in this material.

How will the wage level in Poland change in 2025?

From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will be:

- PLN 4,806 gross per month (previously PLN 4,666)

- PLN 31.40 minimum hourly wage (previously PLN 30.50)

These changes apply to foreigners who apply for work permits and temporary residence and work permits in Poland.

How will the change in the wage level affect foreign workers in Poland?

- The salary of a foreign employee must not be lower than that of local specialists in a similar position.

- The income must allow you to support yourself and your family during your stay in Poland.

- Employers are obliged to adjust salary offers when renewing contracts and new applications.

- Bonuses and allowances are not included in the minimum wage.

- Salaries to foreigners must be paid only in PLN through the Polish accrual system.

Important! It is worth noting that the salary thresholds for other categories, such as the EU Blue Card and intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permits, are regulated by separate rules.

Updated requirements for intra-corporate transfers (ICT)

From November 19, 2024, new minimum salary thresholds have been introduced for employees applying for an ICT permit.

- Warsaw – PLN 5,926.63 per month

- Krakow – PLN 5,084.37 per month

- Wrocław – PLN 5,190.16 per month

- Gdańsk – PLN 4,965.30 per month

These requirements also apply to European ICT transfer permits.

New requirements for the EU Blue Card

At the beginning of 2025, Poland also increased the minimum salary for obtaining an EU Blue Card:

- PLN 12,272.58 gross per month (previously PLN 10,733.22)

This is 150% of the national average salary.

Please note! Even applications submitted before February 2025, but processed after the law change, must meet the new requirements.

Why are these changes important?

Poland is gradually raising salary standards to protect its workers from rising costs of living and ensure fair working conditions.

For businesses, this means the need to review budgets, and for employees, the obligation to check whether their salary meets the new standards before submitting documents.

Planning to work in Poland? Want to understand what permit you need, how to submit documents correctly, and what salary requirements will apply in 2025–2026?

The Visit World Work Guide is a step-by-step guide for anyone planning to work abroad. It contains:

- A detailed description of the types of work permits;

- Current salary requirements;

- List of documents and the procedure for submitting them;

- Tips for finding a job and avoiding mistakes;

- Rules for residence and adaptation in Poland.

You can also get personal advice from a migration lawyer to:

- Check whether your salary meets the requirements;

- Choose the right type of permit;

- Prepare documents without the risk of rejection;

-Resolve difficult situations with your employer or province.

Reminder! Planning to work in Europe in 2026? Find out which EU countries offer the cheapest work visas, the cost of permits, validity periods and for which specialists each program is best suited.

Photo – Freepik

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