Minimum Wage in Poland 2025: How Much You Get Gross and Net

The first question that concerns everyone coming to work in Poland – what’s the minimum pay here? And the second, equally important – how much will remain after all taxes? Let’s break it down in detail, with numbers and examples.

Current Minimum Wage in Poland

From January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Poland is 4666 PLN gross. Yes, gross – that’s the amount you see in your contract. You’ll receive less in hand, but more on that shortly.

Important point – this amount applies to full-time employment, meaning when you work full working hours. In Poland, this is usually 40 hours per week, though there are exceptions.

Who Is Covered by the Minimum Wage in Poland 2024-2025

The minimum wage is mandatory for everyone – whether you’re Polish, Ukrainian, Belarusian, or came from Kazakhstan. If you have an employment contract (umowa o pracę) – the employer must pay at least this amount. Period.

It’s different with civil law contracts (umowa zlecenie) or work contracts (umowa o dzieło). They have their own rules, which we’ll discuss separately.

Gross and Net Calculator – Calculate Yourself

Now for the most interesting part – how much you actually get in hand. The Polish tax and contribution system might seem complex, but it’s actually quite transparent.

What’s Deducted from Your Salary

From your minimum wage in Poland in PLN (4666 PLN) they’ll deduct:

• ZUS contributions (social insurance) – approximately 13.71% = 640 PLN
• Health insurance – 9% = 362 PLN
• Income tax – 12% (after applying reliefs) = about 89 PLN

In the end, you get approximately 3575 PLN net from the minimum wage. Of course, this is an approximate calculation – the exact amount depends on whether you apply tax reliefs, have children, and so on.

Real Calculation Example

Let’s say you’re under 26 years old. Good news – you’re exempt from income tax! This means you’ll get more in hand – about 3666 PLN.

Have children? That’s also a plus to your salary thanks to tax reliefs. First and second child – 92.67 PLN per month each, third – 166.67 PLN, fourth and each subsequent – 225 PLN.

Minimum Hourly Rate – For Hourly Workers

The minimum wage in Poland per hour in 2025 is 30.50 PLN gross. This applies to those working on civil law contracts (umowa zlecenie).

The calculation is simple – worked 100 hours a month? You’ll get at least 3050 PLN gross. Worked 200 hours? 6100 PLN. Paying less is illegal – it’s the law.

Nuances of Hourly Pay

There are a couple of points many people don’t know about:

• The minimum wage in Poland per hour rate applies only to the first year of work with a given employer
• From the second year, the employer can pay less, but not less than 80% of the minimum rate
• The rate includes basic salary but doesn’t include bonuses, night shift allowances, and overtime

Cunning employers sometimes try to circumvent the law by including everything in the hourly rate. Don’t fall for it – know your rights!

How Minimum Wage Has Grown in Recent Years

It’s interesting to look at the dynamics – the minimum wage in Poland 2024 was 4242 PLN, and in 2025 it’s already 4666. An increase of 424 PLN or almost 10%!

See the trend? Over the last 5 years, the minimum wage has increased by almost 67%! And this isn’t the limit – the government promises further growth.

Future Plans

According to unofficial information, by 2028 they plan to raise the minimum wage to 60% of the national average salary. Currently, the average is about 8000 PLN, so there’s room to grow.

What Penalties Employers Face for Violations

Knowing your rights is one thing. But what to do if the employer pays less than the minimum? First, it’s illegal. Second, they’re seriously punished for it.

Fines and Consequences

The National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) doesn’t joke about such things:

• Fine up to 30,000 PLN for the employer
• Obligation to pay the difference to the employee with interest
• In particularly egregious cases – criminal liability up to 3 years imprisonment

Working unofficially and getting paid less? I understand, sometimes there’s no choice. But know – you’re losing not only money but also seniority for future pension, sick leave, vacation pay. Think about whether it’s worth it.

How to Check If You’re Being Paid Correctly

Every month the employer must give you a payslip. It should clearly state:

• How much gross was calculated
• All deductions itemized
• Final amount to be paid

Not getting a payslip? Red flag! Demand it – it’s your legal right.

Practical Tips for Workers

Over years of working with clients at Progress Holding, we’ve seen it all. Here are some tips from practice:

1. Always Read the Contract

Obvious? Maybe. But you wouldn’t believe how many people sign without looking, then wonder. The contract must clearly state your rate – and it can’t be less than the minimum.

2. Keep All Documents

Contracts, payslips, correspondence with the employer – everything might come in handy. Especially if you need to defend your rights.

3. Don’t Agree to Gray Schemes

“Officially minimum, the rest in an envelope” – sounds familiar? You risk being left without both the envelope and legal protection. Yes, nobody likes paying taxes, but safety is more expensive.

4. Learn Polish

The better the language – the higher the salary. It’s a fact. You can and should grow from the minimum wage, but for that you need to develop.

5. Know Where to Complain

National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) – your friend. Hotline: 801 002 006. You can complain anonymously, they will definitely check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the minimum wage in Poland for foreigners?

Exactly the same as for Poles – 4666 PLN gross in 2025. Nationality doesn’t matter, the law is the same for everyone.

Can you live on minimum wage in Poland?

Honestly? It’s difficult, but possible. In Warsaw it’ll be tough – just renting a room will eat up half your salary. In smaller cities it’s easier. Many take additional jobs or live several people together to save on housing.

Do they pay minimum wage during probation period?

Yes, they must pay the full minimum wage even during the probation period. If they pay less – it’s a violation.

What to do if they pay less than minimum?

First talk to the employer – maybe it’s a mistake. Didn’t help? Contact PIP or a lawyer. You can also contact Progress Holding – we’ll help figure out the documents and calculations.

Are tips included in the minimum wage?

No! Tips are additional income. The employer must pay the minimum regardless of tips.

Leszek Woronowicz

PL: Leszek Woronowicz posiada wieloletnie, bogate doświadczenie w obszarze finansów, bankowości oraz doradztwa biznesowego, zdobyte zarówno w Polsce, jak i za granicą.
Brał czynny udział w zakładaniu spółek akcyjnych oraz spółek z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością w Polsce i na Ukrainie, pełniąc rolę doradcy dla międzynarodowych podmiotów, m.in. dla Nestlé Ukraine.
Pracował w szeregu instytucji bankowych, w których kierował m.in. Departamentem Skarbu oraz Departamentem Bankowości Korporacyjnej. Pełnił funkcję członka zarządu jednego z banków poza granicami kraju, a także był stałym członkiem komitetu kredytowego i komitetu ALCO.
Specjalizuje się w ocenie wiarygodności kredytowej przedsiębiorstw, obejmującej analizę bilansów, rachunków wyników oraz przepływów pieniężnych (cash flow) dużych spółek. Posiada również rozległe doświadczenie w analizowaniu dokumentów księgowych oraz ocenie ryzyk prawnych związanych z działalnością przedsiębiorstw i transakcjami finansowymi.
Dysponuje szeroką wiedzą w zakresie rynku instrumentów finansowych, kredytowania oraz rynku kapitałowego. Jako doradca uczestniczył w przygotowaniu memorandum informacyjnych dla dwóch spółek zagranicznych debiutujących na rynku NewConnect. Doradza przedsiębiorstwom w budowaniu skutecznych modeli biznesowych, wspierając je w realizacji strategii rozwoju i ekspansji rynkowej.

EN: Leszek Woronowicz has many years of extensive experience in finance, banking, and business consulting, gained both in Poland and abroad.
He actively participated in establishing joint-stock companies and limited liability companies in Poland and Ukraine, acting as an advisor for international entities, including Nestlé Ukraine.
He has worked at several banking institutions, where he managed, among others, the Treasury Department and the Corporate Banking Department. He served as a board member of a bank outside of Poland and was also a permanent member of the credit committee and the ALCO committee.
He specializes in assessing the creditworthiness of enterprises, which includes the analysis of balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, and cash flows of large companies. He also has extensive experience in analyzing accounting documents and evaluating legal risks associated with business activities and financial transactions.
He has broad expertise in the financial instrument market, lending, and the capital market. As an advisor, he participated in preparing information memorandums for two foreign companies making their debut on the NewConnect market. He advises companies on building effective business models, supporting them in implementing development strategies and market expansion.

RU: Лешек Воронович обладает многолетним, обширным опытом в сфере финансов, банковского дела и бизнес-консалтинга, полученным как в Польше, так и за рубежом.
Он принимал активное участие в создании акционерных обществ и обществ с ограниченной ответственностью в Польше и на Украине, выступая в роли консультанта для международных организаций, включая Nestlé Ukraine.
Работал в ряде банковских учреждений, где руководил, среди прочего, Казначейским департаментом и департаментом корпоративного банкинга. Являлся членом правления одного из банков за пределами страны, а также был постоянным членом кредитного комитета и комитета ALCO.
Специализируется на оценке кредитоспособности предприятий, включая анализ балансовых ведомостей, отчетов о прибылях и убытках, а также денежных потоков (cash flow) крупных компаний. Также обладает широким опытом анализа бухгалтерских документов и оценки юридических рисков, связанных с деятельностью предприятий и финансовыми сделками.
Обладает широкими знаниями в области рынка финансовых инструментов, кредитования и рынка капитала. В качестве консультанта участвовал в подготовке информационных меморандумов для двух иностранных компаний, дебютировавших на рынке NewConnect. Консультирует предприятия по построению эффективных бизнес-моделей, поддерживая их в реализации стратегий развития и рыночной экспансии.