Poland: A Draft Regulation on Changes in Length of Service Definition Starting 2026
Starting 1 January 2026, new Labour Code regulations will expand the definition of length of service, affecting notice periods, severance pay, and vacation entitlement. The following periods will now be included: running a business (if social security contributions were paid), civil law contracts (if subject to social security contributions), service in uniformed forces, study at doctoral schools and the National School of Public Administration, periods of receiving unemployment benefits and sports scholarships, as well as documented employment abroad.
These changes will result in longer notice periods, as previous cooperation with the employer, such as working under a service contract, will now count toward the length of service. For example, an employee with 3 years of service under a civil law contract and 1 year under an employment contract will qualify for a 3-month notice period instead of 1 month. A longer length of service will also mean higher severance pay—more employees will now qualify for the highest severance package (e.g., three months’ salary for 8 years of service), as self-employment and civil law contracts will also be counted.
The changes will also affect vacation entitlement. Work experience will now include self-employment and civil law contracts, allowing employees to reach 10 years of service faster and qualify for 26 vacation days instead of 20.
To document these newly recognised service periods, employees can obtain certificates from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) confirming periods of paid contributions, while foreign employment will require relevant documentation. The new regulations will take effect on 1 January 2026, and previous work periods will also be included. Employees and employers should start gathering the necessary documents now.
Soon, more periods will count toward work experience, leading to longer notice periods, higher severance pay, and more vacation days. The changes will take effect in 2026. The regulation is currently at the draft stage.
