As Poland‘s cost of living continues to rise, an increasing number of retirees are supplementing thier pensions with employment-a trend expected to receive a boost with the new year. Beginning January 1, 2026, Poland’s minimum wage will increase to 4,806 Polish złoty (PLN) gross, impacting an estimated 850,000 to 870,000 seniors who currently work alongside their pension income. This adjustment reflects a broader demographic shift as more older Poles choose to remain in the workforce, driven largely by financial considerations and a desire for continued social engagement.
A growing number of retirees in Poland are choosing to remain in the workforce, and a recent regulatory change is signaling that continued employment can be financially beneficial.
Effective January 1, 2026, Poland’s minimum wage will rise to 4,806 Polish złoty (PLN) gross, an increase of 140 PLN gross from the previous rate. While the increase applies to all workers earning the minimum wage, it will be particularly impactful for those who are also receiving pensions. This adjustment comes as cost-of-living pressures continue to impact household budgets across the region.
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Data from the Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) indicates that approximately 850,000 to 870,000 seniors in Poland currently combine pension income with employment. A significant portion of these individuals are employed at the minimum wage level.
Following the January minimum wage increase, net earnings for those employed on a full-time contract will be around 3,600 PLN per month. This figure represents a substantial boost to the income of retired workers earning the minimum wage.
For many seniors, this additional income provides crucial support for household finances, particularly given rising costs for food, energy, and other essential services.
Working in retirement is becoming increasingly common in Poland. According to ZUS statistics, the number of active senior workers has risen steadily in recent years, from just under 750,000 several years ago to over 850,000 today. This trend reflects broader demographic shifts and evolving financial needs.
On average, roughly one in seven retirees in Poland remains professionally active. The majority are around 67 years old, and women comprise nearly 58% of this working senior population.
While motivations vary, financial considerations are a primary driver. The dynamic increase in the minimum wage in recent years has made even part-time work an attractive supplement to pension income.
For many, continued employment also offers a way to maintain social connections, stay active, and preserve financial independence. Seniors employed on a full-time contract earning the minimum wage will see the benefits of the increase reflected in their paychecks before the end of January.
