If you work in Poland under a civil law contract (umowa zlecenie), you are entitled to the minimum hourly rate. This is a mandatory legal protection — your employer cannot pay you less, even if you voluntarily signed a lower rate.
What Is the Minimum Hourly Rate?
The minimum hourly rate is the lowest remuneration for each hour of work to which persons working under a contract of mandate (umowa zlecenie) or service contract are entitled. It has been in force since 1 January 2017 and is updated annually by the government.
This is real protection: even if you are a foreigner with a civil law contract rather than an employment contract — you still have the right to pay no lower than the minimum hourly rate.
How Much Is the Minimum Hourly Rate in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, the minimum hourly rate is PLN 30.50 gross per hour (pursuant to the Council of Ministers Regulation — check the current rate at gov.pl).
This is a gross amount — before income tax and ZUS social insurance contributions are deducted. Your net ("take-home") amount will be lower.
Who Is Covered by the Minimum Hourly Rate?
The minimum hourly rate applies to:
- Contracts of mandate (Article 734 of the Civil Code)
- Service contracts to which the provisions on mandate apply
It applies to both Polish nationals and foreign nationals legally working in Poland — Ukrainian, Belarusian, Russian, and others.
It does not apply to persons conducting sole-trader business activity.
Employer Obligations
The employer must:
- Pay at least the minimum hourly rate — regardless of what is written in the contract
- Keep a record of working hours — the number of hours must be documented
- Provide the record on the worker's request — you have the right to check how many hours were registered
- Pay remuneration at least once a month (or in accordance with the schedule stated in the contract)
Your Rights — What Can You Do If You Are Underpaid?
- Request your working-hours record — a worker has the right to access documents concerning working time
- Check your payslip — divide the gross amount paid by the number of hours worked
- File a complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) — free of charge, anonymously, with no risk of deportation (see: our article on PIP)
- Take the case to the labour court — you can claim unpaid wages going back 3 years
Information: www.pip.gov.pl | PIP free helpline: 0 801 002 006
Minimum Hourly Rate vs. Minimum Wage — The Difference
| Employment contract (UoP) | Contract of mandate | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of protection | Minimum monthly wage | Minimum hourly rate |
| In 2026 | ~PLN 4,800/month (full-time) | ~PLN 30.50/hr gross |
| Record-keeping | Required | Required |
| Reporting violations | PIP | PIP |
Nexflow and the Minimum Hourly Rate
As a temporary worker placed by Nexflow, you receive remuneration in accordance with applicable regulations. Your contract of mandate states the hourly rate. If you have any questions about the hours recorded or the amount of your pay — contact your Nexflow coordinator directly.
Nexflow helps temporary workers understand their rights. We regularly publish practical guides — follow us on Facebook.