In Poland, employees are entitled to paid annual leave under the Labour Code (Kodeks Pracy). The entitlement is 20 days for employees with less than 10 years of service, and 26 days for those with 10 years or more. The calculation includes time in education — university graduates are credited with their years of study toward the 10-year threshold.

Statutory entitlement

20 days of annual leave for less than 10 years of service. 26 days for 10 years or more. Education time (university studies) is counted toward the 10-year threshold.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave from the start of employment. For the first year of employment, leave is pro-rated. Full entitlement is available from the second calendar year of employment.

Employer obligations

  • Grant annual leave as per the statutory minimum (20 or 26 days based on service and education).
  • Pay the employee's normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Allow the employee to take at least 14 consecutive days of annual leave.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.
  • Not require the employee to forfeit annual leave.
  • Maintain records of annual leave taken by each employee.

Employee rights

  • Right to 20 or 26 days of annual leave based on service and education.
  • Right to at least 14 consecutive days of annual leave.
  • Right to be paid at the normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not counting education time — university graduates' years of study count toward the 10-year threshold.
  • Not allowing 14 consecutive days — the Labour Code requires at least 14 consecutive days of annual leave.
  • Not paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

How annual leave is calculated

The entitlement depends on total length of service plus education time. Secondary school graduates: start counting from employment. University graduates: add the years of study (typically 3–5 years) to the employment period.

Annual leave pay

Annual leave pay is calculated based on the employee's average remuneration over the three months preceding the leave, including regular allowances and bonuses.

Carry-over of unused leave

Unused annual leave can be carried over to the next year if the employee was unable to take it due to justified reasons (e.g. illness, emergency). The carry-over period is limited.

Frequently asked questions

How does education count toward annual leave?

Years spent in education (university, vocational school) are counted as if they were years of employment for the purpose of determining the 20 vs 26 day entitlement.

Can annual leave be taken in parts?

Yes, but at least 14 days must be taken consecutively. The remaining days can be taken in smaller parts.

Are part-time employees entitled to annual leave?

Yes. Part-time employees are entitled to the same number of days as full-time employees.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.