Poland’s registered unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points in January 2026, with regional variations across the country.
Regional Unemployment Rates
According to ministry estimates, the registered unemployment rate at the end of January 2026 ranged from 3.8% in Greater Poland Voivodeship to 9.9% in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. Compared to December, it increased by 0.6 percentage points in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, by 0.4 percentage points in six voivodeships, by 0.3 percentage points in seven voivodeships, and by 0.2 percentage points in two voivodeships.
National Unemployment Trend
The estimated registered unemployment rate in January 2026 was 6.0%, which is 0.3 percentage points more than the previous month. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy estimates that 934.8 thousand people were registered in labor offices at the end of January, which is 47 thousand more than the previous month.
Job Market Dynamics
In turn, the number of job offers reported to labor offices increased. In January, employers reported 25.4 thousand job vacancies and vocational activation places, which is 22.4% more than in December 2025.
European Context
According to Eurostat methodology, Poland’s unemployment rate in December 2025 was 3.2%, remaining stable. The Czech Republic had the lowest EU rate at 3.1%, while Poland and Malta tied for second at 3.2%. The EU average was 5.9%.
