Non-professional soldiers, including those in the Territorial Defence Force, may see a 3% pay increase in 2026, but generals are excluded.
Higher Pay Not for All Non-Professional Soldiers
Higher basic pay is anticipated for non-professional soldiers. However, the increases will not apply to those holding the rank of general or field marshal.
The 3% increase will not be retroactive to January 1, 2026, but will take effect on the first day of the month following the publication of the amendment to the pay regulation in the Journal of Laws.
Pay Increases for Territorial Defence Force Soldiers
The 3% pay increase will also apply to soldiers serving in units such as the Territorial Defence Force. This is a result of pay increases across the public sector.
These changes are included in a draft amendment to the regulation of the Minister of National Defence dated December 28, 2022, concerning the rates of basic pay and allowances for soldiers who are not professional soldiers (Journal of Laws of 2025, item 558 and 941). The document is currently undergoing public consultation.
Pay Increases for Teachers and Non-Professional Soldiers – Who Has Benefited?
While the draft changes to pay for non-professional soldiers are still in the consultation phase, regulations in this area are already in effect for other professions, such as teachers.
A regulation of the Minister of Education dated March 18, 2026, amending the regulation on the minimum rates of basic teacher salaries, general conditions for granting allowances to basic salaries, and remuneration for work on a public holiday, has been published in the Journal of Laws (Journal of Laws of 2026, item 379).