The Polish government is accelerating work on legislation allowing retirement after 35 years of service for women and 40 for men, but eligibility and benefit levels remain uncertain.
Early Retirement Possible with Years of Service
The Polish government is revisiting proposals for early retirement based on years of service rather than age. Projects suggest key criteria will be 35 years of work for women and 40 years for men.
However, not everyone will meet the requirements, and some workers may be disappointed with the amount of their benefits. Analysis will determine who stands to gain and the potential payout amounts.
Government Focuses on Implementation
The government is now focused on *how* to implement the new regulations, with costs and technical details being the biggest hurdles.
Two Drafts Under Consideration
Two draft bills on service-based retirement are currently in the Sejm (Polish Parliament): one from the NSZZ “Solidarność” trade union and another from the Lewica (Left) party. Both proposals share a common goal: shifting away from a fixed retirement age towards a system based on years of service.
Subtle but Crucial Difference
The difference between the drafts is subtle but significant, potentially impacting who qualifies for early retirement.
Some individuals may formally meet the years-of-service requirement but still be unable to retire.
Potential Retirement Ages
Retirement at ages 53 and 58 could be possible, but only under specific conditions.
Individuals who begin working at a young age, such as 18, could retire up to seven years earlier than the current retirement ages of 60 and 65. However, continuous contributions are a key requirement; any breaks in contributions could delay retirement.
What Counts Towards Years of Service?
Determining what counts towards years of service is a contentious issue. Periods of employment with a work contract, some non-contributory periods (like maternity leave), and self-employment (with paid contributions) will be included.
However, work performed under civil law contracts may not always be counted, potentially resulting in a shorter recognized service period for some workers.
Government Hesitation and Financial Concerns
While the Ministry of Family and Labor supports the idea, the Ministry of Finance is cautious. Earlier retirements mean increased expenditures and a shorter contribution period.
Concerns include a rise in the number of beneficiaries, lower contributions to the system, and the risk of very low pensions. A “safety net” – a minimum benefit amount – is being considered.
Potential Benefit Reductions
Pension amounts will be lower for those retiring early. Polish pensions depend on accumulated capital and life expectancy. Retiring earlier will result in a reduced benefit.
The minimum pension as of March 2026 is 1978.49 złoty gross, and the lowest benefits may be reduced to this level.
Illustrative Pension Calculations (Estimates)
Here are some example calculations:
40 years of service, age 58, 600,000 zł capital: approximately 2200–2600 zł gross pension
The difference in monthly pension could be as much as 1000 zł.
Who Benefits and Who Loses?
This solution is not for everyone, which is why it is generating so much debate.
Biggest Beneficiaries: Individuals who started working very early and have continuous contributions.
Those Who May Not Benefit: Individuals with gaps in their contributions or those who primarily worked under civil law contracts.
Working After Retirement
Early retirement will be an option, not an obligation. Individuals can acquire the right to a pension but continue working and increase their benefits.
This provides flexibility but also places responsibility on the employee.
Reasons for Reconsidering Service-Based Retirement
The government is revisiting service-based retirement due to demographic factors and labor market pressures. An increasing number of people are physically unable to continue working until age 65.
Approximately 25 percent of men do not live to retirement age, and the number of people on sick leave and disability benefits is rising. Service-based retirement is intended to address this problem, but it could also exacerbate others.
