The Polish Sejm approved amendments to the e-Umowa (e-Contract) law, broadening its scope and functionality, while rejecting proposals concerning the employment of foreign nationals.
E-Contract Law Amended, System Functionality Enhanced
The Sejm has passed an amendment to the e-Umowa law, set to expand the system’s capabilities. The changes aim to increase the number of contracts concluded online and extend the platform’s accessibility to all employers, not just small businesses.
The amendment also introduces greater automation and further integration with public administration. The system currently operates and was prepared by the Ministry of Labour as a tool for handling the conclusion, modification, and termination of simple contracts.
Amendments to Foreign Worker Provisions Rejected
During the vote, parliamentarians rejected amendments proposed by the Confederation party and a minority motion submitted by MP Marcin Józefaciuk. The Confederation’s proposed amendments focused on a technical matter: allowing employers to directly send contracts with foreign workers through the IT system to the issuing authority.
Confederation MP Witold Tumanowicz argued the changes would further facilitate the employment of foreign workers, advocating for prioritizing the domestic labor market. The Ministry of Labour countered that the provision wouldn’t alter the rules for employing foreigners, only simplify procedures.
Minority Motion Fails to Gain Support
A minority motion proposed during the first reading would have allowed parties to a contract, and the employer or contracting party, to revoke consent at any time. This motion did not receive parliamentary support.
System Overview and Current Usage
The e-Umowa system has been operational since January 7, 2026. It allows for the complete online handling of contracts, from preparation to signing, using qualified electronic signatures, trusted profiles, or e-ID cards.
The system also stores all documentation, eliminating the need for paper archives. Usage is voluntary and free. Currently, the system supports common contract types such as employment contracts, service agreements, and activation contracts.
Expansion of System Scope
The amendment significantly expands the system’s operation. It removes current limitations on users, opening access to all employers, currently limited to individuals, farmers, and small firms. The range of contracts will also be broadened to include training agreements, non-compete agreements, and joint material liability agreements.
The system will also support the handling of contracts concluded outside of it, such as adding an addendum to a traditionally signed employment contract.
Growing User Interest and Implementation Timeline
Data from the Ministry of Labour indicates growing user interest, with 42,175 accounts created as of April 14th. No technical issues have been reported. As of the same date, 22 contracts had been concluded through the system, including 6 open-ended employment contracts, with around 50 draft documents in the database.
The new regulations will take effect 14 days after publication in the Journal of Laws. However, full system expansion is expected to take up to three years.
Legal Basis
Legislative stage: Government bill amending the Act on the teleinformation system for servicing certain contracts and other acts, adopted by the Sejm.
