Annual Leave Rules in Poland

In Poland, most employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave if they have been employed for less than 10 years, and 26 days if they have been employed for 10 years or more. This entitlement is governed by the Labour Code of Poland (Kodeks pracy), specifically Articles 152 to 167. Employees accrue their leave on a monthly basis, with 1/12 of their annual leave entitlement being earned for each month of employment. It is important to note that the leave must be taken within a specific time frame, typically within the calendar year following the year it was accrued, unless otherwise agreed upon with the employer.

Employers are required to ensure that employees take their annual leave, as it is considered a fundamental right. If an employee does not take their leave within the stipulated time, they may lose the right to it, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Additionally, employees are entitled to receive their regular salary during their leave period. The Labour Code also provides for the possibility of carrying over unused leave to the next year under certain conditions, ensuring that employees have the opportunity to rest and recharge. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Polish Labour Code available at isap.sejm.gov.pl.