Sick leave rules in Poland at a glance
Statutory rules for Poland, checked against official government guidance on 15 October 2026.
| Tell your employer | At once, no later than the second day of absence |
|---|---|
| Self certification | Ask your employer |
| Doctor's certificate needed from | Day 1, for paid sick leave (eZLA) |
| Certificate deadline | Doctor sends the eZLA; an employer with a PUE ZUS profile gets it almost at once; otherwise hand over the printout as soon as possible |
| Waiting days | None (30 day qualifying period) |
| Employer pays | Up to 33 days a year (14 if aged 50 or over), usually 80% |
| State sickness benefit | ZUS: 80% from day 34 (day 15 if aged 50 or over) |
| Maximum duration | 182 days (270 in listed cases) |
| Last checked |
Who pays sick pay in Poland?
In Poland, employer pay: up to 33 days a year (14 if aged 50 or over), usually 80%. State sickness benefit: ZUS: 80% from day 34 (day 15 if aged 50 or over).
- EmployerUp to 33 days a year (14 if aged 50 or over), usually 80%
- State sickness benefitFrom day 34ZUS: 80% from day 34 (day 15 if aged 50 or over)
- Official body
- ZUS
- Certificate
- eZLA
Work out your own figures with the sick pay calculator.
When do you need a doctor's note in Poland?
In Poland, a doctor's certificate is needed: day 1, for paid sick leave (eZLA).
Self certification. Ask your employer
Certificate deadline. Doctor sends the eZLA; an employer with a PUE ZUS profile gets it almost at once; otherwise hand over the printout as soon as possible
Telling your employer. At once, no later than the second day of absence
Check your own dates with the "do I need a note" tool, or see how to get a doctor's note in Poland.
Worked example: 50 days off sick in Poland
How a 50 day absence runs in Poland, step by step. No money is worked out here.
| When | What happens | The rule |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tell your employer | At once, no later than the second day of absence |
| Days 1 to 33 | Employer | Up to 33 days a year (14 if aged 50 or over), usually 80% |
| From day 1 | A doctor's certificate is normally needed | Day 1, for paid sick leave (eZLA) |
| Days 34 to 50 | State sickness benefit | ZUS: 80% from day 34 (day 15 if aged 50 or over) |
Maximum duration: 182 days (270 in listed cases)
For your own figures, use the sick pay calculator. It reads the same checked data as this page.
What is different about sick leave in Poland?
Tell your employer at once, and no later than the second day.
The electronic certificate does not replace this notice.
What if you work in Poland but live in another country?
If you work in Poland and live in another country, you are usually covered by the social security system where you work, so the rules on this page apply.
Report sick by the rule in Poland (at once, no later than the second day of absence), and send any certificate to the body that pays you (ZUS).
If your doctor is in another country, ask the paying body (ZUS) which format it accepts.
More on working in one country and living in another. Related tool: Fit to fly readiness checklist
Frequently asked questions
The rule for telling your employer in Poland: at once, no later than the second day of absence.
The certificate deadline in Poland: doctor sends the eZLA; an employer with a PUE ZUS profile gets it almost at once; otherwise hand over the printout as soon as possible.
Waiting days in Poland: none (30 day qualifying period).
The maximum duration of sick pay in Poland: 182 days (270 in listed cases).
Sick leave rules in neighbouring countries
Compare Poland with Germany and Czechia, or see all 42 countries side by side.
Have a question we did not answer? Ask the assistant.