Minimum hourly rate on umowa zlecenie: how much and how it's calculated

Dmytro saw an ad: "Warehouse, umowa zlecenie, 28 zł per hour." Sounded fine until a friend told him it was below the legal minimum. Dmytro didn't believe it: "It's not an employment contract, you can agree on anything there."

It's one of the most common mistakes. Many believe the minimum wage only applies to umowa o pracę, and on zlecenie "you get what you signed". In fact, since 2017 Poland has had a minimum hourly rate specifically for contracts of mandate. In 2026 it is 31.40 zł gross per hour, and you can't waive it, even in writing.

Where the figure comes from

The minimum hourly rate changes every year together with the minimum wage. The government announces both figures in summer or autumn, and they apply from 1 January of the next year. For comparison: in 2025 the rate was 30.50 zł, in 2026 it's 31.40 zł.

This is a gross amount. You'll take home less: ZUS contributions, health contribution and tax are deducted. Exactly how much depends on whether you're a student under 26, whether you pay voluntary sickness contributions, and whether it's your only contract.

How hours must be recorded

The law requires the contract to state how the number of hours is confirmed. If it doesn't, you confirm the hours yourself — in writing, by email or by message before each payment.

• Employer's records. Timesheet, entry card, warehouse system. Ask for access to your data or at least a monthly printout.
• Your records. Even if the company keeps count, keep your own notebook: date, start, end, breaks. It helps a lot in a dispute.
• Piece rate. Paying per item or per pallet is allowed, but the monthly total can't be lower than 31.40 zł times the hours worked.

When you must be paid

If the contract is for more than a month, the minimum rate must be paid at least once a month. Money can't be postponed "until the end of the season" or "until the project ends". Anything above the minimum — bonuses, extras — can be paid less often if the contract says so.

Several contracts and students

The minimum rate applies to each contract separately. If you have two zlecenie contracts with different companies, each must pay at least 31.40 zł for every hour worked for it. Being a student under 26 doesn't allow lower pay either: it only exempts you from ZUS contributions and tax, so a student takes home almost the entire gross amount.

Who can be paid less

There are few exceptions, and they hardly ever apply in warehouses or factories:

• Full freedom of time and place, where the contractor decides where and when to work and is paid only commission (prowizja) — e.g. some sales agents.
• Certain social contracts — e.g. foster families or care under special programmes.

If you work to a schedule, at the employer's premises and under a supervisor, the exception doesn't apply to you.

What to do if you're paid less

1. Calculate. Hours worked × 31.40 = monthly gross minimum. Compare it with your invoice (rachunek) or the company's statement.
2. Write. A written demand for the difference is often enough, especially with agencies that fear inspections.
3. Report to PIP. The National Labour Inspectorate checks the minimum rate on zlecenie contracts, and companies are fined for violations. You can ask for your complaint to remain anonymous.
4. Court. Your right to claim the difference doesn't disappear immediately — it can be pursued in court within three years.

The minimum rate and zlecenie as "hidden employment"

Paying the minimum rate doesn't mean the contract is correct. If you work a full month to a schedule, take orders from a manager and can't send someone else in your place, that's effectively an employment relationship. In that case you can demand recognition of an employment contract — and with it holiday, night and overtime supplements.

Checklist for workers on zlecenie

• Rate. At least 31.40 zł gross per hour in the contract (in 2026).
• Records. Find the clause on confirming hours.
• Your notebook. Write down every shift, even a short one.
• Payment. Money at least once a month.
• Calculation. Multiply hours by the rate and compare with what arrived.
• Violations. Keep evidence and contact PIP.