Poland updates labor regulations and digital medical certification

Poland is implementing several regulatory changes affecting labor and social security. Starting October 18, 2026, occupational medicine certificates will transition from paper to digital e-certificates. These documents will be managed via the Internet Patient Account (IKP) and automatically shared with employers through secure electronic channels, though employees retain the right to download PDF versions.

Regarding sick leave (L4), new rules effective from 2027 will mandate that doctors issue a single certificate for only one insurance title, impacting those with multiple employment contracts. Additionally, from 2026, regulations will more strictly define activities during sick leave that could be classified as gainful employment, potentially leading to a loss of benefits.

Other labor regulations include rules for unused annual leave, which must be granted by employers by September 30 of the following year to avoid fines. For employees with disabilities, specific provisions govern the entitlement to additional leave days based on the degree of disability and length of employment. In social security disputes, courts have affirmed that witness testimony can be used to prove periods of work in special conditions to secure pension benefits.