Poland pension system faces long-term replacement rate decline

European Commission forecasts indicate that current 30- and 40-year-olds in Poland may face significantly lower pension replacement rates in the future. Between 2046 and 2061, the average pension could drop to just 27–32% of the average wage, compared to 58% in 2022.

While the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) predicts the system will remain solvent through 2080 with state budget subsidies, the demographic shift poses challenges. The number of retirees is expected to rise from 7.9 million in 2030 to 10.6 million by 2060, while the working-age population decreases.

For those who have worked in multiple EU or EFTA countries, it is possible to claim pensions from multiple states using a single application submitted in their country of residence. National institutions will coordinate to sum insurance periods and calculate benefits based on individual contributions and local regulations.