Effective January 1, 2026 the rules for calculating length of service in Poland will change—in a way that could have a real impact on vacation time, notice periods, and other employee benefits. Importantly, the new regulations apply, among others, to people who previously worked under contracts of mandate or operated sole proprietorships (JDG).
However, for an employer to be able to count these periods toward the length of service, a a certificate from ZUS regarding your length of service.
Find out, step by step, how to obtain the document and what deadlines are important.
Length of Service Recalculated—What Will Change Starting in 2026?
Until now, length of service has been associated primarily with employment under an employment contract. However, starting in 2026, other periods of professional activity may also be included in the calculation of length of service—including, among others:
- contracts for specific tasks,
- conducting business activities,
- selected forms of cooperation (e.g., agency agreements),
- as well as documented work experience abroad.
In practice, this means that many people who have worked “off the books” for years may now be entitled to new employee rights—provided they can document the relevant periods of employment.
When did the changes take effect?
The new regulations take effect on two different dates, depending on the type of employer:
- ✅ Effective January 1, 2026 – for employees working in the public finance sector,
- ✅ Effective May 1, 2026 – for private-sector employees (excluding those in public finance).
That’s why it’s worth checking which group your employer belongs to, because that determines when the 24-month period for documenting seniority begins.
Why do you need a certificate from ZUS?
In order for your employer to include the new periods in your length of service, they must have official confirmation. This document is:
certificate from ZUS regarding length of service
(issued for the purpose of adding periods of employment to an employee's length of service)
This is crucial because without the documents, the employer has no basisto calculate seniority “under the new rules.”
How to Obtain a Certificate from ZUS: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a quick guide—you can complete the process online.
Step 1: Log in to eZUS (PUE ZUS)
Go to the website and log in:
www.zus.pl/ezus/logowanie
Step 2: Go to the “Services” tab
On the left side of the screen, you'll find a menu—select "Services".
Step 3: Search for a USP application
From the list of services, select:
“Submitting a USP Application: Application for an Insurance Certificate for the Purpose of Adding Periods to the Length of Service”
If you can't find it, enter the following term in the site's search bar:
✅ USP
Step 4: Fill out and submit
The form will be partially filled out with your information. Review it, fill in the required fields, and submit your application.
I have the certificate—what's next?
When the document will be ready:
- download a certificate from ZUS,
- submit them to your employer (e.g., the HR department),
- Submit a request to have your periods of employment counted toward your length of service (if the company requires it).
This will allow the employer to formally take into account periods of non-full-time employment.
What if ZUS does not issue the certificate?
In some cases, ZUS may not have complete data—especially when it comes to periods from many years ago.
What then?
➡️ An employee has the option to prove these periods with other documents, such as:
- contracts,
- accounts,
- invoices,
- certificates,
- documents from abroad.
What will count toward length of service?
In accordance with the regulations, the following, among other things, will be counted toward the internship period:
- periods during which the individual engaged in non-agricultural business activities or collaborated with a business owner,
- the period during which business operations are suspended for the purpose of caring for a child,
- the periods during which the contract for services is performed,
- the provision of services, the agency agreement, and the period during which the individual remains a collaborator,
- the period of membership in an agricultural production cooperative and a farmers' circle cooperative,
- a documented period of gainful employment abroad (other than employment).
Note: You have 24 months to submit the documents
This is an important point because it's easy to overlook.
You have 24 months to submit documents confirming the new periods to your employer, counting from:
- January 1, 2026 – if you work in the public sector,
- May 1, 2026 – if you work in the private sector.
If, during that time, you do not document the relevant period, your employer will not be able to count it toward your length of service—and therefore will not calculate the associated employee benefits.
Why is it important to take action right away?
The new rules on length of service are one of the most significant changes to labor law in 2026—especially for people who previously worked on a contract basis or ran their own businesses.
Therefore:
✅ log in to eZUS,
✅ submit the USP application,
✅ receive the certificate and submit it to your employer,
✅ make sure to meet the 24-month deadline.
It's a simple step that can really improve your employment situation.