What are the Holiday Regulations and Payment Rules in Poland?

In Poland, employees are entitled to specific rights and compensations related to official public holidays. Understanding these regulations ensures that both employers and employees are aware of their entitlements and obligations regarding holidays, especially in 2025.


Official Public Holidays in Poland

Poland recognizes 13 official public holidays, including:

  • New Year's Day

  • Easter Monday

  • Labour Day (May 1st)

  • Constitution Day (May 3rd)

  • Independence Day (November 11th)

  • Christmas Day (December 25th)


If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, employers are required by law to provide a compensatory day off, which must be taken within the same settlement period (usually within the same month).

For more details on how public holidays are handled when they fall on a Saturday, please refer to this article on holidays falling on a Saturday in Poland.


Holiday Pay Regulations

  • Regular Salary: Employees are entitled to their regular salary during public holidays, even if they do not work on those days.

  • Working on a Holiday: If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to:

    • A substitute day off at a later date, or

    • Double pay for the hours worked on the holiday.

For employees in sectors where working on holidays is common, such as healthcare, hospitality, or emergency services, compensation may also include additional pay or rest time, in accordance with Polish labor law.


Holiday Pay for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are entitled to holiday pay on a pro-rata basis. If a public holiday falls on their scheduled workday, they are paid for the hours they would have worked.


What About May 3rd and November 1st in 2025?

In 2025, May 3rd (Constitution Day) and November 1st (All Saints' Day) both fall on a Saturday. According to Polish labor law, employees working Monday to Friday are entitled to a compensatory day off. Horizons encourages employees to take this day off on the following Monday, or another workday within the same month. Any requests for exceptions should be made to the employee's direct line manager.

For more information on holidays falling on a Saturday in 2025, please refer to the detailed article on this topic.

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