Unemployment Benefit in Poland for Foreigners (2026): Who Qualifies and How Much
Some foreigners can register as unemployed and receive benefit; many cannot. It depends on your residence title and your last 18 months of work.
1,783.90 złgross monthly benefit for the first 90 days (from 1 June 2026)
365 daysof work with at least minimum wage in the last 18 months
180 daysstandard benefit period (365 for some groups)
Can you register as unemployed?
Registration at the district labour office (powiatowy urząd pracy) is governed by the Act of 20 March 2025 on the labour market and employment services. Foreigners can register if they hold certain residence titles, for example permanent residence, EU long-term residence, or some temporary permits that give access to the labour market, and if they are not working, not running a business and ready to take a job. The official Zielona Linia page lists the groups; check it against your card before you go.
Who gets the benefit
Registration alone does not mean money. You qualify for the benefit if, in the 18 months before registration, you worked for at least 365 days with pay of at least the minimum wage and Labour Fund contributions were paid. Some periods count towards the 365 days, e.g. parental leave and maternity benefit.
Amounts from 1 June 2026
Insurance record
First 90 days
After 90 days
Up to 20 years (100%)
1,783.90 zł gross
1,400.90 zł gross
At least 20 years (120%)
2,140.70 zł gross
1,681.10 zł gross
Source: Minister of Family announcement of 2 March 2026 (M.P. 2026), amounts as published by labour offices. Benefits are paid monthly in arrears.
The benefit is paid for 180 days, or 365 days for some groups (e.g. people with disabilities, single parents, people over 50 with at least 20 years of record).
Health insurance and duties
A registered unemployed person is covered by NFZ health insurance through the labour office, even without benefit. You must keep appointments and accept suitable offers; missing them can lead to removal from the register. See health insurance in Poland.
Your residence permit
If your permit is tied to a specific job, losing it may require you to notify the voivode or apply for a new permit. Blue Card holders have 3–6 months of permitted unemployment (see our Blue Card guide). Changing employers on other permits is explained in our guide to residence permits.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners receive unemployment benefit in Poland?
Yes, if their residence title allows registration as unemployed and they worked at least 365 days in the last 18 months with at least the minimum wage.
How much is unemployment benefit in Poland in 2026?
From 1 June 2026: 1,783.90 zł gross for the first 90 days and 1,400.90 zł afterwards (100% rate).
Do I keep health insurance when unemployed?
Yes, a registered unemployed person is insured with NFZ through the labour office.
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