ZUS pays Ukrainians a minimum pension in Poland: who is eligible and under what conditions

Poland is increasing spending on pension supplements for Ukrainian citizens who have worked and lived in the country. Find out which Ukrainians are eligible for a minimum pension in Poland, what conditions ZUS imposes, and under what circumstances payments may be terminated

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Poland continues to increase spending on social benefits for Ukrainian citizens, in particular on supplements to the minimum pension. Ukrainians who have officially worked in Poland and met a number of requirements can count on a pension at the Polish minimum level. This was reported by inpoland.

This is not an automatic payment, but a clearly regulated mechanism administered by Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych (ZUS), the Polish social insurance institution.

What is the minimum pension in Ukraine and Poland in 2026?

The difference between pension payments in Ukraine and Poland remains significant. As of January 2026, the minimum pension in Ukraine was 2,595 hryvnia, which is equivalent to approximately 214 zlotys.

In Poland, the minimum pension during the same period was 1,878.91 zlotys. Thus, the Polish minimum is several times higher than the Ukrainian one, which explains the interest of many Ukrainians in the possibility of receiving pension payments in Poland.

Who among Ukrainians can claim a minimum pension in Poland

Not all citizens of Ukraine are entitled to a minimum pension in Poland, but only those who meet the established criteria. The legislation provides for three key conditions.

First, you must have a minimum insurance period: at least 20 years for women and 25 years for men. The total insurance period is taken into account, not just the period of employment in Poland.

Second, the applicant must have reached retirement age, which in Poland is 60 for women and 65 for men.

Third, it is mandatory to have officially worked in Poland and paid pension contributions. Even a minimum period is sufficient — at least one month of official employment and one contribution paid to ZUS.

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Why pensions are not paid without residence in Poland

One of the key and at the same time most stringent requirements is actual residence in Poland. ZUS supplements Ukrainians' minimum pension only if the pensioner permanently resides in the country.

If you leave for Ukraine, you lose your right to a Polish pension. Moreover, the institution checks the place of residence of the recipients of payments. If it is found that a person lives outside Poland, ZUS has the right not only to stop payments but also to demand the return of funds already received.

It is because of this requirement that the issues of legal status, registration of residence, and conditions of stay in Poland become critically important for Ukrainians of retirement age.

How much Poland spends on additional payments to Ukrainians

Financial data shows a steady increase in the burden on the Polish social security system. According to information from the Polish Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy, the cost of supplements to minimum pensions for Ukrainian citizens is growing every year.

In 2020, they amounted to PLN 221,800.

In 2021, the amount increased to PLN 370,100, and in 2022 — to PLN 440,200. In 2023, the expenditure reached PLN 669,600, and in 2024 — already PLN 865,200.

From January to October 2025, Poland spent PLN 1.266 million on these supplements, which indicates both an increase in the number of Ukrainian pensioners in the country and more active use of the supplement mechanism.

What Ukrainians need to consider before retiring in Poland

Despite the attractive size of the payments, the Polish pension system has many nuances. It is important to correctly confirm your insurance record, have legal residence status, and be officially employed.

That is why Ukrainians who plan to work or have already worked in Poland should familiarize themselves in advance with issues related to employment contracts, contributions to ZUS, and residence rules. In such cases, it may be useful to seek assistance from lawyers specializing in employment abroad at Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! Poland is preparing changes that may restrict the employment of Ukrainians and affect business. Read about the new rules proposed by the government, who they will affect, and what risks arise for Ukrainian employees and employers.

Photo: inpoland.net.pl

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