New sick leave rules in Poland from 2026: what will change for Ukrainians and how not to lose benefits

In 2026, Poland will change the rules for sick leave and tighten control over benefits. Find out how the new ZUS requirements will affect Ukrainians, when L4 can be checked, and what you can lose sick leave for

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In 2026, Poland will significantly update the rules for issuing sick leave certificates (L4). The changes concern control, the validity of sick leave certificates, and liability for abuse. The new rules will come into force on January 27, 2026, with some provisions coming into force on March 5 and April 2026. This was reported by relocate.to.

The key goal of the reform is to strengthen control in the social insurance system and reduce the number of unjustified sick leave certificates. For Ukrainians who work in Poland and have health insurance, these changes are of practical importance.

Who controls sick leave in Poland and why are the rules changing?

Sick leave is controlled by ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych), the institution responsible for social insurance in the country. Lawmakers are giving ZUS expanded powers to:

● reduce sick leave abuse;

● standardize approaches to inspections;

● increase the responsibility of employees, doctors, and employers.

L4 in Poland from 2026: key changes

Strengthened control over sick leave for caring for relatives

From now on, ZUS has the right to check sick leave issued for caring for a sick family member. As part of the check, the institution may officially request explanations:

● from the employee;

● from the employer;

● from the doctor who issued the L4.

The same checks will apply to persons who have lost their right to health insurance but continue to use sick leave.

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Limitation of the validity of sick leave without additional examinations

From 2026, sick leave issued without additional medical examinations will be valid for no more than 14 days. After that, the patient is required to seek medical assistance again to confirm their incapacity for work.

Important note: working while on sick leave may result in the loss of all benefits, even if the sick leave was issued legally.

Penalties for sick leave abuse

The new rules provide for sanctions for employees who use sick leave without good reason. At the same time, medical institutions that issue L4 without proper grounds will also be held responsible.

A financial incentive for control is also being introduced for employers: sick leave funding may be reduced if the company's employees are on sick leave too often.

Who will make decisions at ZUS from April 2026

From April 2026, not only doctors will be involved in the consideration of cases at ZUS. The following will be involved in making decisions in specific cases (in particular, rehabilitation cases):

● nurses;

● physiotherapists;

● interns;

● specialists with at least five years of professional experience.

The system of remuneration for such experts will also change: remuneration will be determined at the level of the average salary in Poland.

Who is not affected by the changes

The new rules do not apply to persons who:

● are not in an employment relationship in Poland;

● are not subject to compulsory health insurance.

In other words, if a person is not officially employed and is not insured, these changes do not apply to them.

For Ukrainians working in Poland, the new rules mean paying more attention to details: correct insurance status, correct completion of L4 forms, and compliance with the conditions for sick leave. In difficult situations — for example, when changing employers, losing insurance, or having doubts about the legality of sick leave — it is worth contacting immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine, who help Ukrainians understand their rights to social benefits, legal status, and interaction with Polish institutions.

We remind you! Poland is preparing to change the rules for the employment of foreigners and abolish special privileges for Ukrainians. Read about which work permits will be required from 2026, who will be affected by the transition period, and what penalties will be imposed for violations.

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