Employment Brief: Poland to introduce comprehensive rules for internships

The Polish government is currently working on a draft Act on Internships, which would introduce a comprehensive legal framework for internships carried out on the open labour market. If adopted, the proposed legislation would significantly change the way employers engage and manage interns.

Under the draft, internships would be based on a written internship agreement entered into between the intern and the host organisation. As a general rule, an internship could last for a maximum of six months, including consecutive internships with the same host organisation. Furthermore, temporary work agencies would not be permitted to place individuals in internships. Importantly, the proposal would abolish unpaid internships entirely, requiring all covered internships to be remunerated at a level not lower than 65% of the statutory minimum wage.

The number of interns that a host organisation could engage would be limited by reference to its number of employees. The host organisation would also be required to prepare an internship programme and appoint a person responsible for supervising the intern. In addition, it would not be permitted to require prior professional experience in the occupation in which the internship is to be performed.

Within seven days after completion of the internship, the host organisation would be required to issue a written certificate specifying, among other things, the tasks performed and the practical skills acquired by the intern.

The legislation remains in draft form. According to the current version, it is intended to enter into force on 1 January 2027. Organisations operating internship programmes should therefore monitor further legislative developments and assess the potential impact of the proposed changes.