Polish Sejm Passes Landmark Reforms: Out-of-Court Divorces and New Labor Inspectorate Powers

The Sejm passed two major legislative acts on March 13, 2026, introducing simplified divorce procedures and granting the National Labour Inspectorate new powers to reclassify employment contracts. The first set of regulations allows for divorces to be finalized at the Registry Office (USC) instead of through a traditional court proceeding. This change is intended to accelerate the dissolution of marriages in cases where both parties are in agreement. According to the approved legislation, the new divorce rules are scheduled to enter into force in 2027. While the law aims to streamline the process, officials noted that not every marriage will be eligible for this out-of-court path.

In a concurrent move, lawmakers approved an act that significantly expands the authority of the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP). The new regulations grant labor inspectors the power to unilaterally change civil law contracts, often referred to as "junk contracts," into standard employment contracts. This measure is designed to target situations where the nature of the work performed matches the legal definition of an employment relationship despite being labeled otherwise. Companies will be granted a one-year period to adjust their existing contracts to meet the new PIP requirements before facing potential enforcement actions.

Dr. Sylwester Redel, an advocate, commented on the labor law changes, highlighting that the reform could signal the end of the widespread use of precarious civil law agreements in the Polish market. Although the one-year transition period offers employers time to comply, the legislation also introduces the possibility of penalties for those who fail to rectify improper contract structures. The reform is part of a broader effort to stabilize the labor market and enhance worker protections. The debate surrounding "junk contracts" in Poland has been a central issue in labor policy for over a decade. Critics have long argued that these agreements deprive workers of social security benefits and stability, while proponents cited their flexibility for employers. Previous legislative efforts to curb their use included the 2017 introduction of a minimum hourly wage for mandate contracts, but the National Labour Inspectorate previously lacked the direct power to reclassify them without a court ruling.

The implementation of these laws marks a significant shift in both family and labor law administration in Poland. The move toward administrative divorces reflects a growing trend of "dejudicialization" in European legal systems, aimed at reducing the burden on overstretched court registries. Meanwhile, the empowerment of PIP represents one of the most substantial increases in the agency's oversight capabilities since its inception. Legislative Implementation Timeline: — ; — ; —