New Sunday Trading Rules in Poland: What Changes from 1 February 2025

From 1 February 2025, new regulations on Sunday trading restrictions come into force in Poland. These changes require both retailers and consumers to adapt to a new working regime. Let's take a closer look at what changes the Polish retail market can expect.

Key Changes to Sunday Trading

The main change is a reduction in the number of trading Sundays to eight per year. Under the new rules, shopping will be permitted on the following Sundays:

• The last Sunday of January (26 January has already passed)
• 13 April (the Sunday before Easter)
• 27 April (the last Sunday of April before the May holidays)
• 29 June (the last Sunday of June)
• 31 August (the last Sunday of August)
• 7, 14 and 21 December (three Sundays before Christmas)

It is worth noting that in December there will now be three trading Sundays instead of two, as was previously the case. This was introduced for the convenience of shoppers during the pre-Christmas period.

Additional Public Holiday in Poland in 2025

Another important change concerns Christmas Eve (24 December). From 2025, this day has officially been declared a public holiday. Previously, shops were allowed to operate on 24 December until 14:00, but now the day will be entirely free from trading.

Sunday Trading in Poland: Exceptions to the Rules

The Sunday trading ban law provides for certain exceptions. On non-trading Sundays, purchases can still be made at the following types of outlets:

• Petrol stations
• Florists
• Pharmacies
• Confectionery shops
• Press kiosks
• Shops at railway stations and airports
• Trading outlets where income from postal services accounts for at least 40% of total revenue

Impact on Business and Consumers

The new Sunday trading rules in Poland are a continuation of the policy introduced in 2018. They are aimed at striking a balance between economic interests and social values. For consumers, trading Sundays mean the need to plan purchases further in advance, taking into account the limited number of such days throughout the year. At the same time, the rules may have a certain impact on the economy, particularly in the retail sector.

Time will tell how these changes affect consumer shopping habits and the country's economy as a whole.

Looking for work in Poland? Call us: +38 (050) 334-93-51 or +48 525 275 003