ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) is the Social Insurance Institution in Poland. It is a state organization responsible for the collection and distribution of social contributions as well as payments for various social programs. If you work or run a business in Poland, it is important to understand what ZUS is, as it provides your financial and social coverage in the event of illness, disability, pension, and other situations.

What does ZUS do?

ZUS performs several important functions, including:

Administering social contributions — these are taxes used to finance pensions, sickness benefits, and medical insurance.

Paying pensions, sickness benefits, maternity, and disability benefits — ZUS helps provide financial support to people in case of illness, retirement, disability, or during maternity.

Providing insurance for accidents and unemployment — ZUS helps keep people protected even in emergencies, such as workplace accidents or job loss.

Who should pay into ZUS?

All officially employed citizens — if you work under an employment contract, your employer automatically pays your contributions to ZUS.

Entrepreneurs (self-employed) — if you run a business, you need to pay contributions to ZUS yourself. Students under the age of 26 studying in Poland may be exempt from some social contributions.

How to manage your data in ZUS?

To manage your data in ZUS, you can use the PUE ZUS platform. Here you can:

Check your contributions

Submit applications for benefits and payments

Log into the system through Profil Zaufany for easier access.

ZUS is your protection in case of illness, retirement, and emergency situations. Don’t forget to register in the ZUS system if you start working or open a business in Poland.

How to arrange ZUS insurance for family members in Poland?

If you are officially employed in Poland, you can insure your family members, including:

Spouse

Children under 18 (or up to 26 if they are studying)

Parents, if they live with you and do not have their own insurance.

How to do it?

Prepare the necessary documents:

PESEL of the family member (if available)

Name, surname, date of birth

Documents proving the relationship (marriage or birth certificate)

Complete the ZUS ZCNA form. This form can be submitted in several ways:

Online via the PUE ZUS platform using Profil Zaufany

In person at the ZUS office.

Check the status. After submitting the form, the insurance will be activated in a few days. The status can be checked in your PUE ZUS personal account.

Important! If a family member starts working or gets their own insurance, you must remove them from your insurance by completing the same ZUS ZCNA form.

This way, you will ensure your family has access to free medical care in Poland.