5-zloty tourist fee cap signed in Poland, 30-night nomads exempt

Poland has approved a 5-zloty ($1.29) nightly local tourist fee ceiling, up from 3.46 zlotys ($0.89), potentially increasing accommodation costs for short-stay nomads from Jan. 1, 2027. President Karol Nawrocki signed the reform Oct. 15, Prawo.pl reported.

This isn't a compulsory nationwide charge. Municipal councils will decide whether to introduce the fee and what rate to charge within the statutory ceiling.

Higher ceiling, wider municipal powers

The reform removes air quality as a condition for introducing the local fee. Municipalities must still meet requirements concerning scenic qualities and accommodation provision, the Finance Ministry said when presenting the legislation.

The 5-zloty ceiling applies to the ordinary local fee. Separate, higher ceilings apply in spa protection areas and spa resorts. Accommodation providers will collect the charges under the new system.

For a nomad spending 28 nights in accommodation charging the ordinary maximum, the fee would total 140 zlotys ($36.06), compared with 96.88 zlotys ($24.95) under the current ceiling. That's an additional 43.12 zlotys ($11.11), calculated from the two caps, not a guaranteed increase in every municipality. Dollar equivalents use the Oct. 16 exchange rate.

Short-stay nomads may pay, monthlong guests are exempt

Guests receiving accommodation for more than 29 consecutive nights will be exempt for the entire stay, not just the nights beyond that threshold. That means a qualifying 30-night stay won't attract this fee, TVN24 reported.

For shorter stays, traveling for work won't itself avoid the charge. The rules cover accommodation services regardless of whether the visit is for tourism, work or health, including hotels, guesthouses, campsites and private guest accommodation.

Specified disability exemptions remain and municipalities can introduce additional exemptions or differentiated rates. Short-stay remote workers should confirm the municipality's adopted rate and any exemption with the accommodation provider before budgeting for January stays.