Age of majority in Poland (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: In Poland adulthood begins at 18, which is also the voting age. The minimum marriage age is 18, but a court may allow a woman of 16 to marry. Criminal liability under the Criminal Code starts at 17, with exceptions from 15 and 14 for serious offences.

RuleWhat applies
Age of majorityLegal adulthoodA person is of full age (pełnoletni) on completing 18 years. A minor who marries becomes an adult and does not lose that status if the marriage is annulled. [1]
Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthoodA Polish citizen has the right to vote in referendums and in elections for President, Sejm, Senate and local government bodies if he or she turns 18 at the latest on polling day. [2]
Minimum age to marryLegal adulthoodA person under 18 cannot marry. For important reasons the family court may allow a woman who has turned 16 to marry, if the marriage will serve the good of the family to be founded. [3]
Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthoodUnder the Criminal Code a person is liable if the act is committed after turning 17. A juvenile over 15 may be liable for certain serious offences (such as murder, rape and robbery) if the circumstances and the offender's development support it. From 14, only for aggravated murder (Art. 148 § 2 or 3), under stricter conditions. [4]

Sources

  1. Kancelaria Sejmu (Dziennik Ustaw): Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu z dnia 27 maja 2026 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy - Kodeks cywilny (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 795) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Kancelaria Sejmu (Dziennik Ustaw): Konstytucja Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 2 kwietnia 1997 r. (tekst jednolity) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Kancelaria Sejmu (Dziennik Ustaw): Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu z dnia 20 lutego 2026 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy - Kodeks rodzinny i opiekuńczy (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 236) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Kancelaria Sejmu (Dziennik Ustaw): Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu z dnia 2 października 2026 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy - Kodeks karny (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 1342) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.