An employment certificate is a document confirming the termination of an employment relationship. It is needed by the employee, as well as the next employer or public institutions. When and how should an employment certificate 2025 be issued? What has changed in the regulations after 2019? We discuss all the details below.
Table of Contents
- What is an Employment Certificate?
- When Must the Employment Certificate Be Issued?
- Important Rules for Delivering the Employment Certificate
- What Should the Employment Certificate Include?
- Errors in the Employment Certificate – How to Correct Them?
- Changes Since 2019 – New Information Obligation
- Employment Certificate 2025 – Summary
- FAQ – Questions and Answers About Employment Certificate 2025
What is an Employment Certificate?
An employment certificate is a statement of fact, not of intent, made by the employer upon termination of employment. This document must contain an accurate and truthful description of the employment history. Its form and content are strictly set by the Labour Code and related regulations.
There is no obligation for the employee to submit a request for issuing employment certificate. The employer must issue it automatically upon termination of employment.
When Must the Employment Certificate Be Issued?
The employment certificate must be issued by the last day of employment. Delays are not allowed under current regulations.
If it is not possible to hand over the document in person, it must be sent by mail or delivered in another way. It is crucial to ensure that the employee receives it no later than 7 days after the end of employment.
Issuing the employment certificate is mandatory and does not require an employee request.
However, the employee has the right at any time to request the issuance of an employment certificate. Either after the end of a single employment contract or for the total period of employment resulting from several contracts. In such cases, the employer must issue the document within 7 days of receiving the request.
Issuing the employment certificate cannot be delayed by pending settlements with the company. Returning equipment or completing paperwork cannot be a condition.
Important Rules for Delivering the Employment Certificate
| Form of Delivery | Remarks |
| In person or by an authorised person. | Preferably on the day employment ends. |
| By registered mail. | Immediately, with confirmation of sending/receipt. |
| Electronically (optional). | With a qualified electronic signature. |
| Together with information about document retention. | Since 2019 – mandatory information on employee file storage. |
What Should the Employment Certificate Include?
According to the regulations, the employment certificate must cover not only basic employment information. It must also include data useful for determining future entitlements. These include:
- periods of employment and positions held,
- working hours (full/part-time),
- legal basis for termination of the contract,
- used leaves (including annual, paternity, parental, and childcare leaves),
- unpaid leave and its legal basis,
- work leave under Article 188 of the Labour Code (e.g., for child care),
- performing remote work (according to Article 6733 of the Labour Code)
- work in special conditions,
- benefits provided for in the Labour Code (e.g. severance pay, compensation),
- non-contributory periods considered for pension/disability benefits.
At the employee’s request, it is also possible to include data on:
- remuneration obtained,
- temporary work,
- completed military service,
- work of a special nature.
Errors in the Employment Certificate – How to Correct Them?
Employees have 14 days to request corrections to their employment certificate. This applies to errors like incorrect number of leave days or wrong contract type. The employer then has 7 days to respond.
| Situation | Action |
| An employee notices an error. | He submits a request for correction within 14 days. |
| Employer refuses to correct. | The employee may file a claim with the labour court within the next 14 days. |
| Error discovered after the deadline. | Correction still possible – no statutory time limit. |
| Document correction. | The employer issues a new certificate and includes information about the corrections. |
There is no ultimate time limit for corrections – they can be made even after many months or years.
Changes Since 2019 – New Information Obligation
From 1 January 2019, each employer, when issuing an employment certificate, must additionally provide the employee with:
- Information on the period of storing employee documentation,
- Information on the possibility of retrieving the documentation after the retention period,
- Information about the destruction of documentation if it is not retrieved.
This can be done both in paper and electronic form.
Employment Certificate 2025 – Summary
An employment certificate is a mandatory document regulated by law. It must be issued immediately, include all required information, and accurately reflect the actual employment facts. The employer cannot condition its issuance on the return of equipment or financial settlements. The employee has the full right to request corrections if mistakes are found.
Are you an employer? Make sure your employment certificates comply with current regulations and market practices. Contact an expert and use professional assistance to avoid costly mistakes. Are you an employee? Collect your document, read it carefully, and react to any irregularities.
FAQ – Questions and Answers About Employment Certificate 2025
What is an employment certificate?
It is a document issued after the termination of the employment relationship. It confirms employment and contains the data needed to establish employment entitlements.
When does the employer have to issue an employment certificate?
On the last day of the contract, without the need for an employee’s request.
Is it necessary to return company equipment to receive the certificate?
No – the issuance of the document cannot be dependent on settlements with the employer.
What information does an employment certificate contain?
Information about employment, leaves, remote work, non-contributory periods, etc.
Can an employment certificate be obtained electronically?
Yes – with a qualified signature of the employer.
How to correct errors in an employment certificate?
Submit a correction request within 14 days – if the employer refuses, you can go to court.
Is there a time limit for correcting the certificate after 14 days?
No – correction is also possible after a long time.
What about information on document storage?
From 2019, the employer must attach it to the certificate.
How long are employment certificates kept?
10 or 50 years – depending on the employment start date.
Can a single employment certificate be issued for multiple contracts?
Yes – at the employee’s written request.