Military qualification in 2026 will run from 2 February to 30 April, and the obligation to report applies primarily to men born in 2007 (the basic year group) and men born between 2002 and 2006 who have not had a military service fitness category determined, as well as women with qualifications useful for military service or those acquiring them.
Who will be called for military qualification in 2026?
Those called for military qualification will include:
- men born in 2007 (the basic year group, meaning 19-year-olds),
- men born between 2002 and 2006 who have not yet had a military service fitness category determined,
- women with qualifications useful for military service, as well as those studying to acquire them.
Date and course of the qualification
- The military qualification will be announced on 16 January 2026.
- It will take place from 2 February to 30 April 2026.
What should you bring?
For military qualification, you should bring your identity card or passport, documents confirming your education and professional qualifications (e.g. a driving licence), and medical documentation.
Who organises the military qualification?
Military qualifications in Poland are organised jointly by local government and military administration authorities.
Voivodes – are responsible for the overall organisation of the military qualification process in their voivodeship. Starosts (in cities with county rights: city mayors) – are responsible for preparing and conducting military qualification in the given county, including:
- appointing county medical commissions.
- providing premises and administrative support.
- sending summonses.
Village heads, mayors and city mayors – are responsible for ensuring an appropriate attendance rate among people summoned for qualification.
County Medical Commissions directly assess the health of people summoned for military qualification and issue decisions on their military service fitness category. They are appointed by starosts (or city mayors in cities with county rights). Voivodeship Medical Commissions supervise the activities of County Medical Commissions in the given voivodeship and serve as appeal bodies against their decisions.
What are the consequences of failing to report for qualification?
The obligation to report for military qualification is regulated by the Homeland Defence Act. Failure to report for military qualification without a justified reason may result in legal consequences.
Failure to report may result in a fine or restriction of liberty. The summoned person may also be forcibly brought in by the police.
Justified reasons for absence
An absence from military qualification may be excused only by an important reason, such as:
- illness (confirmed by a medical certificate),
- an accident,
- other unforeseen events that prevent the person from reporting on the appointed date (e.g. a serious illness in the family).
If such a reason occurs, the person must immediately notify the authority that sent the summons (usually the village head/mayor/city mayor or the military recruitment centre) and provide appropriate evidence justifying the absence. A new qualification date will then be set.
Important information
The obligation to report for military qualification applies to people up to 60 years of age who do not have a determined military service fitness category. It is also possible to volunteer for qualification regardless of age, from the age of 18.