Solo self-employed in Polish old-age security

This article explores the distinctive position of solo self-employed individuals in the Polish pension security system. The study investigates the motivations and business orientations of this group, emphasizing the necessity or choice of establishing a firm and their vulnerability levels. Employing a comparative analysis, the research delineates clear distinctions in contributions, responsibilities, access to additional insurance, and participation in social dialogue, classifying solo self-employed as a separate category. The article further demonstrates that, due to Polish legal solutions, solo self-employed individuals pay lower nominal contributions, potentially making them more attractive to employers than regular workers. A survey reveals a significant majority of solo self-employed would opt out of pension contributions if given the opportunity. The article concludes by underscoring the weaker position of solo self-employed individuals within the social security system compared to employees, highlighting their exposure to higher old-age risks. The study utilizes a comprehensive research methodology combining data analysis from various sources with insights from a survey of 400 self-employed individuals (including 211 solo-self-employed), providing nuanced insights into the social security landscape for solo self-employed individuals in Poland.