The order was established by an act of 10 April 1974, as the Order of Merit of the Polish People's Republic (Order Zasługi Polskiej Rzeczypospolitej Ludowej).
Ordinul a fost stabilit prin legea din 10 aprilie 1974 ca Ordinul de Merit al Republicii Populare Polone (în poloneză Order Zasługi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej Ludowej).