Central and Eastern Europe’s regional leader. In 2020, Poland was ranked highest in the CEE region and seventh in Europe for the number of inward foreign direct investments.
Introducing Poland
The Basics
POPULATION: 38.4M
5th
most populous country in the European Union
Finance
USD 237B
in Inward FDI Stocks
Citizen wealth
USD 33 890
GDP per capita
Trade
USD 265B
total yearly exports
own currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
1 EUR =4.5 PLN,
1 USD =3.7 PLN,
1 AED = 1.09 PLN
Taxes
Unified tax rates
CIT: 17%; VAT: 23%; PIT: 17%, 32%
Transparency
36th
in Transparency International (top in CEE)
BUSINESS FRIENDLY
33rd
in Ease of Doing Business (top in CEE)
6 reasons investors choose Poland
Why choose Poland?
Here are some of the reasons Poland is attracting increasing foreign investment.
1. Economic stability and investment potential
Green light from credit rating agencies
A2 rating with Moody’s. A- rating with S&P Global and Fitch Ratings.
Crisis Resiliant
Max score for macroeconomic stability in the Global Competitiveness Report. No recession between 1991 and 2019. One of the shallowest COVID recessions in the EU.
Business-friendly environment
Best in the region in the Doing Business Report. Highest FDI inflow in the region and top in the EU.
Fast-track recovery
Poland to receive 57.3B EUR as part of the EU Recovery Plan for 2021–2026.
2. Strategic location
Heart of Europe
Central location perfect for operations in a pandemic-disrupted world, with access to the entire EU market.
Trade-routes crossroads
Four major European trade corridors intersect in Poland.
Constantly developing infrastructure
168B PLN to be spent on road construction 2014–2025. 76B PLN to be spent on rail 2014–2023.
3. Human Capital
Biggest labor pool in CEE
Over 40% of the region’s total GDP and labor pool.
Well-educated population
92% of Poland’s citizens aged 25–64 have at least a secondary education.
Strong higher education
300,000 engineering students and 250,000 economic/business students studying at more than 65 public universities and 200 private universities. Major University hub in each region.
4. Large and innovative domestic market
CEE regional leader
114% increase in GDP per capita from 1996–2017.
Programming experts
Polish programmers are among the world's best. In 2016, we took third place in the global developer ranking HackerRank. Three years later, we placed the SkillValue ranking. Poland has the largest population of programmers in the CEE region, estimated at 401,000.9.
Research & development
69% increase in the number of R&D entities since 2014. 5,800 registered R&D centers. 62,7000 employed externally by R&D centers.
5. Expertise across sectors
Between 2008 and 2020, employment in the modern business services industry in Poland increased from 50,000 to 338,000.14. In 2019, the estimated value of exports from the Polish BSS sector amounted to USD 19.8B. There are 95 Fortune Global 500 investors in the Polish business services sector.
6. Attractive Incentives
Highest possible regional aid
Up to 50% of eligible costs back as public aid.
Long-term tax cuts
Up to 15 years CIT tax exemption for new investments.
Reinvestment
Last year's Investment Climate report shows that 94% of foreign investors in Poland would be willing to reinvest. Investors consider the size of the internal market and our economic stability to be among Poland’s main advantages.
Grants for strategic investment
Cash grant program with up to 15% support, to be overhauled for the pandemic-influenced investment world.
Access to EU funds
Poland is the largest beneficiary of the EU’s financial programs. Per the European Council summit, from 2021-2027, Poland is slated to receive EUR 173B from the EU’s budget t, in the form of direct grants and privileged loans.
Funds for innovation
Poland is set to be, yet again, the largest beneficiary of the EU’s cohesion policy programs. For the years 2021-2027, we are projected to receive EUR 66.8B. A large part of these funds will go to companies to fuel economic innovation.
Polish robotics and hardware companies are developing innovative solutions to facilitate process automation and open up new fields of study. In 2017, Polish automotive manufacturers saw revenues of EUR 37.5B. Companies like Versabox, APA Group, XTPL, VIGO System, and AIUT are using advanced robotic systems to support manufacturing. Polish companies like ICEYE and PIAP Space are also developing space technologies. InPost and Retail Robotics are implementing innovative logistics and retail solutions.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
Poland is the world’s second-largest exporter of furniture, after China. Leading Polish manufacturers like Forte, VOX and Nowy Styl rank among the largest global producers of consumer furniture. Companies like Fameg, 366 Concept, Studio Rygalik, Zieta Studio or Vzór have distinguished themselves with original design and production techniques. Another name to know is Tylko – a digital-first furniture company that provides better living through premium, customisable storage.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
Polish cosmetics can be found in 170 countries around the world. Eveline Cosmetics is Poland's largest producer and exporter of cosmetics. Other companies like Phenomé, Yope, Phlov, Hagi, and Krayna, all focused on organic products, are seeing dynamic growth.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
Gamedev and digital culture are some of the most rapidly growing sectors of the Polish economy. Poland is home to 470 game studios, including CD Projekt Red, 11 bit studios, Creepy Jar, Bloober Team, BoomBit, and Different Tales. Poland also has vibrant communities of gamers and developers. The largest gaming expo in Central Europe, Poznań Game Arena, takes place in Poland. World-class animation, visual effects and VR studios like Platige Image, Juice, Immersion, Variable, Stellar Fireworks, and Creative Planet can also be found here.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
There are over 300 businesses operating in the Polish biotech industry. Polpharma Biologics is the largest biotech company in the CEE region. Adamed Pharma ranks among its leaders as well, as are EGZOTech, Aether Biomedical, Medical Inventi, StethoMe, Infermedica, and Proteon Pharmaceuticals.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
The Internet Communications Technology (ICT) and software industry constitutes 8% of Poland's GDP. Products made by companies like Allegro, Booksy, Brainly, Exactel, Blik, and Beesfund are known around the world. Allegro is one of the largest e-commerce websites in Europe. Brainly is the world's largest peer-to-peer learning community for students and teachers.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
The sustainable buildings sector in Poland is growing dynamically, yielding not only energy and water savings but also lower carbon emissions and reduced construction waste. Poland remains one of the top five fastest-growing photovoltaic systems markets in the EU. Some of the outstanding companies in this sector are Studio arch. KWK Promes (Robert Konieczny), JEMS Architekci, Medusa Group, WXCA, Solace House, Budizol, Unibep, ML System, and Saule Technologies.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
Poland’s creative sector has seen dynamic development over the last few years. Companies like ceramics producers Tubądzin and Bolesławiec have been setting design trends for decades. Others, including Tartaruga, UAU Project, or Ergodesign, are working to reduce or completely eliminate negative environmental impact through thoughtful design. Explore Polish design and take a look at products from Grynasz Studio, RONDO, EXEON, TRE Product, Serfenta, and Whisbear.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
The Polish clothing market's revenue is estimated at around PLN 70B, with more than 300,000 people working in the fashion sector. Established brands like Reserved, 4F, Gosia Baczyńska, and Apart are major players. Slow fashion is an important trend in Poland and is represented by brands like Elementy, Balagan, and The Odder Side. See what makes Polish fashion brands stand out.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
Every year, about 22,000 yachts are manufactured in Poland, with 95% of them slated for export. Companies like Sunreef Yachts, Galeon, and Conrad Shipyard focus on luxury boats. La Mare manufactures floating holiday homes for the summer and winter seasons. Northman Shipyard’s boats are highly esteemed not only in Europe but also in Russia, Japan, Chile and Turkey.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
Poland is the EU's largest grower of apples, sour cherries, raspberries, currants, and highbush blueberries. For example, Maspex products can be found in over 60 countries around the world. Polish dairy products are highly appreciated as well. On the list of top dairy producers, you can find Cheesemaker's Treasures, Mlekpol, and Grycan but also Wege Siostry — a plant-based alternative to butter and cheese. See all that Polish food producers have to offer.
Video by Science Now, Stellar Fireworks, Tellart
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