This economy profile presents the Doing Business indicators for Poland. To allow useful comparison, it also provides data for other selected economies (comparator economies) for each indicator. The data in this report are current as of June
1, 2014 (except for the paying taxes indicators, which cover the period January–December 2013).

Overview of Poland Economy – This page summarizes Doing Business 2015 data for Poland. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages.

The World Bank review of the business climate

This site provides a comparison of the business environment in Poland versus other economies

If you want to start a small business or become self-employed, it is relatively easy to register at the appropriate town or community administrative office.

In Poland there are a few different types of businesses. Depending on the number of people involved, amount of invested money and the business risk, you need to make a decision which type of company is the most suitable for you and your idea.

Business activity in Poland may be conducted in forms similar to those found in other European countries. 

This site is a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Poland.

The 19-per cent corporate income tax is the only corporate income tax. As a rule, the provisions of EU directives have been implemented into the Polish taxation system.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Poland stands at 32 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Poland averaged 38.30 percent from 1995 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 45 percent in 1996 and a record low of 32 percent in 2009. Personal Income Tax Rate in Poland is reported by the Ministry of Finance, Poland.

For individuals who conduct economic activity the so-called flat tax is applied, which is always the equivalent of 19% of the obtained income.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Poland stands at 19 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Poland averaged 27.04 percent from 1992 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 40 percent in 1993 and a record low of 19 percent in 2004. Corporate Tax Rate in Poland is reported by the Ministry of Finance, Poland.

The standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%. A reduced rate of 8% applies to certain food items, medical products, hospitality services and community housing. A rate of 5% applies to staple food items (bread, dairy, meat) and selected publications

The Sales Tax Rate in Poland stands at 23 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Poland averaged 22.31 percent from 2000 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 23 percent in 2011 and a record low of 22 percent in 2001. Sales Tax Rate in Poland is reported by the Ministry of Finance, Poland.

Visa information for tourists, students and business

See Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements

Poland’s mature and liberalised telecom market has seen considerable development in the broadband and mobile sectors. 

This site is a guide to all forms of public transportation

In the large cities in Poland the public transportation system is well developed. Traveling around a city is easily done using buses or trams. In Warsaw you can also use subway. In small towns local and regional bus services are widely provided.

Telecommunications in Poland include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet.

Scope of employment regulations including minimum wage, worktime restrictions, employee representation

The Labour Code, along with secondary legislation and collective bargaining agreements, are the primary sources of labor and employment law.  The Labour Code was enacted in 1974, but has been amended numerous times.  

Labor law is primarily regulated by the Act of 26 June 1974 Labor Code , which governs the rights and obligations of employees and employers.

This site lists the conditions that must be met to apply for unemployment benefits.

Unemployed persons can receive means- tested unemployment insurance for 12 months. (under certain conditions).

This site provides some very basic tips for people doing business in Poland.

Polands climate can be described as a temperate climate with relatively cold winters and warm summers, which is greatly influenced by oceanic air currents from the west, cold polar air from Scandinavia and Russia, as well as warmer, sub-tropical air from the south. 

It is useful to know that the weather in Poland is highly unpredictable and varied. The summertime can be really hot, though usually temperatures are around 20-25 °C and the best time to take a holiday here is August, which is generally sunny and very warm with some hot days.

The cost of living in Poland is among the cheapest in the European Union (EU), alongside Romania and Bulgaria. In the 2015 Mercer Cost of Living Survey

This site provides basic tips to follow when doing business in Poland

Family benefits are means-tested.

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Demographic information on Poland from the CIA

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Swedish government

Poland generally has a low rate of violent crime, the incidence of street crime, which sometimes involves violence, is moderate. Major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors than other areas.

Compulsory education in Poland starts at the age of five or six, per the Reforms of 1999, from the “0” class kindergarten and, from six-to-seven years of age, for the 1st grade of primary school . Compulsory education lasts 9 years. After the first 6 years of primary education, pupils join the gymnasium for 3 years (lower secondary education) and at the end, take another compulsory exam.

Education in public schools is free of charge, in private schools and association schools it is paid (except for the students included in scholarship programs run by some private or public schools).

Schedule of National holidays and Observances

List of National and Public Holidays for Poland 2015 and 2016

Import – Export regulations from Polish customs

As a member of the European Union, Poland belongs to a customs union – items imported into and exported from Poland within the territory of the EU are free from customs duties.

A listing of Poland’s trade agreements

This site provides key information on Poland’s participation in the WTO. Poland has been a member of WTO since 1 July 1995 and  a member of GATT since 18 October 1967. As of 1 May 2004 it is a member State of the European Union (more info). All EU member States are WTO members, as is the EU (until 30 November 2009 known officially in the WTO as the European Communities for legal reasons) in its own right.

Poland’s range of accommodation is extremely varied. There are over half a million places waiting for tourists, both typical and, sometimes, extremely original. Hotels belonging to the global chains are present in almost every city. In addition to modern buildings, there’s no shortage of small hotels in historic town houses

Like many countries in Europe, Poland offers a wide range of lodging options. From palaces to hostels, there’s a choice for every budget. 

Travel information from the country’s official travel web site

Poland can claim several superlatives—including the biggest medieval town square, the largest gothic brick castle, and probably the best vodka in the world