How the World Sees Poland Today – Insights from an International Lawyer

Expert: Andrzej Tokaj, Senior Partner, Penteris

Poland stands at a unique moment in its modern development, where demographic transformation, economic opportunity, and deepening global integration converge. Working closely with foreign investors and international professionals, I have the opportunity to observe firsthand how our country is perceived from the outside.

Migration into Poland

10 years ago, in 2015, fewer than 200,000 foreign workers were registered in ZUS. Today, the number of foreigners exceeds 1.13 million. Incredibly, Poland has one of the highest employment rates among immigrants in the OECD, with an overall immigrant employment rate of 78.4%, which is well above the EU average of 67.9%. For displaced Ukrainians, the employment rate was about 78% in 2024. Germany has an employment rate among Ukrainian refugees of just 31%. What is more, over 90% of their children attend Polish schools, clear evidence of long-term integration. In Germany, this figure stands at less than 30%

Returning Poles

For the first time in decades, Poland is experiencing a net return of its citizens from Western Europe. High quality of life and lower cost of living (35% cheaper than the UK) are making Poland a magnet for returnees As economist Dr Paweł Dobrzański notes, wage convergence, safety, and strong family ties are making this return migration a lasting trend.

Attracting Global Talent

Foreign specialists appreciate Poland’s new fully digital work permit system and the points-based model prioritising STEM skills, language proficiency, and experience in key sectors, including IT, engineering, medicine, and advanced manufacturing. The abolition of the labour market test makes the process more transparent and efficient. With easy access to the Schengen Area, Poland for many is the ideal launchpad for a European career.

Business Incentives

Investors and international companies are equally attentive to Poland’s incentives. They highlight the Polish Investment Zone, allowing up to 15 years of corporate tax exemptions, as a major draw for R&D, technology, and manufacturing projects. The 5% tax rate on qualifying IP income and enhanced deductions for innovation-related activities further strengthen Poland’s reputation as an innovation-friendly jurisdiction.

Real Estate

Foreign investors increasingly view Poland’s real estate market as a strategic opportunity, and the numbers reinforce this perception. In 2024, non-Polish nationals purchased more than 17,300 residential properties, with buyers coming from over 100 countries. At the same time, Poland faces a housing deficit of 1.5-2.2 million units, pushing demand in the rental sector to record levels. Developers delivered around 200,000 new apartments in 2024, particularly in major cities, yet supply remains far below what the market needs. For foreign capital, the appeal is clear: net prime yields of 5-7% in regional cities signal strong, stable returns in a market still defined by structural undersupply.

Poland is no longer simply converging with Western Europe; in several areas it is beginning to establish its own benchmarks. From an external perspective, the country is seen as combining economic ambition with stability and a strong work ethic. For Poles, this is a useful moment to recognise how Poland is viewed internationally and to align domestic decisions with this shifting global perception.

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Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Katarzyna Zawadzka