The dynamic development of Ukrainian business in Poland

From January 2022 to December 2023, Ukrainian business in Poland has been growing rapidly. Data from the Central Registration and Information on Economic Activity (CEIDG) indicate that during this period over 44,500 Ukrainian companies started their business activity in Poland.

Particularly impressive growth was recorded in 2023, when around 28,600 active sole proprietorships (JDGs) run by Ukrainians were established, which is a 1.8-fold increase compared to the previous year.

Every tenth company is founded by an Ukrainian citizen

In 2023, 9.4 percent of all new businesses in Poland were founded by Ukrainian citizens. In addition, nearly three-quarters of all active  registered companies in Poland by foreigners, belonged to Ukrainians.

The role of women in business

An interesting phenomenon is the participation of women in Ukrainian companies operating in Poland. About 37 per cent of these companies are owned by enterprising Ukrainian women. Although this share decreased slightly in 2023 compared to the previous year, it still remains higher than the share of companies founded by Polish women (34 per cent). It is worth noting that after the outbreak of the war, in March 2022 the number of businesses founded by Ukrainian women increased significantly, reaching a peak in July 2023.

Industry Structure

Ukrainian companies in Poland dominate in industries such as construction (24 per cent), information and communication (18 per cent), and other service activities (14 per cent). However, it is worth noting the differences in the industry structure between companies run by men and women. Not surprisingly, men are more likely than women to be involved in industries such as construction, information and communication, transport and manufacturing, while women prefer activities related to services, trade and administration.

The impact on the Polish economy

For many Ukrainians setting up a company in Poland is becoming an attractive alternative to full-time employment by someone else. Currently, almost 756,000 Ukrainian citizens are registered in ZUS in Poland, of which about 731,000 are full-time employees or on the basis of a contract of mandate or agency agreement. Having their own business gives them the opportunity to earn more and work in line with their qualifications and skills.

Perspectives and a look into the future

The activities carried out by Ukrainian citizens in Poland are in line with the needs of the Polish economy, supplementing staff shortages in many sectors. Although some people are afraid of competition from companies run by Ukrainians, most Polish entrepreneurs see them as important business partners. Ukrainians contribute to Poland’s economic growth through their work both as employees and in the companies they run.

Source: Tygodnik Gospodarczy, Polish Economic Institute