Every tenth business in Poland since the beginning of this year has been opened by Ukrainians. In general, the number of Ukrainian entrepreneurs in this country has multiplied since the war started. Find out what kind of business Ukrainian citizens open in Poland more often and where to look for help to open businesses abroad

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Between January 2022 and June 2024, approximately 59.8 thousand active Ukrainian business entities (sole proprietorships, JDGs) were established in Poland, bankier.pl reports, citing data from the Polish Economic Institute (PIE).

In the first half of 2024, Ukrainian citizens founded almost every tenth company in Poland (11.2%), with 77% of newly established companies by foreigners being run by Ukrainians.

Which Ukrainians are more likely to start a business in Poland?

According to the PIE, the share of Ukrainian businesses founded by women in the first half of 2024 was approximately 35%. This is slightly lower than the share of businesses founded by Polish women in the same period (38%). The Institute also noted the dynamics of changes in the share of Ukrainian women among entrepreneurs: in 2023, this share was higher than the share of Polish women (37% vs. 34%), but in January 2024, the lowest figure was recorded - 31%, and in July 2022 - the highest (44%).

What industries are popular?

Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Poland are active in various industries. The JDGs established in the first half of 2024 operate mainly in the areas of construction (23%), information and communications (19%), and other services (12%).

Gender differences in industry preferences

The sectoral preferences of Ukrainian men and women who start a business in Poland differ. Men most often start businesses related to construction (34%), information and communications (23%), and transport and warehousing (11%). Women are mostly engaged in the provision of various services (30%), as well as in information and communications and trade (11% each). At the same time, the number of men working in information and communications is four times higher than that of women (2,274 vs. 603).

Business as an alternative to full-time employment

For many Ukrainians, running their own business in Poland is an alternative to full-time employment. As of the end of June 2024, the number of Ukrainian citizens for whom social security contributions were paid was approximately 771 thousand people. Of these, almost 739,000 were employed by full-time companies or on the basis of a contract of mandate or agency agreement, according to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution). For comparison, in June 2023, approximately 748,000 Ukrainians were registered with the insurance system, which is 3% more than last year.

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Illegal employment

PIE also reminded that in the report on the activities of the State Labour Service for 2023, illegal workers accounted for 16% of Ukrainian citizens who were subject to verification. This is an increase compared to 2022, when the share of Ukrainians working illegally in Poland was 11%.

Thus, despite the difficult conditions, Ukrainian entrepreneurs are actively developing their business in Poland, demonstrating a high level of adaptation and a desire for economic independence.

Help with business abroad

If you are planning to start a new business, our lawyers can offer you comprehensive legal support, just as they do for those who are going to relocate their business abroad.

We advise you on choosing the right country, help you with all the necessary documents and provide full support at every stage of relocation and starting something new.

Our experts will help you analyse the tax conditions and legal environment in the chosen country. If it is a relocation, we will prepare documents for relocating employees, opening bank accounts and registering a business. We will also help you obtain the necessary licences and prepare a budget, ensuring thorough financial planning. By contacting us, you can be sure of a smooth and successful relocation of your business.

We remind you! Earlier we wrote that the current environment is forcing Ukrainians to think more and more often about relocating their businesses abroad. This is often one of the most profitable solutions, but it requires careful analysis. What factors should be taken into account when choosing a country for a successful business relocation and what else influences success, read here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

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