Poland offers investors ready access to a market of over 450 million people in the European Union. The central location of the country, young and well-educated society, competitive (inexpensive) labour costs and investment incentives, make Poland one of the prime locations in Europe where overseas investors can enjoy profitable business and improve their business performance.

State support

Incentives available to inward investors in Poland consist of tax incentives and financial assistance. Bearing in mind that Poland is a member of the EU, incentives must be in line with EU state aid regulations. Generally, various combinations of state aid on the territory of Poland cannot exceed 50% of investment value.

Tax incentives

Tax incentives are the most frequently offered incentives in Poland. There are two groups of such incentives:

• corporate income tax exemption;
• local tax exemption.

Corporate income tax exemptions are accessible in special economic zones (SEZ). There are 14 of these and they can cover an area of up to 12,000 hectares. When investment is made at a level of at least EUR 100,000, exemption from corporate income tax (CIT) on income generated from business activity conducted in special economic zones is offered. Local tax exemptions are exemptions from real estate tax.

Financial assistance

The Polish government offers cash grants for strategic investors.