In recent years, Poland has become one of the key points of attraction for IT specialists and companies. The reasons are obvious: the presence of large IT clusters in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw and Gdansk, convenient infrastructure for business, as well as access to the European Union market. Poland is actively developing programs to support the foreign IT sector, simplifying the process of obtaining visas and residence permits for programmers and specialists in related fields.
For IT professionals, relocating to Poland offers the opportunity to work in a stable environment, access modern services, and build a career within international projects. For IT companies, it provides a chance to enter the EU market, optimize taxation, and establish partnerships with global players.
However, the relocation process is not simple. It involves preparing documents, choosing the correct type of visa or residence permit, organizing the move for teams and family members, and adapting to new business regulations. Mistakes at any stage can lead to delays or refusals.
This article provides a detailed overview of the relocation process for IT specialists and companies to Poland, highlighting key considerations, common challenges, and strategies to avoid them.
Relocation of IT Specialists
Relocating to Poland for IT specialists is usually associated with obtaining a visa or residence permit. Several options are available depending on the purpose and duration of stay.
Main visa and residence permit options:
- National D-type visa
Issued for employment under a work contract or based on an invitation from a Polish company. It allows a stay of up to one year and legal employment. - Residence card (Karta pobytu)
Granted for 1 to 3 years and renewable. Typically issued for long-term employment or relocation with family. - EU Blue Card
Intended for highly qualified specialists, including IT professionals. It allows working and residing in Poland and provides access to other EU countries under certain conditions.
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or invitation from a Polish company
- Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates, work experience)
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial means to support living in Poland
Family reunification
Polish law provides for a simplified mechanism for family reunification. Family members (spouse, children) can obtain a residence permit if the main applicant has a valid visa or residence card. This allows the entire family to live and use social services in Poland, including education and medicine.
Job search and adaptation
For IT specialists, Poland opens a wide job market: from startups to international corporations. Most companies are ready to help with paperwork and relocation. Knowledge of English is an important adaptation factor. It is often enough for work, especially in large cities and international teams. At the same time, basic Polish will help you adapt to everyday life faster.
Relocation of IT Companies
For IT companies, Poland is attractive not only as a new market, but also as a convenient jurisdiction for doing business within the EU. Relocation options depend on the scale of operations and long-term plans.
Business registration in Poland:
- Spółka z o.o. (Limited Liability Company) – the most common form for SMEs, including IT companies. Minimum share capital: 5,000 PLN. Founders can be foreign companies or individuals.
- Branch office – suitable if a company does not plan to fully relocate but wants to operate under the parent company.
- Representative office – limited to marketing and promotion functions. Chosen for initial entry into the Polish market without full operational activity.
Taxes and incentives for the IT sector:
- Standard corporate tax (CIT) – 19%; small businesses – 9%
- Tax deductions for companies investing in R&D
- IP Box incentives – reducing tax on intellectual property income to 5%
- Participation in governmental and regional IT support programs
Accounting and reporting
Polish law requires strict accounting and reporting. All companies must maintain records according to Polish and EU standards. Even a small LLC must submit an annual report to the KRS (National Court Register). Foreign companies usually benefit from working with local accounting firms to avoid mistakes.
Hiring local and foreign specialists
Poland offers access to local IT talent and simplified procedures for hiring foreigners, including specialists from Belarus, Ukraine, and neighboring countries. Accelerated work permits and residence cards provide flexibility in team building and a competitive advantage in a global talent shortage.
Practical Aspects of Relocation
In addition to legal and organizational formalities, successful relocation of IT companies and specialists to Poland largely depends on everyday and social issues. Their solution directly affects the speed of adaptation and productivity of the team.
- Organizing team relocation
Many companies prefer to centrally organize the relocation of key specialists and their families: booking tickets, transporting things, helping with temporary housing and documents. This reduces stress and allows you to get back to work faster. Dedicated relocation agencies exist in major IT hubs.
- Housing and office space
Employees typically rent apartments in large cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk). Rental prices start from around 2,000 PLN per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Companies often start with coworking spaces to minimize costs before moving to dedicated offices.
- Health insurance and social benefits
Every foreigner in Poland is required to have health insurance. At the first stage, this may be private insurance confirming the right to obtain a visa or a residence card. After employment, employees gain access to the state health care system through contributions to the ZUS (Social Insurance Fund). Additionally, companies often offer extended packages of private medicine and insurance, which increases the attractiveness of the employer.
- Cultural and business adaptation
Adaptation includes not only solving everyday issues, but also understanding cultural peculiarities:
- Punctuality, transparency and documentary confirmation of agreements are valued in the business environment in Poland.
- English is sufficient initially, but basic Polish facilitates daily life.
- Families should consider educational opportunities, including public and international schools.
A successful relocation requires a comprehensive approach: legal support, organizational assistance, and attention to living arrangements.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Even with a carefully planned relocation of IT companies and specialists to Poland, difficulties may arise. Most of them are related to bureaucracy, legal regulations and requirements for confirmation of qualifications.
- Bureaucratic delays and document errors
The procedures for obtaining a visa, a residence card or registering a business in Poland require strict adherence to formalities. An error in the application form, a mistranslation or the absence of an apostille on documents can lead to delays of several months. To minimize risks, companies usually turn to lawyers or consultants who accompany the process at all stages.
- Recognition of diplomas and qualifications
IT specialists rarely need mandatory diploma recognition, but it may be required for universities or research centers. Employers may request proof via international certificates (Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, etc.). Preparing translated diplomas and a portfolio in advance is recommended.
- Tax and legal considerations for IT companies
Despite incentives, companies must consider:
- Taxation of dividends and non-resident payments
- Mandatory accounting under Polish standards
- Documentation for IP Box and R&D deductions
Proper planning prevents fines and financial losses. Consulting experts familiar with Polish law and international taxation is crucial.
Conclusion
Relocating to Poland offers IT specialists and companies numerous advantages: access to the European market, international projects, tax incentives, comfortable living and working conditions, and team development opportunities.
However, successful relocation requires careful preparation. Every stage from visas and residence permits to business registration and everyday arrangements involves formalities where mistakes can cause delays or extra costs. Legal and organizational support significantly reduces risks and saves time.
Our team can manage the relocation process from selecting the optimal approach to practical assistance with documentation, company registration, and employee adaptation allowing you to focus on IT project development without bureaucratic distractions.
How to contact us
For more information or a consultation on relocation to Poland for IT specialists and companies, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you.
Phone and email communication options are available for your convenience:
- +375293664477 (WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber);
- info@spex.by.
