A Business Boom, Not Just Refugees
Ukrainians Drive Entrepreneurship in Poland, Launching Nearly 90,000 Businesses Since 2022
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Ukrainians have established nearly 90,000 businesses in Poland, highlighting their resilience, adaptability, and economic contribution to the country. According to a recent study by the Gremi Personal analytical center, Ukrainian entrepreneurs have significantly influenced Poland’s business landscape, accounting for 9% of all business registrations in the country since 2022.
Ukrainians Transform Poland’s Business Landscape
The majority of Ukrainian-owned businesses—77,700—were registered as sole proprietorships (FOPs), a popular form of self-employment. The remaining 11,300 companies were formed as larger enterprises with Ukrainian capital. This trend reflects a structural shift in Poland’s labor market, where many Ukrainians who initially entered as employees have now transitioned into business ownership.
In 2024 alone, 12% of all newly registered businesses in Poland were founded by Ukrainian citizens. The three most popular industries for Ukrainian entrepreneurs are:
• Construction (23%)
• Information and Communication (18%)
• Personal Services (13%), including hairdressing and beauty services.
This rapid growth has averaged 34% annually over the past three years, demonstrating the increasing role of Ukrainian businesses in Poland’s economy.
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A Sharp Contrast: Polish Business Presence in Ukraine
While Ukrainian businesses in Poland are flourishing, the presence of Polish companies in Ukraine remains relatively low. As of February 2024, only 3,635 Polish businesses were registered in Ukraine—21 times fewer than the number of Ukrainian-owned businesses in Poland. The largest share of Polish firms in Ukraine operate in:
• Wholesale & Retail Trade (31%)
• Manufacturing (17%)
• Professional and Technical Services (8%)
Despite this disparity, there is growing interest among Polish businesses in expanding into Ukraine, particularly in sectors like construction, production, and hospitality (HoReCa). However, concerns over security risks and economic stability continue to affect investment decisions.
A Shift in Labor Market and Business Opportunities
The influx of Ukrainian entrepreneurs has not only added diversity to Poland’s economic landscape but has also reshaped employment patterns. Many Polish companies are now actively partnering with Ukrainian businesses, particularly in industries such as construction, logistics, and industrial services.
According to Yurii Hryhorenko from Gremi Personal, this shift signifies a broader transformation in Poland’s labor market, as more Ukrainians choose self-employment and entrepreneurship over traditional employment. At the same time, bureaucratic challenges and finding local partners remain key obstacles for sustainable business growth.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Impact and Future Trends
Beyond entrepreneurship, migration from Ukraine has had a profound economic impact on Poland. Studies indicate that without Ukrainian immigration since 2014, Poland’s GDP in 2023 would have been 2.3% lower. In the long term, migration is projected to increase Poland’s GDP by 12.5% by 2050.
With an increasing number of Ukrainians integrating into the Polish economy, the question remains: Will they stay permanently or return to Ukraine post-war?
Current surveys suggest that 39% of Ukrainian migrants plan to remain in Poland for the long term, citing employment opportunities, housing stability, and their children’s education as key factors. However, language barriers and job market integration remain significant challenges. Addressing these issues through language training, business support programs, and investment incentives could ensure that Ukrainian entrepreneurs continue to thrive in Poland, benefiting both economies.
As Poland navigates this unprecedented period of economic transformation, Ukrainian businesses are proving to be a driving force—not only sustaining their own livelihoods but also contributing to Poland’s long-term economic resilience.
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