Poland is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for global professionals and their families. With a dynamic economy, evolving legal framework, and growing presence of multinational companies, relocation to Poland is becoming a strategic advantage.
Despite accounting for a smaller share of total EU Blue Cards, Poland issued around 7,000 in 2023 – ranking second only to France and just behind Germany. This signals a steady rise in demand for highly skilled non‑EU professionals. At the same time, European immigration systems are becoming more digital-first, and Poland is no exception. These improvements aim to streamline permit processing and better align talent inflows with local labor market needs.
Increasingly, corporations are relocating their headquarters, shared service centers, and R&D operations to Poland. The move from Western Europe is largely driven by cost efficiency and access to a well-educated, multilingual talent pool – making Poland a preferred alternative in the region.
Legal & Mobility Framework: What Professionals Need to Know
New legislation, effective June 1, 2025, eradicates labor-market tests, fully digitizes permit processing, and loosens part-time work thresholds (minimum 25% FTE, up to one-year permits).
Further updates under the June reform strengthen alignment with EU Blue Card rules and crackdown on visa abuse.
- EU nationals: Can relocate freely, though need PESEL registration and local social‑security registration.
- Non‑EU nationals: Typically require a D long-stay visa and temporary residence permit, supported by a formal employment contract and visa application well ahead of departure.
- Family relocation: Permits generally cover spouses and minors. Integration assistance-like housing allowance, cultural orientation, education aid is increasingly common in corporate packages.
Companies and Industries Turning to Poland
Google has committed to a new AI-focused hub in Warsaw, aimed at energy and cybersecurity innovation, building on its engineering center of 2,000+ staff. The initiative includes a $5 million digital skills training program.
The specialty chemical company Huntsman Corporation has relocated its Global Business Services center to a larger Kraków site, reinforcing its commitment to Poland’s expanding professional services infrastructure.
German manufacturing companies like Bosch, Miele, and Knorr‑Bremse are either shifting production to Poland or establishing new facilities. One example is Bosch, investing €1.2 billion in a lower Silesia heat-pump plant expected to employ 500–1,000 workers. Miele is another example, as the company plans to move the washing-machine assembly to near Łódź by 2027, attracted by lower costs. Finally, Knorr‑Bremse is relocating much of its Saxony-based production to Poland.
A 2024 KPMG/Eastern Germany Business Association survey found 51% of German firms planning to shift production to Poland.
Why Poland?
Although there are many reasons why Poland is a prime destination to evaluate, the main ones are:
- Economic resilience: With growth rates projected at 3–4.5% and a booming GDP (expected to exceed $750 billion by 2025), Poland leads CEE performance.
- Cost-efficiency and skilled labor: Lower wages, energy savings, and a large, educated talent pool in IT, engineering, healthcare, and R&D.
- EU & logistical advantages: As an EU member with improved infrastructure, Poland offers access to Europe with fewer regulatory burdens.
Conclusion and Takeaway
Poland today represents a compelling relocation destination for professionals and businesses alike. New legal reforms simplify mobility, cost-effective operations support competitive growth, and dynamic industries – from tech to manufacturing – offer attractive career and investment opportunities. For companies and talent alike, relocating to Poland is not just viable – it’s visionary.
At Movenet, we provide comprehensive relocation and global mobility services designed to support both employees and employers throughout the transition process. From navigating complex immigration procedures and managing household goods shipments, to local orientation, family integration, and language and cultural training, we ensure a seamless relocation experience.
Whether you are moving talent to Poland or anywhere else in the world, our expert team is here to provide tailored guidance every step of the way.
