Poland has become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international companies looking to expand their operations. A strong economy, a highly skilled workforce, and competitive business conditions make Poland a natural choice for foreign investors.
However, opening your first office in Poland is not just a legal or operational decision — it is a market entry strategy that requires a solid understanding of local realities, especially when it comes to hiring and talent management.
Below are the key things foreign companies should know before opening their first office in Poland.
Why Poland Is a Strategic Location for International Companies
Poland offers a unique combination of factors that appeal to global businesses:
- A large pool of well-educated professionals, particularly in IT, engineering, finance, and shared services
- Strong English proficiency among specialists and managers
- A stable EU economy with access to the European market
- Growing experience in working with international teams and global clients
For many companies, Poland is no longer just a “cost-saving” location — it is a strategic hub for growth and innovation.
Employment Models in Poland: What You Need to Understand
One of the first surprises for foreign companies is the dual employment model in Poland.
B2B vs Employment Contract
- Employment contracts (UoP) offer stability and are common for junior and mid-level roles.
- B2B contracts are very popular among senior professionals, especially in IT and technology.
B2B is not only about taxes. It reflects expectations around autonomy, flexibility, and responsibility. Ignoring this reality can significantly limit your access to senior talent.
Understanding which model works best for your roles is critical before you start hiring.
The Polish Talent Market Is Mature
Many foreign companies assume that hiring in Poland is easy because of the size of the talent pool. In reality:
- The Polish IT market is highly competitive
- Senior specialists are experienced, selective, and well-informed
- Top candidates expect clear communication, realistic offers, and efficient hiring processes
This means that local market expertise is essential — especially during your first hires.
Salary Expectations and Total Cost of Employment
While Poland remains cost-effective compared to Western Europe or the US, salary expectations have grown significantly in recent years.
When planning your budget, you should consider:
- Market salary benchmarks for specific roles and technologies
- Total cost of employment (gross salary, benefits, taxes, or B2B rates)
- The cost of delays caused by long or unclear recruitment processes
Companies that underestimate the market often struggle with high rejection rates or candidate drop-offs.
Recruitment in Poland Is Relationship-Driven
Posting a job ad is rarely enough to attract top talent.
The Polish market is highly candidate-driven, particularly in IT. Many of the best professionals are not actively looking for a job — they are open to conversations, but only through trusted channels.
Working with a local recruitment partner gives you access to:
- Passive candidates
- Market insight beyond CVs
- Honest feedback on your offer and hiring process
This often makes the difference between hiring quickly and missing out on top candidates.
Hiring Speed and Decision-Making Matter
Foreign companies sometimes apply global hiring processes without adapting them locally. In Poland, this can be a costly mistake.
Long decision cycles, unclear interview steps, or slow feedback are often interpreted as:
- Lack of decisiveness
- Poor internal alignment
- Low priority for the local team
Successful companies adapt their hiring approach to the local market while maintaining their global standards.
Build Your First Team in Poland the Right Way
Opening your first office in Poland is not just about compliance or infrastructure. It is about building the right team from day one.
Companies that succeed:
- Understand local employment models
- Respect market realities and candidate expectations
- Invest in experienced local recruitment support
- Treat Poland as a strategic market, not just a delivery center
How We Support Foreign Companies Entering and Growing in Poland
At Force Recruitment International, we work with international companies that are already operating in Poland or planning to open their first office.
We support our clients with:
- Recruitment for IT and professional roles
- Local market expertise and salary benchmarking
- Access to experienced, hard-to-reach candidates
- Recruitment processes tailored to the Polish market
If you are considering opening your first office in Poland or expanding your existing team, we would be happy to support you.
👉 Contact us to discuss your hiring plans in Poland.