Ukrainians launch 77,700 businesses in Poland since 2022, creating thousands of jobs

From January 2022 to December 2024, Ukrainians launched 77,700 sole proprietorships (FOPs) and 11,300 companies in Poland, according to the analytical center of the international employment firm Gremi Personal, referencing data from the Polish Economic Institute (PIE).

These businesses created 11,300 jobs through companies with Ukrainian capital.

In 2024 alone, 33,200 Ukrainians started entrepreneurial ventures in Poland — double the 15,900 from 2022 and up 16% from 28,600 in 2023.

The most popular sectors for Ukrainian companies and entrepreneurs are construction (23%), information and communications (18%), and services (13%).

In construction, 18,200 Ukrainian entrepreneurs and firms operate, with 32% focused on finishing work. Of the 14,000 businesses in information and communications, 79% work in software development. In services, 10,200 Ukrainians are active, with 82% offering hairdressing and cosmetic services.

"The rise in Ukrainian businesses in Poland highlights major shifts in the labor market. Many Ukrainians who once worked for others are now choosing self-employment or starting their own companies," said Yuriy Hryhorenko, a Gremi Personal analyst.

PIE also notes that Ukrainians not running businesses remain active in Poland’s workforce, with a 78% employment rate among prewar migrants and war refugees.

On January 17, 2025, a survey showed Ukrainians are resuming labor migration to Poland, with only 15% now classified as refugees.

Separately, on February 27, Czech officials acknowledged that their country earned twice as much from Ukrainians as it spent on social aid.