Offshoring a Tech Team to Poland in 2024: Why It’s the Smart Move for Your Business

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Contents

Before you offshore IT team to Poland see the country overview

The Republic of Poland - overview

  • Location: located in Central Europe, its neighbors are Germany, the Czech Republic,  Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, the Baltic Sea (with Denmark, Sweden and Finland on the opposite bank), and Kaliningrad Oblast.
  • Capital and the biggest cities: Warsaw, as the capital, is located in the country's center with a population estimated at 1.86 million residents within a greater metropolitan area of 3.1 million. Other urban areas in Poland are the Upper Silesian Region, Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Lodz.
  • Size: Poland is the 5th country in the European Union, the 9th largest European country, and 69th in the world.
  • Population: As of 2024, the population of Poland is estimated to be about 38 million people. It constitutes over 40% of the whole population of CEE countries.
  • Language: While Polish is the official language, English is widely spoken, particularly among the younger population and in the business circle.
  • Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)
  • Time Zone: Poland is in the Central European Time Zone. Its standard time is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1) in the winter and 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time in the summer (UTC+2).
  • Economy: Poland is classified as a high-income economy by the World Bank and is considered one of the healthiest post-Communist countries, with an economy growing briskly.
  • Political System: Poland is a democratic country with a stable political system. It is a member of the European Union, United Nations, NATO, and other international organizations.

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Poland is a capitalistic, globally integrated economy and an IT offshore destination

Poland has a stable political system, a well-educated workforce and is an attractive IT offshore destination for US software development companies (Google, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, Cisco, and many others). With its booming economy and strategic location in Central Europe, Poland offers a unique combination of competitive advantages, making it the perfect place to build your tech team. Let's learn more about the country and why we should offshore the IT team to Poland.

Poland's Economic Landscape: A Digital Frontier for Offshoring IT. Source: ChatGPT

The history of freedom and innovation

Poland, a nation of rich history, is a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of people who cherish economic and personal freedom. 

During its over 1000 years of proud history, Poland proved to be a forerunner in democratic ideals, being the first in Europe and second in the world after the USA, to introduce a constitution. Its legacy as a home for diverse nationalities, languages, and religions was especially apparent during the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This grand union, a beacon of cooperation and coexistence, exemplified Poland's long-standing commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect among different cultures and faiths.

An illustrative collage showcasing Poland's historical figures, like Marie Curie and Nicolaus Copernicus, alongside modern landmarks and scientific symbols, all converging around a central map of Poland, representing the country's rich contribution to global innovation and technology.
The Pillars of Polish Innovation: Trailblazers Shaping the Global Tech Scene. Source: ChatGPT

The land of Poland has been a fertile ground for innovation and change, birthing luminaries who have had a profound impact on the world. Notable among them are: Nicolaus Copernicus, the revolutionary astronomer who courageously positioned the Sun, not the Earth, at the center of our solar system; Marie Sklodowska Curie, a trailblazer in the world of science, and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Her pioneering research on radioactivity has greatly contributed to treatments for diseases like cancer; Stanisław Ulam, a remarkable Polish mathematician, played a crucial role in the development of the hydrogen bomb and the design of the nuclear reactor.

Poland's innovative spirit didn't stop with individuals but manifested in groundbreaking inventions. This land saw the birth of the first kerosene lamp, vastly improving the quality of life and productivity after sunset. The world's first oil refinery, a game-changer in the energy industry, was set up in Poland, paving the way for the modern oil industry. The invention of the bulletproof vest, providing lifesaving protection for countless individuals in dangerous professions, can also be traced back to Poland. Moreover, Poland was home to the brilliant minds who designed the system to break the German Enigma codes during World War II, a feat that significantly contributed to the war's outcome.

These examples showcase Poland's rich history of innovation, a quality that carries over to its contemporary tech landscape.

The fastest growing economy in Europe

Poland's economic transformation since 1989, after the period behind the Iron Curtain, is nothing short of miraculous, an example of a nation committed to change. This European country has demonstrated extraordinary shock resistance and stability in its economy, consistently exhibiting exceptional growth dynamics.

Isometric illustration of a futuristic cityscape emerging from a map of Poland colored with the national white and red, with light beams representing the dynamic growth of the IT sector and modern infrastructure in Poland's urban centers.
Poland's Urban Transformation: A Vision of Modernity and Technological Progress. Source: ChatGPT.

Since 1989, Poland has embarked on a continual economic refinement and restructuring journey, effectively weaving its economy into the fabric of the global market. Its enterprises have seamlessly blended into the European production ecosystems. The Polish government, putting a premium on creating a robust platform for business and entrepreneurship, has offered transparent and consistent conditions for economic operations. Such efforts have paid off, evidenced by Poland's undisrupted economic growth for over a quarter of a century, making it the EU's 6th largest economy. The resilience of Poland's economy is further amplified by the fact that it stood as the lone European nation untouched by the 2008-2010 recession.

Distinguishing itself from its European counterparts, Poland successfully avoided the recession, exhibiting a consistent rise in its average income per capita, now nearly 70% of the average in longstanding EU countries. Notably, in 2014, Poland's growth rate of 3.3% outstripped the Eurozone's average of 0.9%, reflecting its robust economic performance.

Even amidst and after the economic tumult brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland's economy outperformed most of its European peers, demonstrating admirable resilience and adaptability.“Although Poland’s GDP declined in 2020 for the first time in 30 years, the well-diversified Polish economy is one of Europe’s least affected amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Marcus Heinz, World Bank Resident Representative for Poland and the Baltic States.

The comparative graph of GDP per capita growth, annual %, between Poland and the USA strikingly demonstrates Poland's remarkable economic resilience and adaptability, even outperforming the world's leading economy during periods of global economic distress.

Following indicator provides per capita values for gross domestic product (GDP) expressed in current international dollars converted by purchasing power parity (PPP) conversion factor.

Despite the robust growth in Poland's economy, the gap in GDP per capita when adjusted for purchasing power parity with the USA highlights a significant opportunity for American businesses to invest and build their tech teams in Poland.

Today's main pillars of the economy's growth are exports, EU funds, foreign direct investment (FDI), and domestic consumption. With these strengths, once a marginal European economy, Poland is now poised to become Europe's new growth engine.

Financial system in Poland

The Polish financial system has proven its resilience and stability even in the face of global economic crises.  This achievement can be attributed to the Polish banking system's stability and the economy's healthy structure.

Furthermore, the country boasted a relatively low public debt level of 48,7% GDP in 2023, marking it as one of the brightest economic spots in the EU. The financial system's stability is necessary for ensuring sustainable economic growth, and the robustness of Poland's financial system offers a secure foundation for businesses seeking to build or offshore their technical teams in Poland.

Poland's standing among rating agencies

Rating agencies are pivotal in providing businesses with a reliable navigation system in the global economy. These agencies conduct thorough evaluations and assign scores to countries based on various economic indicators, thereby assisting businesses in making informed decisions. In this context, the Polish economy stands tall among the top performers.

Leading global rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch, have consistently rated Poland highly. Compared to other popular offshoring destinations, Poland emerges as an unquestionable leader. Its combination of a robust economy, skilled workforce, and strategic location within the EU provides businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to build or offshore their tech teams.

A table summarizing Poland's credit ratings from major agencies including S&P and Moody's, with ratings ranging from A- to A2 and outlooks described as stable to positive, reflecting Poland's creditworthiness and economic stability as of dates ranging from 2017 to 2018.
Poland's Financial Stability: Credit Ratings Snapshot from Leading Agencies. Source: tradingeconomics.com

Good time to do business: Time Zones.

Poland's strategic location is another key advantage for US-based companies looking to build an offshore IT team, especially those on the East Coast. Situated in Central Europe, Poland’s time zone (CET) aligns well with Eastern Standard Time (EST), ensuring a significant overlap in working hours that enables real-time collaboration and communication. Additionally, late working hours in Poland can still coincide with the start of the business day on the US West Coast. This favorable time zone placement facilitates smooth business operations across continents and makes Poland a prime choice for offshoring.

Time comparison chart showing the time difference between Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, London, and Warsaw on January 16, 2024, illustrating the coordination required for successful international collaboration in IT offshoring, with Warsaw, Poland, being 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Global Collaboration Across Time Zones: Scheduling for Success in IT Offshoring. Source: timeanddate.com

Poland's position in the heart of Europe makes it an outstanding choice for companies aiming to build their tech team and expand their reach to Western Europe and the Gulf countries.

A chart comparing business hours across different cities on January 16, 2024, starting with London at 9:00 A.M. and aligning with Warsaw, Stockholm, Berlin at 10:00 A.M., Jerusalem at 11:00 A.M., and Dubai at 1:00 P.M., showcasing the importance of time zone awareness in global IT offshoring strategies.
Navigating Time Zones: Seamless Communication in Offshoring Partnerships. Source: timeanddate.com

Other popular tech talent outsourcing destinations, like India or Vietnam, may pose logistical challenges due to substantial time zone differences. These countries' significant disparities in working hours force businesses to adopt new management tactics or require one side to function outside of regular business hours.

Time zone comparison table for Dallas and New York in the United States, New Delhi in India, and Hanoi in Vietnam on January 16, 2024, illustrating the significant time differences impacting work schedules, with Dallas at 1:00 P.M., New York at 2:00 P.M., and the following day in New Delhi at 12:30 A.M. and Hanoi at 2:00 A.M.
Coordinating International IT Operations: Time Zone Considerations for US-Asia Partnerships. Source: timeanddate.com

Convenient location

The location of your offshoring destination plays a significant role in the overall success and feasibility of your business strategy. Convenience factors heavily into this decision, as a geographically favorable offshoring location can facilitate more accessible travel for meetings, inspections, team building, other business needs, and leisure.

  • The frequency of direct flights plays a part, too, with well-connected locations offering more scheduling flexibility and less downtime due to travel.
  • Cost is also a critical factor; it's essential to factor in the expenses associated with travel, accommodation, and the cost of living in the offshore location.
  • Safety is paramount. The political stability and security situation in the destination country can impact the team's well-being and the business's overall continuity.
  • Lastly, consider the speed of traveling. Locations closer to your home base typically mean shorter, more convenient travel times, further simplifying logistics and operation management.

With Poland's strategic location in Europe and its solid infrastructure, it meets these criteria effectively, making it a considerable choice for building your tech team.

Infrastructure in Poland

Poland's transport infrastructure stands tall and is the 'crossroads' of Europe. Serving as the backbone of the nation's developed economy, the transport system in Poland is broad and continually evolving. The country boasts of a well-rounded transportation network, which includes air traffic, roads, and railroads, and ranks Poland as 1st in CEE in Airport Connectivity & quality of road Infrastructure according to the Global Competitiveness Report.

Airline infrastructure in Poland

There are over a dozen airports in Poland, including those in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk, to name a few.

Warsaw's Chopin Airport, the largest in the country, hosts millions of passengers annually, with direct flights to and from various cities in the US like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Infographic detailing the wide availability of air transport in Poland, with a map showing passenger traffic at various Polish airports in 2022. The chart includes data on the number of passengers handled by each airport and approximate air travel times from Warsaw to major cities worldwide, emphasizing Poland's accessibility and its robust transportation infrastructure for global business.
Enhancing Connectivity: The Role of Air Transport in Poland's IT Offshoring Landscape. Source: https://www.paih.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/0/143401/143412.pdf

Poland's airline infrastructure plays a significant role in its appeal as an offshoring destination. The country boasts a dense network of local and intercontinental airports, which ensures frequent flights within Poland and to other European countries. This dense network provides exceptional convenience for travel, enabling easy movement of IT personnel on short notice and facilitating face-to-face interactions, which are critical for agile project development and effective team collaboration.

Road infrastructure in Poland

Poland's road infrastructure is an asset for businesses aiming to build a tech team or offshore IT operations. The country boasts a dense network of high-speed roads and highways, enabling travel across most regions in just 3-4 hours. This comprehensive road network ensures that even the most remote tech hubs are easily accessible, facilitating swift movement for IT personnel and equipment.

Furthermore, the quality of roads in Poland is commendable, with only a few sections requiring toll payments. This dense, high-quality, and largely toll-free road network adds to the operational efficiency of businesses.

A detailed map of Poland's national road construction status as of December 29, 2023, illustrating existing highways, roads under construction, and planned developments. The network of roads highlighted in red, blue, and green signifies the ongoing efforts to improve connectivity within the country, bolstering its position as a prime destination for IT offshoring.
Strategic Infrastructure Development: Mapping Poland's Road Expansion for IT Industry Growth. Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/gddkia/przygotowanie-drog-krajowych---mapa-pdf

Railway infrastructure

The railway infrastructure in Poland is an unexpected delight, particularly to our US readers, as the country's train network is extensive and heavily utilized. With over 19,000 km of track, it connects the larger cities and many smaller towns across the country, making it an effective means for tech teams to commute or for logistical needs.

Modern and well-maintained trains offer comfortable, safe, and efficient travel. High-speed lines allow for rapid transit between major cities, with the journey from Warsaw to Kraków, for instance, taking as little as 2.5 hours. 

A colorful map displaying the extensive railway lines across Poland, managed by PKP Polish Railway Lines. The map, with its diverse color codes and legends, indicates different types of railway lines including high-speed, main, secondary, and voivodeship connections, reflecting the critical infrastructure supporting Poland's burgeoning IT sector.
Poland's Railway Network: The Backbone of Efficient Transportation for Tech Industries. Source: https://www.plk-sa.pl/o-spolce/biuro-prasowe/mapy

The country's efficient infrastructure makes scouting locations for IT operations or traveling for client meetings across different cities convenient. With hybrid work becoming more prevalent, employees can commute from different regions for team collaborations or meetings, so local connectivity is not only an advantage for logistics and manufacturing.

Presence of major US technology accelerators

Poland's rise as a European tech hub is further solidified because it has successfully drawn the attention of two of the largest US technology accelerators: Google for Startups Campus and the Cambridge Innovation Centers (CIC).

Google, a stalwart in the global tech industry, has established its Google Campus for Startups in Warsaw. The presence of the Google Campus allows local tech teams to tap into a global network of resources, providing them with invaluable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth.

Google for Startups Campus locations: Warsaw, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Seoul, São Paulo, Madrid.

World map with markers indicating the locations of Google for Startups Campuses, showcasing a network of innovation hubs across various continents including North America, Europe, and Asia, with a focus on connecting entrepreneurs and fostering international tech collaborations.
Global Tech Ecosystems: The Reach of Google for Startups Campuses. Source: https://startup.google.com/community/.

Similarly, CIC's decision to set up shop in Warsaw confirms Poland's place on the global IT and tech stage. CIC, known for nurturing innovative tech companies, perceives Poland as a fertile ground for tech development. Its presence in Warsaw validates the city's standing as a significant European tech hub and provides local tech teams with resources and opportunities to create, innovate, and excel.

Cambridge Innovation Center locations: 

US locations: Boston, Cambridge, Philadelphia, Providence, St. Louise.

World locations: Warsaw, Rotterdam, Tokyo.

These two major US tech accelerators' presence in Warsaw underscores Poland's growing significance in the global tech landscape, making it a prime location for US companies looking to build or offshore their IT and tech teams.

Close proximity to major European tech hubs

Poland's geographical location in Central Europe makes it a strategic springboard for US companies wishing to explore other major European tech hubs. Warsaw, as the capital city and a central tech hub, boasts an extensive network of airline connections to various European cities. Direct flights from Warsaw to Berlin take approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, ensuring quick and easy meetings with German counterparts. Connections to Paris, a city known for its vibrant tech scene, are equally convenient, with 2 hours and 15 minutes flight times. London, a global financial and tech hub, can be reached in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. Milan is a mere 2 hours away for companies interested in the Italian market. With its emerging tech scene, Madrid can be reached in 3 hours and 15 minutes. Dublin, home to many leading tech companies, is just a 3 hours and 20 minutes flight, and Stockholm, well-known for its innovative tech community, is reachable in 2 hours. All these connections make Poland an appealing location for building or offshoring IT and tech teams, with easy access to the broader European market.

Foreign investment & offshore development centers in Poland

Poland’s appeal as a prime location for offshore IT and tech teams extends beyond its strategic location and impressive influx of international investment. The country has become a hub for Research and Development (R&D) centers, spearheading technological advancements and fostering innovation.

To name at least 3 of them:

  • Microsoft, in 2020, announced that it will invest one billion dollars in a modern data center in Poland.
  • Google, in 2020, announced a massive investment in Poland. The company will allocate two billion dollars to build a data center in Warsaw.
  • Intel announced that in 2023, it will invest up to 4,6 billion dollars to build a semiconductor assembly and facility near Wroclaw.
Graphical representation of Poland with orange markers pinpointing major Research and Development centers across various cities. Notable companies such as Intel in Gdańsk, Microsoft in Warsaw, and Siemens in Wrocław are highlighted, illustrating the country's role as a significant player in global technological research and development.
Innovation Across the Map: Key R&D Centers Powering Poland's Tech Industry. Source: https://www.paih.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/0/126101/126116.pdf

Today, in Warsaw only, you will find R&D centers of Samsung, Accenture, Mars, Citibank, Goldman Sach, and Roche. Other Polish cities are home to dozens of global companies, too. The following map presents the location and names of some of the R&D centers. Please note this is a map from 2015 and shall be updated with several new greenfield investments. 

Intellectual property, privacy, and data security are ensured

Intellectual property (IP)

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce publishes an annual International Intellectual Property (IP) Index that analyzes the IP climate in more than 50 global economies. The report considers 50 unique indicators presenting the political, legal, and regulatory environment affecting IP rights. It's an indispensable resource for companies looking to understand the global landscape for innovation and creation, playing a key role in determining attractive investment destinations.

In the latest 2023 edition of the Index, Poland ranks 19th worldwide with a score of 70.74%, signifying a robust IP protection environment. This score places Poland at the forefront among popular IT offshoring destinations. This position further strengthens the country's appeal to US companies wishing to build tech teams or offshore IT departments in Poland.

Privacy and data security in Poland

Poland's internal legislation for data security is strongly aligned with the rigorous standards set forth by broader European and international bodies. Notably, Poland adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a comprehensive EU regulation that mandates stringent data protection and privacy standards for all entities operating within the EU. This ensures that US companies offshoring IT teams to Poland can count on a robust legal framework for data security. Additionally, Poland is a signatory to several international treaties on data security and cybercrime, including the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime. These measures demonstrate Poland's commitment to staying ahead of the data protection and security curve.

READY TO DISCOVER THE POLISH IT TALENT POOL?

Contact us to learn more about our services and business environment in Poland.

Why to hire Polish developers: personalities and skills

Many talented engineers are available to work with your CEOs

As a Silicon Valley adage goes, "In the US, there are too many CEOs and too few engineers," Poland presents quite a contrasting image. We believe we have many engineers and fewer CEOs in Poland, perhaps providing the ideal equilibrium for your prospective tech team. This surplus of technical talent is a testament to the country's robust educational system and tech industry and a promising sign for foreign companies looking to offshore their IT operations.

Poland's tech team: a global superclass

Polish skilled developers have consistently proven their mettle on a global scale, demonstrating not only their technical prowess but also their innovative thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The foundation of the Polish tech scene is strongly built on the talent of these developers, who consistently rank among the top in the world. Here are some compelling examples:

  1. HackerRank Competitions: HackerRank is a technology hiring platform that is the standard for assessing developer skills for over 2,000+ companies worldwide. In a hypothetical scenario of the 'Hacking Olympics,' based on the technical skills and problem-solving abilities demonstrated on the platform, Polish experienced developers would secure third place globally. It is a testament to the depth and breadth of the technical talent pool in Poland.
  2. SkillValue’s report based on +550 technical assessments: ‘Where to find the best developers in 2019?’ (you may download the report here.) Like HackerRank, SkillValue ranks Poland third in the world in terms of the quality of software developers. Such consistency in two completely independent publications confirms Poland's undoubted leadership worldwide.
  3. The results of the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) and the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC): in IOI, Poland is the second most titled participant, with an impressive 127 medals (just behind China’s 139 medals), while in ICPC, Polish universities are always among top in World, and Poland is the fourth most successful country.
  4. Other major international contests and hackathons: besides IOI and ICPC, dozens of other international competitions are worth analyzing. Competitive Programming Hall Of Fame project presents the history of international championships in competitive programming, where you may find results by country. Again, Poland is among the global leaders and significantly ahead of the countries most often perceived as an alternative in the case of offshoring.
  5. Women in Tech: Regarding gender diversity in technology, Poland is also setting a strong example. According to an analysis by HackerRank, female developers from Poland would take third place, just after Russian and Italian female developers, based on average scores in algorithm challenges. This fact underlines the balanced gender representation in Poland's tech industry and the high caliber of its female developers.

In the context of the above results, it is no surprise that the world's largest and most innovative technology companies willingly employ specialists from Poland. One of the many examples is OpenAI, which decided to hire many Poles, including Jakub Pachocki, the director of research, and Aleksander Madry, the head of a team focusing on risk assessment and prediction.

A panel discussion at the IDEAS NCBR event with three speakers seated on stage in front of a teal backdrop with the IDEAS logo, engaging with a moderator. The setting is adorned with lush potted plants, adding a touch of greenery to the intellectual exchange.
Sam Altman, Wojciech Zaremba, Szymon Sidor from OpenAI, AI Industry Leaders Discuss Tech Development at the IDEAS NCBR Forum, Warsaw, Poland. Source: https://twitter.com/annawitten/status/1660914204038111234/photo/1

Poland's impressive standings in global tech competitions and the multitude of specialists in the field are deeply rooted in the country's strong emphasis on technology and computer science education. According to the Developer Skills Report 2018, Polish programmers are among the youngest in the world, with many beginning their tech journey at the tender age of 5-10. This early exposure to technology indicates a culture that values and nurtures tech-savvy minds from an early age.

Computer science, the backbone of modern technology, is Poland's most popular field of study. Approximately 70,000 individuals enroll annually in this program, presenting a steady stream of fresh talent ready to make their mark in the IT industry. Every major city in Poland is home to a technical university, with over 20 such institutions throughout the country. With 20,000 high school graduates commencing their IT studies annually, Poland's IT sector is ever-growing and vibrant.

The impact of Poland's investment in education is evident in the sheer volume of software developers on the market - close to half a million, to be precise. In this respect, Poland has a talent pool several times larger than that of other countries in the eastern and southern parts of the European Union (such as Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria). This considerable presence of software developers embodies the depth and breadth of the tech talent pool in Poland, solidifying the country's position as a desirable destination to build and offshore tech teams.

English proficiency

It's crucial to understand that not all offshoring destinations offer the same level of English proficiency. Poor communication can derail even the most promising projects, especially when language barriers persist. Additionally, business travel or relocation might also become challenging in countries with lower English proficiency, affecting both professional and leisure experiences. Therefore, it is highly recommended for companies planning to offshore their IT and tech teams to refer to the EF EPI and factor in the language proficiency of the potential destination.

The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) is a widely recognized global benchmark that measures the English proficiency of non-native English-speaking countries. It is based on test data from millions of adults who have taken the EF English tests online. The index provides valuable insights for businesses exploring offshoring options, as it ranks countries according to the English skills of their citizens.

A table from the 2023 Global Ranking of Countries and Regions showing language proficiency levels, with Poland ranked 13th in the 'High Proficiency' category. This highlights Poland's strong position in international business communication, an essential factor for IT offshoring success.
Poland's Linguistic Competence: Positioned for International Communication in Tech. Source: https://www.ef.pl/epi/.

In the realm of English proficiency, Poland excels remarkably, solidifying its position as an optimal offshoring destination. According to the EF EPI, Poland has been ranked 13th worldwide, thus placing it among the top tier of 'High Proficiency' countries. This high ranking demonstrates the vast majority of Polish citizens' fluency in English, making communication seamless and efficient.

Consequently, offshoring to Poland mitigates the risk of language barriers, fostering a conducive environment for project execution and collaboration.

Cultural similarity

Cultural differences, while adding color and diversity to the world, can pose challenges in the business realm if not acknowledged and respected. For instance, in different regions of the world you may face challenges as follows:

  • Your employees or contractors avoid saying 'no' outright to save face - even if they know that they will not be able to accomplish the task,
  • Even strictly technical specialists present a strong negotiation culture, which might be construed as argumentative by those unaccustomed to it. These cultural traits, like personal ones, are subjective, and their perception varies widely,
  • The approach to work-life balance is significantly different from what we are used to. In some regions, employees strongly prefer a sociable atmosphere and good relations with co-workers rather than focusing on achieving goals,
  • People are not used to working partially or entirely from home. They cannot maintain discipline when working outside the office. Moreover, many countries have no conditions for remote work - Internet access is too weak, and company hardware is vulnerable to theft (which was a big problem in some countries during the COVID-19 lockdown),
  • Your staff often devote significant time to understanding the personal lives of their managers, considering it a crucial part of building trust, which is time-consuming.

In terms of business culture, Poland tends to favor open discussions, is generally straightforward, enjoys challenges, and the professionals there are known to deliver what they promise. We are hard-working and task-oriented. We, the Polish people, love to party, often happily and until late, but we do it after work, not during work.

These traits may align more closely with Western business norms. When choosing to build your tech team in Poland, or offshore to any other location, an awareness and appreciation of cultural differences is crucial. We leave it to you, the reader, to factor in this element when selecting your offshoring destination.

Poland’s top 3 advantages for 2024!

In recent decades, Poland has become one of the best destinations for companies looking for an offshoring location because it meets the expectations very well in light of the criteria we mentioned above. But in 2024, amidst the backdrop of conflicts around the world and pervasive economic uncertainty, the following three advantages of building your tech team in Poland will become uniquely pivotal:

Safety and stability of the country.

Poland's IT sector garners vast attention due to its high-quality talent pool and cost-effective nature. With risks and uncertainties growing in the world economy, Poland's stability and safety become increasingly attractive for offshoring IT operations.

The country, as a NATO member, promises minimal political risk while boasting a growing tech talent pool, partly due to its appeal to tech professionals from Belarus and Ukraine. Furthermore, Poland's political stability, and clear strategic direction for the country represented by the whole political class will never be a sad surprise for investors. Some recently won elections by Donald Tusk's party underscore the country's reliability in front of the American and European establishment.

All that, combined with its low corruption and crime rates, makes building a tech team in Poland a promising venture for SMEs and startups based in the USA, given the alignment of business cultures and the cost-effectiveness of hiring Polish software developers.

Flexibility due to liberal law concerning self-employed, but not only.

The liberal labor laws governing self-employment in Poland provide considerable flexibility to businesses looking to build an IT team in the country. Foreign companies can directly employ our ‘sole traders’ without setting up a branch in Poland. It is unique situation among  many Western countries - for example, in Germany, self-employed individuals cannot work for just one company in a B2B model for an extended period of time - they must then become FTE (full-time employees) of such a company, and the company cannot have FTEs in Germany without establishing a branch. As one can imagine, it opens wide opportunities catering to various business needs. In the upcoming articles, we will delve deeper into how these elements of the Polish business landscape enhance the feasibility of offshoring, making it an attractive destination for US-based SMEs and startups looking to expand their tech teams.

Cost-cutting without losing quality or even improving it.

A critical factor contributing to the decision to offshore IT teams to Poland is the opportunity for  cost savings without compromising on quality. Poland offers a competitive cost structure in terms of both wages and operational costs. The average salary of a software developer in Poland is substantially lower than in the US, even though the skillsets and expertise are on par, if not superior. When offshoring to Poland, this economic advantage allows US SMEs and startups to access top-notch tech talent at a fraction of what it would cost domestically. The cost-effectiveness does not end at personnel expenses. The infrastructure and operational costs, such as rent and utilities, are also significantly cheaper in Poland. These cost advantages and a high-quality talent pool make Poland an ideal destination for building a tech team.

Determining the best partner for Your IT offshoring endeavor:

Once you know about offshoring and its various types, ideal business models, and the unique benefits of leading tech offshoring destinations, you are prepared for the vital task of evaluating potential business allies. You'll partner with this organization in recruitment, workforce augmentation, branch establishment, outsourcing software development, or other outsourcing methodologies. Meticulous consideration of these elements will ensure that the partner you choose enhances your offshoring adventure with effectiveness, high standards of quality, and a common aim for prosperity.

Versatility in collaboration frameworks

The vendor you select should have the capacity to facilitate various collaboration frameworks, whether it's recruiting and talent acquisition, software team augmentation, a committed team, or providing local support when you're establishing a physical IT branch. Such versatility enables you to select a framework that aligns closely with your needs and has the ability to adapt as your business progresses. Many suppliers offer only some of the above services and will convince us of their advantages. But initially, it is worth talking to the companies that provide the biggest choice – to decide which cooperation model will be best for us. 

Examining track record and prior work

To gauge the trustworthiness and competence of a prospective partner, delve into their prior accomplishments and client feedback. Evaluating client testimonials, case studies, and a track record of successful ventures in your field can offer essential insights into the vendor's capacity and dependability.

Proficiency in international and domestic markets

The chosen vendor must possess proficiency in both international and domestic markets. Assess their established track record of working with global clients and their familiarity with the local market landscape. This dual proficiency will guarantee efficient international collaboration while comprehensively understanding local resources and legalities.

Communication

A crucial element of any flourishing partnership is the ability to exchange ideas and information effectively. The chosen vendor should be able to articulate clearly and promptly, grasp your requirements, offer consistent progress reports, and be accessible for consultations; their dedicated teams should be capable of it, too.

Cultural compatibility

Last but not least, it's essential to consider the cultural alignment when offshoring your tech team. The prospective partner should comprehend and value your organization's culture, principles, and professional ethics. This understanding and respect ensure a seamless and productive collaboration within a dedicated development team, facilitating shared prosperity and achievement.

Winged IT - Your premier Partner for tech talent & offshore software development team in Poland

Two professionals, Anna & Wiktor from Winge IT, stand confidently in a modern office environment, symbolizing leadership and partnership in the tech industry. The team will secure your tech talents from Poland.
Anna & Wiktor, Winged IT Leadership Team in Tech Offshoring.

As a leading Polish Tech Recruitment, Outstaffing, and Consulting Company, we provide services tailored to your needs. Our mission is to empower our clients by connecting them with top-notch tech talents from Poland through services like IT recruitment and headhunting, staff augmentation, body leasing, and in-house remote technical teams or branch creation (so-called soft-landing services). This allows our clients to execute their software projects effectively while optimizing their budgets. Since 2017, we've assisted over 50 clients across four continents in finding the best and most cost-effective tech talents. We specialize in sourcing candidates from Central and Eastern Europe ready to work remotely from Poland or relocate to your country. Our uniqueness relies on our commitment to collaborating with international clients worldwide. We thoroughly understand the needs and challenges of companies eager to recruit exceptional Polish Tech candidates and have extensive experience delivering ALL necessary solutions.

Anna Stolarz
Anna Stolarz
Co-owner and COO, since 2008, excels in IT recruitment, builds teams, and values people. HR expert, caring mom, and a fan of yoga and music.
Anna Stolarz
Anna Stolarz
Co-owner and COO, since 2008, excels in IT recruitment, builds teams, and values people. HR expert, caring mom, and a fan of yoga and music.

READY TO DISCOVER THE POLISH IT TALENT POOL?

Contact us to learn more about our services and business environment in Poland.