Majority of Poles Wanting Higher Taxes for Foreign Companies Operating in Poland – Research Suggesting

According to a study carried out by UCE Research, over 44% of Pole respondents believe that all foreign companies should pay more taxes, and 20.8% think the same should be applied to companies from outside the EU.

According to them, foreign companies managing business activity in Poland should pay higher taxes than companies with only domestic capital. 31.1% of them have the opposite opinion. 20.2% of them have no opinion on this matter and 4.2% of respondents say that they are not interested in it at all.

The Updates for Foreign Companies:

“The fact that almost half of Poles are in favor of foreign companies paying higher taxes than domestic companies may partly result from consumer patriotism,” says Krzysztof Zych, chief analyst of UCE Research.

According to him, people do not want to privilege foreign investors, they prefer Polish entrepreneurs to feel more at ease – “Those who have the opposing opinion probably have equal opportunities for everyone in mind, but many people prefer to avoid answering because they feel they do not know much about business” – noted the expert.

As reported, among the respondents who opted for higher taxes for foreign companies, it indicated all foreign companies, regardless of the country of origin. On the other hand, 20.8% say they should be increased only to entities outside the European Union, while 6.1 percent of respondents did not know how to answer the question.

The study shows that the main reasons for raising taxes for non-Polish companies are people with incomes exceeding PLN 9,000. Poles earning less than a thousand zlotys a month are the least likely to support it – 35.1%.

According to Zych, the entrepreneurs who want their competitors to pay higher taxes may also be among the highest-earning Poles.

In addition, the study shows that supporters of higher taxes for foreign companies most often live in cities with 50-99 thousand residents (49.7%), and in cities with a population over 200,000 thousand (48.5%). In villages with up to 5,000 residents and smaller towns, 40.5 percent are in favor of higher taxation of foreign companies(40.5%).

The survey was conducted in mid-August this year, using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method by UCE Research and SYNO Poland among 1,037 adult Poles. The sample was representative regarding gender, age, town size, education, and region.

Business Implications for Poland

Economic and regulatory developments in Poland have broad implications for businesses operating in the country. Poland’s economy, the largest in Central and Eastern Europe, continues to attract international investors and entrepreneurs seeking EU market access, competitive costs, and a skilled workforce of over 17 million workers.

For foreign companies and entrepreneurs doing business in Poland, staying informed about economic trends, regulatory changes, and market dynamics is essential for strategic decision-making. Whether you are considering entering the Polish market, expanding existing operations, or optimizing your corporate structure, professional advisory support can help navigate the complexities of the Polish business environment.

Poland offers a comprehensive business infrastructure including special economic zones with tax incentives, a well-developed banking system, modern office space in major cities, and a legal framework aligned with EU standards. These factors, combined with Poland’s strategic geographic position between Western and Eastern Europe, make it an attractive hub for businesses targeting the broader European market.

If you are doing business in Poland or considering entering the Polish market, Zalewski Consulting can help. Learn more about our tax advisory services in Poland, or contact us for a free consultation.