Swarovski will invest in Gdańsk

Swarovski, a world-known producer of crystal jewellery, announce it will open a global business services hub in Gdańsk, the largest city of the Pomerania region. The decision on investing in Poland was announced in the Gdańsk City Hall.  Swarovski brand has been present in Poland for many years and currently has over 20 stores across the country.

The new services centre will be taking care of Swarovski’s business processes such as accounting, payroll, HR, finance and sales. Although the company has not publicly announced how many people it plans to employ at the facility, local officials expressed hopes the hub will become a workplace for a few hundred of skilled professionals. The Austrians are already launching recruitment processes. On the Swarovski website, there are job vacancies for senior and junior positions for accountants, buyers and team leaders.

Among the institutions involved in the initiative to attract the investment are Invest in Pomerania, a non-profit organisation assisting foreign investors, and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (formerly known as Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency). Choosing Gdańsk as the location for such endeavour is a great accomplishment and will certainly give prominence to the Tricity agglomeration.

Marcel Angst, who represented Swarovski in the press conference in Gdańsk, noted the city offers skilled professionals, good infrastructure and culture in line with company’s values.

The investor was welcomed by Mieczysław Struk, the Marshall of Pomeranian Voivodeship, and Paweł Adamowicz, the President of Gdańsk. Polish government is also involved in the process and will offer public help to the investor.

Marcin Grzegory, deputy chair of Invest in Pomerania, said that Gdańsk and Tricity joined an elite group of cities that attract the biggest investments.

The official opening of the hub will take place in a few months, in the summer of 2017.

Swarovski is a global brand present in 170 countries. It was created in 1895 in Wattens. The Austrian enterprise employs over 26 thousand people across the globe.

Investment Outlook and Business Perspective

Poland remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the European Union. With GDP exceeding EUR 650 billion, Poland is the sixth largest economy in the EU and the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. The country has maintained positive economic growth for over three decades, including through multiple global crises.

Foreign direct investment in Poland continues to grow, driven by the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, EU membership, competitive costs, and improving infrastructure. Key sectors attracting investment include manufacturing, technology, business services, logistics, and financial services.

For investors considering entry into the Polish market, proper structuring of the investment vehicle is crucial. The choice between a sp. z o.o. (LLC), S.A. (joint-stock company), branch office, or joint venture depends on the investment size, sector, tax considerations, and long-term strategic objectives. Professional advisory can help optimize the structure from both operational and tax perspectives.

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