Outsourcing software development has become one of the most popular solutions for companies looking for a quick fix to skill shortages, saving money, and driving business flexibility. Many destinations worldwide have become outsourcing options for multiple global leaders, and Eastern Europe is one of the most popular regions. Countries in this area allow hiring developers of any stack for a reasonable cost without worrying about cultural misunderstandings.
That’s why software development in Poland is kicking into high gear. The country is known for its fast-growing economy, stability, and increasing interest in the world’s most popular technologies. The number of talented developers within the country is also rising because people see the wide range of perspectives offered by the tech industry, which had a revenue of $9.75 billion in 2024.
There are many reasons for offshore software development Poland. In this article, Qubit Labs will highlight the most notable aspects of cooperation with Polish software developers and their rates and outline custom software development companies in Poland.
Market Overview
- Poland is the second-most favored location for offshore FDI projects and has the largest talent pool in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
- According to the Polska Agencja Inwestycji i Handlu report, Poland has the best software developers in the world.
- Polish coders are ranked 1st in Java programming and 2nd in Python.
- The country holds third place in HackerRank among the best developers in the world.
- Poland is the first country in CEE to have available AI specialists.
- Polish GDP is 8%.
- It has over 50,000 IT companies of a varied scale.
- Poland’s ICT income is expected to reach almost €51.8 billion by 2028.
- According to the Kearney Global Services Location Index, Poland reached 14th place (out of 60), and its digital resonance scores increased.
- Poland often hosts top tech events, including Polish Tech Day, Infoshare, WinDoor-tech, NanoTech Poland, and Smart City Expo Poland.
Software Developers in Poland
How many Polish software developers are there? In Poland, over 607,000 Polish developers are skilled enough to work on projects of different complexity levels. The country offers a great “mixture” of ambitious graduates who want to dive deeper into the tech world and their more experienced colleagues with impressive portfolios. The local talent pool rapidly grows yearly because the country has 23 tech universities, which graduate around 68,000 students annually. Software development in Poland truly gives access to vetted developers. It is one of the most popular places in Eastern Europe for studying. Some local universities made it to the global rankings and are considered the most thriving technical education providers.
Notably, Poland’s outsourcing is one of the most significant drivers of the local economy, and there are around 838 outsourcing companies in the country, as per Clutch. Due to the high competition for Polish software developers among foreign businesses and R&D centers located in the country, software development Poland has grown by leaps and bounds.
Technical Expertise of Polish Developers
Statista shows that in the second quarter of 2023, the most common programming languages in public job offers in Poland were Java, Python, and JavaScript. Also, there is a significant number of IT specialists who are well-versed in Ruby, C#, PHP, and TypeScript. Besides, in 2024, seven out of ten Polish enterprises used cloud computing services. Also, according to SkillValue’s Report, Poland is rated third globally based on over 550 technical evaluations, and this country is 7th in the TopCoder Country Ranking.
ICT Education
ICT studies showed a surge in the number of students. Over 70,000 individuals studied these topics during the school year 2022/2023. Several universities offer ICT degrees.
Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) is a technical research university with educational roots extending back to the 19th century. QS World University Rankings rank Warsaw University of Technology as the best technical university in Poland. It offers 19 faculties and 32 fields of study in Polish and English. University graduates are well-prepared for the global labor market due to modern study programs, substantial scientific and research activity, and partnerships with universities, research organizations, and high-tech enterprises. 61.6% of WUT graduates are employed before graduation, and 61.3% find a job within one month.
Jagiellonian University is Poland’s second most popular university and ranks 304th in the Global World University Rankings. It offers 16 faculties and 166 fields of study, allowing students to expand their theoretical and practical knowledge through various research societies. Besides, the JU is one of Poland’s primary scientific institutes, which partners with important academic centers worldwide.
Software Developers’ Salaries
How much is software development in Poland? According to Clutch, software developers in Poland charge $25-$99 per hour. Our comprehensive guide on the average software developer salary shows that the average wage in Poland is $54,500 or ~ $4,541 per month. This is 2.2 times less than the average programmer salary in the US, which is $10,000.
| Poland | USA | |
| Middle Python developer | $54,000 | $132,000 |
| Middle Cloud developer | $34,000 | $126,000 |
| Middle JavaScript developer | $47,700 | $108,000 |
| Middle Mobile developer | $52,000 | $115,000 |
| Middle Java developer | $54,000 | $125,000 |
- Poland pays around $54,000 per year to Python Polish developers, much lower than the $132,000 a Python developer earns in the United States.
- The average Cloud developer salary in Poland is $34,000 annually.
- Polish software developers specializing in JavaScript technology earn around $47,700 annually, while US-based specialists make $108,000.
- An average mobile developer in Poland earns $52,000 per year.
The three most common payment models for any outsourcing software development firm in Poland are fixed-price, time and material, and body leasing.
Cost of Living
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Poland vs the USA is as follows:
The estimated monthly costs for a single person in the USA are $1,167 without rent, whereas in Poland, these costs are estimated at ~ $ $732 without rent. Although Polish developers earn 2.2 times less than their American counterparts, their cost of living is 1.5 times lower. Consequently, developers are generally satisfied with their cost of living and do not plan to immigrate. Therefore, they can work on your project for a long time and provide high-quality results.
Software Development Companies in Poland
Poland is often referred to as the “IT center of Europe.” This is due to the increased demand for Poland outsourcing among foreign businesses and local developers’ emphasis on using top-notch technologies. The number of top software companies in Poland is over 50,000, and, as per Clutch, around 1,410 offer custom development services. These numbers are impressive, given that the country’s tech sector is still relatively young. Around half of the existing operating enterprises were established after 2011.
International R&D Centers in Poland
Aside from the traditional software development Poland, the country boasts an expanding number of R&D centers. Around 400 international software development firms have already established their R&D centers there. Here is a list of some of the organizations that saw the potential in Polish programmers and built their R&D centers in the country:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Intel
- Samsung
- Delphi
- IBM
- Hewlett-Packard
The availability of the offices of the mentioned companies in Poland has significantly facilitated software development in Poland. The local tech sector now includes three interrelated subsegments: hardware, software, and IT services.
Prominent Software Development Hubs in Poland
Poland is a perfect landscape for global companies because the country boasts a competitive employment sector. It experiences a continuously rising number of vocational accelerator programs, which attract many young professionals. Many co-working spaces and innovation labs are located in different tech hubs nationwide.
As per Harvard Business Review, Poland ranked 5th among the most tech-skilled labor markets in the world. Some of the leading tech companies cooperate with local IT specialists. For example, Microsoft recently announced a $1 billion digital transformation plan for Poland. At the same time, Google decided to establish a strategic partnership with Poland’s Domestic Cloud Provider.
Poland has stepped on the road toward self-sufficiency within the last several years. This is becoming more evident since the country is no longer waiting for the next investment from the EU or trying to catch up with other leaders. Poland now has all the capabilities to follow its own path of development.
Business owners often ask the following question: Is Poland a good location for outsourcing? Usually, they get a positive answer. Poland has seven rapidly developing tech hubs, an active startup ecosystem, and a robust digital infrastructure.
The most popular destinations for outsourcing to Poland include:
- Warsaw
- Krakow
- Wrocław
- Katowice
- Tri-city (combined area of Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot)
- Lodz
- Poznan
Software Outsourcing in Warsaw
The share of Polish IT specialists in Warsaw is 23%. The capital of Poland has a growing pool of IT experts in various software engineering areas, and solid technical universities regularly provide junior talent. Google invested 2.7 billion PLN (about 600 million euros) in Polish technology, and this company owns a tech hub in Warsaw, which they had previously rented and used as a headquarters for testing Google Cloud technology. On top of that, Warsaw is known as home to startups, and their number is 3,000+.
Software Development in Kraków
Kraków’s tech scene has 13% of Poland’s tech specialists. It boasts a solid research base and a well-educated population. Besides, it features a robust start-up ecosystem, which includes local incubators, venture capital, finance availability, and international investment inflows. Every year, Kraków universities graduate 2,35k computer science students prepared to create hands-on or innovative software solutions and mobile applications.
Wrocław
This city has 11% of the country’s IT specialists. A combination of expertise and a high standard of life distinguishes its tech environment. The agglomeration contains 1.2 million people and has various universities, including the top-ranked Wrocław University of Science and Technology, where over 125,000 students study annually.
Wrocław provides a substantial commercial and R&D infrastructure and economic development tools for startups. It focuses on emerging technologies such as e-commerce, software, business analytics, nanotechnology, human resources, gaming, mobile technologies, transportation, and engineering.
Tricity
This area includes Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot, which have a talent pool of 37,900 software engineers. The region has experienced rapid expansion in recent years. With over 20 institutions and over 700,000 students, the Tri-City is one of Europe’s most educated places.
Large enterprises migrating to the area and robust development over the previous decade have made the Tri-City a desirable investment destination.
Katowice
By 2024, the number of IT specialists in the area had grown to almost 32,000. This IT powerhouse also produces 3,600 ICT and engineering graduates each year. Besides, Katowice has the sixth-best startup ecosystem in Poland.
Lodz
Lodz is an attractive place for investments. 11% of survey respondents selected the city as a potential investment site between 2023 and 2025. It has various IT companies, and the majority of customers among IT firms in Lodz come from Asia.
Poznań
Poznań is home to 7.5% of Poland’s overall IT developer population. This city is known for its hospitable business climate and dedication to education and research. Tech universities frequently produce graduates who make essential contributions to the technology sector. Furthermore, Poznan’s local government and numerous organizations aid entrepreneurs with grants, incubators, and accelerators.
Software Development in Poland Trends
You can easily find a custom software development company in Poland that specializes in web, mobile, or system development because these are three major branches of the local IT system. There are also full-stack companies that offer an extensive range of services. Polish software developers are well-versed in AI development to create cutting-edge digital solutions, ML to build autonomous learning systems, blockchain networks, cloud technologies, and VR/AR products.
You can build products using backend and frontend parts, depending on your preferences. The industry expertise of the software companies in Poland varies depending on their customers’ needs. You can find vendors who create websites based on ready-made solutions (e.g., WordPress) or those experienced in custom web applications utilizing innovative architecture or infrastructure.
If you outsource to Poland, you can also create mobile apps based on the most popular operating systems and those using hybrid technologies. Enterprise web apps, SaaS products, e-commerce platforms, and CRMs are among Poland’s most sought-after outsourcing solutions.
Reasons to Opt For Offshore Software Development in Poland
Exemplary Software Development Quality
Top software development companies leverage the best development practices and strong skills to create innovative digital products. Poland ranks third on HackerRank, first in Java, and fifth in programming languages like Python, Shell, and Ruby.
Attractive Engineer Compensation
Hiring Polish developers is generally more affordable than in Western European or North American countries. For instance, a Senior Java Developer earns $70,000 in Poland vs. $170,000 in the USA. Companies can benefit from cost savings while still receiving high-quality development services. This cost-effectiveness is particularly attractive for companies with budget constraints or seeking to optimize development costs.
Favorable Tax Incentives
Poland has a corporate income tax of 19% and a personal income tax of 12-32% (depending on income). The Polish government also offers a reduced 9% rate for startups and small businesses with less than 2,000,000 EUR annual revenue.
Excellent ICT Higher Education
Twenty-two of Poland’s higher education institutions appear in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The country’s education system emphasizes technical disciplines, producing top software developers, engineers, designers, and other IT specialists. Usually, 20,000 ICT students graduate each year. Engaging engineering teams in Poland gives access to this pool of skilled professionals.
High Level of English
According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Poland ranks 13th and is highly proficient. Most Polish developers have good English language skills, enabling effective communication and understanding of project requirements.
Western Work Values
Poland is highly culturally compatible with Western Europe and North America. Local programmers have an open mindset, and you can easily find a common language with them. Polish software developers are accustomed to working with key clients from different cultural backgrounds, making communication and collaboration smoother.
Reasons to Choose Qubit Labs for Software Development in Poland
Qubit Labs has over ten years of experience landing tech teams worldwide. We have found over 450 specialists for over 37 businesses worldwide. Hiring a developer in Poland involves several steps to ensure you find the right talent that fits your project needs. If you need to know where to start and are unfamiliar with Polish IT markets, delegate the hiring process to Qubit Labs. Qubit Labs hires top-notch software engineers swiftly and manages all administrative tasks, including payroll, taxes, and HR, allowing you to focus on project development. For your future team, we offer benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, professional development opportunities, and healthcare as we understand the specifics of the Polish market. Do you want to discuss terms of cooperation? Book a free call.
FAQs
How Can a Western Tech Company Effectively Hire Software Developers in Poland?
If you want to profit from professional Polish software development, try working with a reputable outstaffing provider who can assist you in hiring a team of experienced programmers in Poland while saving you significant money. Qubit Labs will be happy to assist you in your journey.
Is Dedicated Development Team Poland Good For Startups?
Poland is home to many world-known startups, so outsourcing software development to Poland is a decision that might help your business skyrocket. Also, seeing is believing, so here is a list of the most prominent Polish startups:
- Docplanner
- Surfer
- Booksy
- Creamfinance
- Brainly
- Estimote
- Symmetrical
- Autonomous Systems
Moreover, the availability of incubators, accelerators, and platforms is critical for improving a country’s startup ecosystem. They help establish an atmosphere where Polish developers can share their experiences, expand networking, mentor others, and boost creativity. The number of accelerators in the country is rapidly growing, and the areas of their specialization are expanding each year.
Since Warsaw is one of the drivers of software development Poland, here are some of the most notable local accelerators, incubators, and platforms:
- ReaktorX
- Startup HUB Poland
- NextGrid
- AIP Warsaw
Also, in Warsaw, there is a Google Campus, one of the primary locations where startups can find the best of Google and turn their ideas into reality. Most Poland startups prefer selling their services and products to businesses, and, what’s interesting, money isn’t their most crucial factor. Instead, they prioritize creating the products that influence the companies’ decisions and facilitate business processes. Besides, the local startup scene boasts an impressive number of female entrepreneurs. They are interested in developing solutions that can positively affect the future and ensure sustainability for users.
Does Developing Software in Poland Imply High Quality?
Due to its high quality of technical education, determination to projects, and hungry-for-success developers, Poland is considered one of the best outsourcing destinations in the international market. Outsourcing development to Poland usually implies an excellent cost-to-quality ratio, and it’s easy to cooperate with Polish programmers because they’re well-versed in the Agile approach and methodologies.
Bottom Line
So, why do people opt for a software house in Poland to outsource software development or mobile app development? Here’s a quick list of the reasons global tech companies opt for Poland outsourcing:
- Many tech graduates and a large talent pool of vetted developers.
- Poland’s IT market is steadily growing, at around 5–10% annually.
- Multiple leading IT giants have their R&D centers in Poland.
- Polish programmers offer affordable rates and high-quality services.
- Poland boasts a convenient geographical location and one of the best time zones.
- The country’s economy is more stable compared to other Eastern European countries.
- Polish developers are well-versed in various scalable and flexible technologies: Java, JavaScript, Python, C++, C#, Node.js, and NoSQL.
- Software companies in Poland are located in rapidly growing tech hubs, and software development hourly rates aren’t too high.
- Polish programmers have a great cultural fit because they follow a Western-like approach to work.
- Poland has an impressive startup ecosystem with creative and open-minded developers.
Partner with Polish software developers if you want to tap into Poland’s talent pool and create top-notch software solutions to level up your business. Qubit Labs has over ten years of experience building highly professional development teams. Schedule a free consultation call to discuss your ideas, and we will find a perfect Polish software developer for you.
