Freelancing in Poland: How to maximize your income as an Expat

Move to Poland
Jan 3
3 min read

Poland is becoming a top destination for expat freelancers. With a rare combination of low costs, favorable tax policies, and modern quality of life, cities like Warsaw are attracting more and more professionals. If you’re looking to optimize your income while enjoying a high standard of living, this guide will show you why Poland should be your next base.

1. Favorable tax policies for freelancers

Poland offers attractive tax schemes for independent professionals:

Flat-rate tax (8.5% - 12%): If your annual gross income doesn’t exceed 200,000 PLN (approx. 44,000 EUR), you can opt for reduced rates based on your activity type
Flat Tax (19%): For higher incomes, this system provides a fixed tax rate on net profits after deducting business expenses
Tax deductions: Freelancers can deduct professional expenses such as equipment, coworking fees, and travel, lowering their taxable income

2. The Polish zloty: A strong currency with growth potential

The Polish zloty (PLN) is a stable currency that has been gaining strength against the euro over the years. This trend benefits freelancers who charge clients in euros or dollars but cover their living expenses in PLN. It significantly boosts your purchasing power and ensures better financial stability.

3. Low cost of living, high modernity

Poland combines an affordable cost of living with highly modern infrastructure, especially in cities like Warsaw:

Housing: A modern apartment in Warsaw city center costs between 3,000 PLN and 4,500 PLN (approx. 660-990 EUR), much lower than in Western capitals
Transportation: Warsaw’s public transport system is excellent, with monthly passes priced at about 110 PLN (25 EUR)
Modern lifestyle: Cafes, restaurants, and public spaces provide a high-end experience, often surpassing Western standards
Free workspaces: Places like the Warsaw Spire lobby offer professional-grade environments at no cost—perfect for freelancers

4. An ideal and well-connected location

As a capital city, Warsaw is an excellent base for European freelancers:

Same time zone: Poland shares its time zone with most major European countries, enabling seamless collaboration with clients
Transport hubs: Warsaw is a major hub for flights and trains, making it easy to connect with European cities like Paris, London, Berlin, and Amsterdam
EU membership: Freelancers from the EU benefit from simplified administrative procedures thanks to the freedom of movement and services

5. Practical example: Freelance IT professional in France vs. Poland

Let’s compare a freelance developer with an annual revenue of 60,000 EUR (approx. 273,000 PLN) :

In France :

Social charges and taxes: Approximately 45%, or 27,000 EUR
Professional expenses: About 5,000 EUR
Net annual income: 28,000 EUR

In Poland :

Gross income: 273,000 PLN (60,000 EUR)
Deductible expenses: 20,000 PLN (4,400 EUR)
Taxable income: 253,000 PLN (55,600 EUR)
Tax (19%): 48,070 PLN (10,564 EUR)
Social insurance (ZUS): 16,800 PLN (3,700 EUR)
Net annual income: 188,130 PLN (41,336 EUR)

Conclusion: In Poland, the freelance IT professional would keep 41,336 EUR, compared to 28,000 EUR in France—a significant difference, with better living standards.

6. Tips for maximizing your freelance income

Charge in foreign currencies (EUR/USD): Since the zloty is weaker than the euro, this strategy boosts your purchasing power locally
Opt for free or affordable workspaces: Utilize professional lobbies like the Warsaw Spire or coworking spaces with competitive pricing
Engage with local freelance communities: Warsaw hosts numerous freelance-focused events, ideal for networking and creating new opportunities
Learn basic Polish: Even a simple grasp of the language can open doors to local clients and partnerships

7. Why choose Poland?

Poland offers much more than economic benefits:

Modern, dynamic infrastructure
A secure lifestyle with plenty of cultural and leisure opportunities
Tax and cost-of-living advantages that maximize your income and quality of life

Sources:

Oseille.tv: Freelance Tax Guide in Poland
Expat.com: Cost of Living in Poland
Warsaw Spire: Free Workspaces