Women are taking the Polish market by storm. They dominated specific sectors of the economy

Last year, women founded almost 40 percent. all sole proprietorships – informed the Polish Economic Institute (PIE). 87 percent JDG was registered by Polish women, and by foreign women – 13%.

According to PIE, in 2025, women founded 102.8 thousand. sole proprietorships, which accounted for 39%. all newly established JDGs in Poland – according to CEIDG data.

Of this number, 87 percent JDG was registered by Polish women, while 13 percent was created on the initiative of foreign women. 6 out of 10 new JDGs founded by Polish women last year focused on professional, scientific and technical activities, trade, health care, social assistance and other service activities, the Institute said.

In turn, the majority of JDGs registered by foreign women (61%) operated in 2025 in four sections: other service activities, trade, administrative services, support activities and professional, scientific and technical activities.

According to PIE, foreign women most often established JDGs in other service activities (27%), while in the case of Polish women it was 14%. They also operated in telecommunications, computer programming and administration services more often than Polish women. They were also more likely to be involved in support activities, accommodation and catering.

Meanwhile, the share of JDG Polish women in the health care and social assistance industry was 16 percent last year, while in the case of foreign women it was 5 percent. Polish women were more likely to establish JDGs also in the professional, scientific and technical sectors, in finance and insurance, and in trade.

A similar share in the structure of established businesses, both among Polish and foreign women, occurred, among others: in industrial processing and construction.

According to PIE, foreign women were more likely to start businesses in sectors with low entry barriers. In turn, Polish women were more likely to open JDGs in industries requiring nostrification of diplomas or professional licenses.

These differences are systemic: female migrants encounter institutional barriers (e.g. recognition of qualifications, limited access to capital resources), which direct them to sectors with lower entry barriers and more flexible regulations – said the Institute's analysts.

The Polish Economic Institute is a public economic think tank; prepares reports, analyzes and recommendations regarding key areas of the economy and social life. (PAP)

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