Strengths of the region

Poles are among the youngest European nations. This is a great asset in the day and age of ageing societies. Poland averages four working-age persons per each senior citizen over 65, which is a much better result than the EU average. Only the smaller nations of Luxembourg, Ireland, Slovakia and Cyprus surpass Poland in this respect. Population ageing is a problem of highly developed countries. In Poland, however, this process is progressing more slowly, especially when compared with Finland, Italy or Germany.

More and more young Poles are obtaining higher education. According to the OECD, 44% of people aged 25-34 complete higher education, which is over 10% more than a decade earlier. The high share of university graduates is especially noticeable in the sphere of production. Poland is one of the global leaders in this respect. The same can be said of English knowledge, with Poland being in 11th place globally and 9th place in Europe in the EF English Proficiency Index ranking. A record number of people are also learning German, with 13% of Poles declaring they speak it, which is the best result among the Central European countries.

Land plots available for investment in Podlaskie Voivodeship are in attractive locations, comprehensively equipped with technical infrastructure, and well-prepared for investment projects. Both domestic and foreign investors can count on the assistance of the Investors Assistance and Business Promotion Office at the Podlaskie Voivodeship Marshal’s Office. The Centre has an up-to-date database of land earmarked for investment, and it assists companies that are interested in starting their operations in the region.

Companies that invest in Podlaskie Voivodeship are eligible to tax breaks of up to 70% of their expenses. This is the highest state aid available to investors anywhere in Poland. Companies may benefit from this assistance for up to 15 years. The decision to award aid is made by the Suwałki Special Economic Zone, which covers the entire area of the voivodeship.

Podlaskie is a sanctuary for wild nature. The region boasts the oldest primaeval forest in Europe, imposing wild river marshes, and some of the most beautiful lakes in Poland in four unique national parks.

The Podlaskie Voivodeship was for centuries a frontier country, a meeting place for different cultures, nationalities and religions. This heritage has been preserved to this day. It is reflected in the architecture, religious beliefs, unique cuisine, and traditions handed down from generation to generation. Important Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Muslim and Judaist religious sites can be found in the region

The diversity of cultures and nationalities, which include Poles, Belarusians, Lithuanians and Tatars, has brought about the legendary openness and hospitality of the inhabitants of the region. In addition to Polish, many of them speak two or three other mother tongues: Belarusian, Lithuanian or Russian.