For at least the past decade, Kraków has been more than just a tourist destination. It is a city that is vigorously developing economically and scientifically. This is affirmed by numerous accolades in both national and primarily European rankings. Currently, Kraków is one of the best places in Europe to do business.

Each year, the city attracts entrepreneurs not only from Poland but also from abroad. Visitors appreciate the business potential and the atmosphere conducive to successful investments. They choose the capital of Lesser Poland because it offers conditions for running profitable, often innovative businesses. A significant influence on the city’s popularity is also the local company Kraków5020, operating under the Wawel Castle. It manages, builds the image, and promotes the city of Kraków, including cooperation with business partners. The main goal of the company is to integrate the local market and implement actions in the international market. The initiative significantly influences Kraków’s position as a modern European metropolis that is attractive and open to innovation.

What does the future look like in Kraków? In recent years, the Kraków 2030 Development Strategy has been created.

The goals of the Kraków 2030 Development Strategy are shaped with the transformation of the city into a smart metropolis in mind, following the smart city concept. This development vision is based on the idea of sustainable development promoted by the European Union. It emphasizes the importance of innovation, competitiveness, and social integration.

Kraków aims to solidify its position as a dynamic hub of activity at the national, European, and global levels by 2030. The goal is to organize key economic, scientific, and political events and to become a strategic partner in the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and innovations. The city focuses on promoting the values of social and cultural dialogue as a fundamental form of cooperation.

These objectives are implemented through strategic programs and other actions, including independent projects and ongoing management activities.

The vibrant city fosters business development. Kraków is just such a place. With its tourist-attracting old town, hundreds of restaurants, theaters, museums, sports attractions—everyone can find something for themselves. Kraków is also a city full of greenery—approximately 35% of Kraków is covered with trees, and about 20% with grass, ranking the city high in sectors concerning green spaces.

The city offers the opportunity to study at 23 universities, including the internationally recognized Jagiellonian University. The city is attractive for acquiring higher education. Students choose it for its high standard of education, numerous innovative programs, and a high level of foreign language teaching, preparing them for work in an international environment. What does this mean for entrepreneurs? Kraków is abundant in talented students and graduates looking for development opportunities.

Another advantage of Kraków is the multitude of training sessions, conferences, and other types of meetings for both future and current entrepreneurs. The city supports business development by often organizing completely free training sessions and meetings. Besides these, there are a number of paid training opportunities available. It’s also easy to find a business advisor. All this creates an atmosphere conducive to the creation and development of new businesses.

Between 2022 and 2024, Kraków consistently gained recognition in various business rankings. In the fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2022/23 ranking, Kraków scored high in the categories of business friendliness, human capital and lifestyle, and economic potential, taking first, second, and sixth places, respectively. Additionally, in the overall ranking of large cities, it ranked fourth. In the Forbes magazine’s Business-Friendly Cities 2022 ranking, Kraków also succeeded, ranking third in the category of cities with over 300,000 inhabitants.

In the following year, in the fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2023 ranking, Kraków continued its good run, taking first place in the category of business friendliness and second in human capital and lifestyle. Moreover, the city ranked sixth in economic potential and third in the overall ranking of large cities. In the Forbes Business-Friendly Cities 2023 ranking, Kraków moved up to the second position in the category of cities with over 300,000 inhabitants.

In the most recent fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2024 ranking, Kraków once again confirmed its position, capturing first place in the categories of business friendliness and human capital and lifestyle. The city also placed fourth in the overall ranking of large cities and sixth in economic potential.

How to start a business in the city of innovation affordably and conveniently? One solution might be choosing a virtual office. Business outsourcing is becoming an increasingly popular option. With rising rental and office maintenance costs, this option is much more economical, especially at the start. Another argument in favor of a virtual address is convenience. You receive an address for your company and correspondence handling, allowing you to run your business remotely from anywhere!

OX⋮START has two locations in Kraków —at Plac Wolnica and on Czyżówka Street. The branch at Plac Wolnica is located in a restored tenement house and has a conference room with a view of the Old Market. The other location is in the modern HUBPOINT building, offering free parking and modern facilities for business meetings.

At our Virtual Office services, you can conveniently combine them with accounting services, so your documents will be submitted to the accountant on the day they are received.

Kraków is currently one of the most attractive places for business in Poland. It provides a business-friendly environment, an attractive labor market, and is conducive to investments. The business future of the city looks promising, and access to training and support is extensive.

Thanks to business outsourcing, starting a business in Kraków does not have to mean a high financial investment. This choice also allows for saving time and ensures convenience of working from any location.

It is certain that starting or relocating a business to Kraków is currently an investment in the future of your company!