Special Economic Zones

Special Economic Zones (SSE) were created because, as a developing country, Poland needs capital, technology and infrastructure in order to breach the gap in the economic growth as compared to the well-developed countries. The purpose of Special Ecomomic Zones is to activate regions, decrease unemployment and accelerate the socio-economic development of regions.

At present there are 14 Special Economic Zones in operation, including Euro-Park Mielec and the Cracov Technology Park. All the zones will operate until 2017, except the Katowice zone, which will operate until 2016, and Euro-Park Mielec – until 2015. In the future Special Economic Zones will transform into areas of economic activity where special conditions will be provided for companies to enable them to create new jobs.

Special Economic Zones are managed by specially established limited companies or limited liability companies, in which the Treasury or the district government has the majority of votes at the general meeting of shareholders or partners. These companies issue permits for operating inside the SSE. In order to obtain a permit for investing in a zone and taking advantage of the allowances offered there, it is necessary to meet requirements regarding the size of the investment and the number of new jobs created. Each zone establishes requirements independently.

The minimum amount of investment, which entitles a company to the SSE public aid is 100.000 EURO. Inside the SSE, companies receive the following privileges:

• Tax exemption (CIT or PIT);
• A plot fully prepared for investment at a competitive price;
• Free help in completing formalities regarding investments;
• Property tax exemption.

The permit for business operation in SSE and all other related formalities are issued and dealt with by the SSE Board of Management.