Why do Polish IT companies prefer working with foreign clients?

Cooperation with International Clients

According to the "Outsourcing in Poland 2023" report by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, 76% of Polish IT companies work with clients from other countries. Such cooperation opens the door to larger projects that require advanced technologies and skills.

Polish developers, engineers, and IT specialists are valued for their expertise, allowing local companies to secure projects worldwide — in markets like Germany, the UK, and the US. While domestic demand for IT services is growing, many Polish companies still prefer international clients due to scale and opportunity.

Although the Polish IT market is expanding rapidly, it does not yet match the scale of Western markets. As a result, Polish companies often find better opportunities for large, advanced projects abroad.

Higher Profit Margins

One of the key reasons Polish IT companies favor foreign clients is the potential for higher profit margins. Clients from Western countries usually have larger budgets for tech projects, allowing Polish companies to set higher prices while remaining competitive compared to local providers in those markets.

According to A.T. Kearney’s "Global Services Location Index", Poland remains a top destination offering the best price-to-quality ratio for IT services, making it an attractive partner for international investors.

Growth Opportunities

Favorable exchange rates significantly increase the profitability of contracts with international clients. In 2023, the average USD/PLN rate was 4.3, and the EUR/PLN rate was 4.6. This boosts income when converted to PLN, improving profitability.

These increased profits enable Polish IT companies to invest in new technologies, expand service offerings, and upskill employees through training and certifications. Higher margins not only support daily operations but also create space for growth and innovation, strengthening competitiveness in the global market. 

Long-term Partnerships

nother major advantage of working with foreign clients is access to stable, long-term contracts. International clients — especially global corporations — often offer agreements that guarantee steady revenue for months or even years, providing financial security and predictability.

Deloitte’s "Global IT Outsourcing" report states that 45% of companies worldwide value IT supplier stability when choosing partners. Examples include Polish firms collaborating with giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Google — gaining experience in managing large, complex global projects.

Such projects demand significant resources but also offer growth opportunities in project management, international team coordination, and advanced technologies — enhancing Polish companies' global competitiveness.

Building Brand Prestige

Working with well-known brands is not only about development but also about building reputation and credibility. For example, LiveChat gained recognition after securing projects for global companies like Sony and Mercedes-Benz, leading to more prestigious contracts.

International projects demonstrate a company’s ability to handle diverse business cultures and manage global-scale operations. This experience strengthens Polish IT companies’ ability to win complex projects and grow their presence internationally.

Clients from developed markets like the US, Germany, and the UK are more aware of the value of investing in innovation. These companies are more open to risk and experimenting with cutting-edge technologies, knowing the competitive advantages it can bring.

For instance, IBM regularly partners with Polish IT providers on pioneering projects in AI and cloud computing. This collaboration not only offers financial gains but also invaluable experience in ambitious, innovative ventures — further sharpening Polish companies’ skills and global position.

Access to Cutting-edge Technologies

International clients give Polish IT companies the chance to work with the latest technologies — especially in fields like AI, blockchain, and big data analytics — setting global trends.

Western clients are often on the frontlines of technological innovation, deploying solutions that could soon become industry standards. Collaborating on such projects allows Polish firms to gain experience and expand competencies in advanced technologies.

According to McKinsey's "Global Technology 2023" report, 74% of IT companies consider investing in new technologies a key part of their development strategy. By working with international clients, Polish companies gain access to these innovations, which they can later implement domestically, strengthening their leadership in the industry.

Expanding Business Networks

Operating internationally helps Polish IT firms build broader business networks, which fuels further growth. Foreign clients often recommend reliable partners, leading to new collaborations.

Most Polish IT firms working with international clients report increased inquiries from other global companies. Recommendations are easier to gain in international markets where companies frequently share experiences and connections — compared to the more saturated and concentrated Polish market.

Expanding such a network domestically requires more marketing and personal relationship-building. In contrast, international exposure opens doors to larger, more complex projects with renowned companies worldwide.

In Summary

Polish IT companies prefer working with international clients due to several key reasons:

• Higher profit margins thanks to larger budgets of foreign clients.

• Greater financial stability through long-term contracts.

• Access to advanced technologies and innovative projects.

• Expansion of business networks and new opportunities.

• Strengthening brand prestige and global market position.