Katowice

Katowice is located near the intersection of A1 and A4 motorways. This facilitates convenient travel to other cities in Poland and Europe. Katowice International Airport is one of the largest and most dynamically developing airports in the country, serving over 5 million passengers annually. Further expansion of the passenger terminal equipped with passenger boarding bridges, the bus station, the tunnel connecting the main terminal with the bus station and the railway stop is planned in the near future.

Getting around Katowice is easy thanks to buses and trams. And with the Intelligent Transport System, which supports traffic control, priority passage of public transport vehicles is ensured.

Road and technological solutions enabled the city to earn the title of the least congested metropolitan area in the TomTom ranking.

Tomasz Dyba

Manager of Katowice Office, Leasing Agency – Office, Cushamn & Wakefield

Expert commentary

Katowice stands out for its excellent national and international transport links. Its location near the intersection of A1 (north-south) and A4 (east-west) motorways ensures accessibility in every direction across Europe. The Intercity Road (Drogowa Trasa Średnicowa) connects the most important cities of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, and the extensive railway network enables fast connections to Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Berlin. A key role is also played by Katowice International Airport, which serves over 5 million passengers annually and continues to expand its capacity.

Within a 100 km radius, there are two more airports – Kraków-Balice and Ostrava. The city continues to expand its public transport offer, and thanks to the joint efforts of the metropolitan cities, more than 1,700 buses and trams are now available to serve GZM passengers.

Rail transport is further strengthened by four national railway lines as well as the E30 and E65 international routes. Cycling infrastructure is also gaining importance – with over 200 km of bike paths in Katowice alone and a rapidly developing network of intercity connections. All this reflects Katowice’s ambitions as a modern, sustainable city. Excellent infrastructure makes Katowice an attractive choice for both investors and employees.

Tomasz Dyba

Manager of Katowice Office, Leasing Agency – Office, Cushman & Wakefield

Expert commentary

The office market in Katowice, with a total stock exceeding 777,000 sq m, is one of the most important in the country. The age structure of the stock indicates that the space is relatively modern – almost 250,000 sq m are offices built in the last five years. Despite this, the high vacancy rate of 23% shows that the market is going through a period of adjustment. In 2024, 26,600 sq m of new space were delivered, with another 34,000 sq m under construction, which indicates limited developer activity. Gross demand was 47,600 sq m, reflecting stable tenant interest. Asking rents range between EUR 13.50/sq m and EUR 15.50/sq m, with the greatest interest in class A offices located close to the city centre, well-connected and efficient. As the market matures, further modernisation of older buildings and conversion of functions in less competitive locations as well as greater emphasis on ESG, green certificates, and adaptation to hybrid working can be expected. It is also worth noting that, given the limited new supply across the country, Katowice may become more cost-competitive compared to larger agglomerations.

Magdalena Mikula

Asset Management & Leasing Manager, Globalworth Poland

Expert commentary

In my opinion, the prospects for the Katowice office market in the coming quarters are moderately optimistic. The lack of significant new supply will favour further absorption of the existing office space stock and a gradual reduction in the vacancy rate, which still exceeds 20%. Limited developer activity means that competition for the best space in buildings in central locations and those undergoing consistent modernisation will increase, and some projects may experience selective rental pressure.

On the demand side, lease renewals dominate, and tenants’ decisions are increasingly shaped by two trends: “flight to quality” – preference for central locations, highly efficient floor layouts and proven environmental certifications, and “flight to efficiency” – optimisation of floor space, adapting it to the hybrid working model and the total cost of using the space.

There is also a noticeable increase in interest in modern office space among public institutions and state-owned companies, seeking space of up to several thousand square metres in central locations, with priority given to safety and energy efficiency, which favours longer term of leases.

Based on our experience and observations, we can see that in the coming years, ESG solutions and flexible lease models that will support companies in adapting their offices to the changing scale of their operations will become key determinants of the attractiveness of office space. In this context, Globalworth – as a long-term investor – actively maintains and modernises its asset portfolio, improving energy performance and workplace comfort, while offering flexibility through a complementary offer that combines high-quality, ergonomic spaces available for traditional lease with Ace of Space serviced offices. Thanks to the symbiosis of these lease models, we ensure a quick start of the business, easy scalability, and operational and technological support in line with the “office as a service” trend.

With competitive costs and an improving balance between supply and demand, in 2025–2026 Katowice may become a market that is increasingly stable and predictable for tenants and owners, thereby building an image of a stable and predictable office market in Poland.

Katowice offers a wide range of initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and business development. One of them is the Investors Assistance Department and the Business Incubator Rawa.Ink, which supports young entrepreneurs and start-ups by providing them with access to office space, business advice and financial support.

Investors Assistance Department within Invest in Katowice offers support at every stage of the investment process: in the pre-investment phase (including the provision of business analyses), the investment phase (supporting business establishment – soft landing support), and the post-investment phase (supporting further growth and development). The city is also covered by the Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSSE) – one of the most effective in Europe, offering tax reliefs, access to attractive investment areas and the possibility of obtaining funding for the development of new projects.

Katowice actively supports sustainable development by offering incentives for companies in the green energy and energy efficiency sectors. The city consistently develops digital administrative services, which significantly simplify and speed up administrative processes while reducing the costs of running a business.

Katowice stands out for its strong academic base and effective links between universities and the modern technology, medicine and business sectors, supporting the development of future competencies, knowledge transfer and the emergence of innovative solutions, and accelerating the career start of graduates.

The University of Silesia conducts world-class research, especially in science and humanities, and actively cooperates with businesses and public institutions, and its Technology Transfer Centre supports the implementation of innovative solutions in industry.

The Silesian University of Technology is one of the leading technical universities in Poland. Due to close collaboration with the automotive, power and IT industries, it carries out prestigious research projects and implements modern technologies in cooperation with global companies such as IBM, KGHM or Airbus.

Katowice also has a strong position in educating medical personnel. The Medical University of Silesia is one of the oldest and most renowned medical universities in Poland, educating doctors, pharmacists and public health specialists who gain experience in the region’s modern clinical centres.

The city also plays an important role in economic education. The University of Economics in Katowice has numerous international accreditations, collaborates with the business sector and offers students an opportunity to participate in internships and projects carried out with economic partners.

Katowice effectively combines science with the economy, supporting the development of future competencies, knowledge transfer and the creation of innovative solutions. With its strong academic position, a growing labour market and investment in development, the city is an attractive place to study and build a professional career.

Patrycja Bańczak

Senior Consultant, Antal IT Perm

Expert commentary

Katowice never ceases to surprise – a city that until recently was associated mainly with heavy industry, today attracts both young people and companies focused on innovation and development of competencies of the future. To me, as a recruiter with 10 years of experience, Katowice has always stood out as an educational centre that skilfully combines academic tradition with a growing emphasis on future-proof competencies.

At the heart of this transformation are strong universities – the University of Silesia, the Silesian University of Technology University of Economics, Academy of Music and the Academy of Fine Arts – which educate specialists with a wide range of skills. They increasingly focus on practical experience, cooperation with business and international projects. Graduates of these institutions stand out not only for their solid academic preparation but also for their openness to interdisciplinary challenges and their ability to adapt quickly.

Today, Katowice is not only a city with educational potential. This is a place that effectively uses this potential. As a recruiter, I can say with confidence: here, education truly meets practice, and innovation meets heart. This makes Silesia one of the most interesting places to observe and support talent development in Poland.

With good transport links, cooperation with universities and a growing number of investment projects, Katowice offers access to a wide talent pool. The city attracts employers from the modern services and technology sectors.

One of the fastest growing industries is IT – specialists in programming, data analysis, cybersecurity and project management are in high demand – and Katowice is becoming a regional technology hub.

Despite economic transformation, industry and production continue to play an important role. This sector is supported by the Silesian University of Technology, which educates highly qualified engineers for companies operating in new technologies, automation and production engineering.

Katowice offer stable employment conditions in future-oriented sectors and combine academic resources with market needs – 90% of students are fluent in English, and as many as 38 languages are used in business across the Metropolis.

Agnieszka Grzegorczyk

Team Manager, Antal Engineering & Operations

Expert commentary

Katowice, the central hub of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, continues to strengthen its position as one of the key employment centres in Poland. The growing availability of staff, especially in the IT, finance and business services sectors, attracts investors. The city benefits from a strong academic base, developed infrastructure and a growing number of modern office spaces. The dynamic growth of the IT, logistics and SSC/BPO sectors goes hand in hand with the growing importance of technology – including artificial intelligence which begins to play an increasingly important role in the process automation and the creation of new business models. The challenges include primarily rising salary expectations, a shortage of highly qualified AI specialists, and the need to quickly adapt to new hybrid and remote working models. Katowice is responding to these changes by investing in the development of digital competencies and cooperation between universities and businesses. The outlook remains optimistic and the region is still perceived as a stable and future-proof investment location.

Katowice is strengthening its position as one of the key business cities in Central and Eastern Europe. In the European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 ranking (fDi Intelligence), the city ranked 9th in the category of foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy among large cities, which confirms effectiveness of the local pro-investment policy.

High positions in the Business-Friendly Cities (“Forbes Polska”) and Best Cities for Companies (“Puls Biznesu”) rankings are evidence of Katowice’s attractiveness in terms of access to qualified staff, developed infrastructure and a favourable climate for business development – especially in the IT, creative industry and advanced technology sectors.

A well-developed transport network and active cooperation with universities and institutions supporting innovation make Katowice one of the most promising economic centres in Poland.

Roman Pokorski

Director of DANONE Planning Center Katowice

Expert commentary

Today, Katowice is one of the most dynamically developing business cities in Poland, the heart of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. The city attracts businesses with its access to qualified staff, developed infrastructure and support from local authorities. Investment in modern competency centres, such as DANONE Planning Centre, opened in 2024, confirm the region’s growing attractiveness to global companies. For us, Katowice has become a veritable “command centre” – our Katowice team is responsible for supply chain planning for 26 DANONE factories across Europe. This is a strategic investment project that has created 250 jobs, mainly for highly qualified experts and specialists. We are delighted to be a part of this region and to strengthen our presence here, as there are already three DANONE group production plants operating in Silesia. Silesia is becoming a hub for modern business and technology services, supporting the development of competencies of the future and strengthening the region’s competitiveness.

Łukasz Siwiec

Center of Logistics Excellence Lead, LIPTON Teas and Infusions

Expert commentary

Why is Katowice a strategic location for LIPTON Teas and Infusions? The city offers the perfect combination of excellent connectivity, high competencies and access to talent. Strategically located near an international airport, it serves as an ideal European hub, boosting our logistical efficiency across the continent.
In addition to its geographical advantages, Katowice is developing as a knowledge and innovation centre. With strong academic institutions and a rich talent pool in research, development, and IT, it gives us access to the skills and expertise that power sustainable business growth.

Wiktor Doktór

CEO, Pro Progressio

Expert commentary

Katowice is a city that has successfully undergone and continues to undergo a transformation from a city associated with industry to a city associated with diversity of sectors and modern technologies.

In Katowice, sectors such as IT, BPO and R&D maintain a positive growth rate every year, and this trend is strengthening each year.

The city has strongly focused on modern technologies and is currently implementing a project called the Katowice Gaming and Technology HUB. As its name suggests, it is aimed at both the gaming and technology industries, in terms of education, research, development and final implementation.

Katowice has an excellent logistic location – intersection of two motorways, access to at least three airports, and a unique in Poland Metropolis whose member gminas cooperate with one another. These factors have a direct impact on the business attractiveness of this city.

With its rich cultural and recreational offer and well-developed urban infrastructure, Katowice offers a high quality of life. The city ranked first in Poland in the Business Insider ranking for the best city to live in (September 2025).

Katowice hosts prestigious festivals such as OFF Festival, Tauron Nowa Muzyka and Rawa Blues Festival, as well as numerous sporting and artistic events taking place throughout the year.

The focus is on the Katowice Culture Zone – a modern complex built on former mining grounds, comprising the Silesian Museum, the SPODEK hall, the headquarters of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) and the International Congress Centre.

The city also stands out for the unique architecture of Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec districts and numerous green areas, such as the Murckowski Forest, the Three Ponds Valley and Kościuszko Park, which are conducive to recreation and outdoor leisure activities.

Katowice effectively combines its industrial heritage with modernity, offering residents comfortable conditions for living, working and leisure.

The city in figures*

• over 1.5 million of tourists.
• over 800 thousand of business tourists.
• over 20 hotels.
• several museums and museum-like institutions.
• over 100 parks, squares and communal gardens.
• over 42% of the city’s area is covered by forests and urban green areas.