Lodz

One of the main advantages of Łódź is its location. The central location, combined with an extensive railway network and direct access to A1 and A2 trans-European motorways, provides quick and convenient access to Warsaw, Gdańsk, Katowice, Krakow, Szczecin and many other cities. The functioning airport enables direct travel among other places to the UK, Ireland or Germany.

The Łódź Agglomeration Railway facilitates travel. 65 stations and an extensive network of railway lines allow travelling freely around Łódź and the surrounding area including Sieradz, Kutno, Łowicz and Skierniewice. When discussing advantages of Łódź’s transport infrastructure, it is worth mentioning Łódź Fabryczna railway station, which is to become a key point on the map of high-speed routes in the future. Furthermore, a cross-city tunnel that will connect various districts of the city and enable even faster travel by long-distance trains is being constructed.

Currently, Łódź has 19 municipal tram lines and 3 suburban lines to Pabianice, Konstantnów Łódzki and Zgierz. There are also 94 bus routes and 240 kilometres of bicycle paths.

Zuzanna Krech

Associate, Head of Leasing and Business Development, Office Agency, Cushman & Wakefield

Expert commentary

In the face of dynamic economic and geopolitical changes, Łódź has established itself as one of the most promising locations for business in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. The city attracts investors with its strategic geographical location, modern and comprehensive transport infrastructure (it is the only city in Poland with a complete motorway ring road) and a wide range of investment incentives.

Łódź, Poland’s fourth largest city in terms of population, currently ranks third in the country in terms of modern warehouse space. The Łódź region also stands out for its availability of attractive investment areas, especially within the Łódź Special Economic Zone, which offers over 400 hectares of land prepared for industrial and logistics investment projects.

Over 260 million people live within a 1,000 km radius of Łódź. Key European metropolises such as Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Vilnius are within a 500 km radius.

A1 and A2 motorways and S8 and S14 expressways form a complete ring road around the city, making it unique in the country.

The region also offers access to qualified staff thanks to strong academic and technological centres.

The city invests in the quality of life of its residents, the development of green infrastructure and modern urban solutions, making it an attractive place to live and work. It also offers comprehensive assistance at every stage of the investment process – from location advice, through tax relief, to administrative support.

Łódź is not just a location – it is a partner in development. The city is consistently building its brand as a centre of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Anna Szurek

Senior Negotiator, Office Leasing Agency – Łódź, Cushman & Wakefield

Expert commentary

The Łódź office market favours companies that prioritise improving the quality of their space, employee amenities, and business environment. The change of the role of the office — primarily to a place for project work, building relationships and attachment to the company, with simultaneous strengthening of the hybrid working model, advancing automation and implementation of AI solutions – is prompting tenants to review their actual office needs.

It can be expected that the stable interest of tenants in office space, which we observe year by year (demand of approx. 50-60,000 sq m), combined with relatively low supply on the market in 2024, when less than 11,000 sq m were commissioned, and the lack of new office projects in 2025, will, in the long run, result in a limited choice of the best quality projects and an increase in asking rents, especially for companies looking for space above 1,000 sq m. Thus, owners of relatively older projects who will notice these trends in good time and intensify their efforts to increase the attractiveness of their projects may become an attractive alternative in the competition for larger contracts in the coming years. In the current market situation, however, these are not easy decisions and require some business courage, capital and risk-taking. The market does not facilitate decisions on new office investment projects due to the rising construction and financing costs. For this reason, there has been a noticeable shift in the market towards changing the functions of office projects planned to date, such as WiMa Widzewska Manufaktura and the New Centre of Łódź, to residential or mixed-use functions.

The high vacancy rate of 22.7% at the end of 2024 favoured tenants that were able to obtain more attractive offers than in previous years and negotiate additional incentives and contract flexibility.

With office fit-out costs remaining high, companies often ultimately opt for longer contracts in order to reduce initial investment costs and maintain a commercially acceptable rent rate.

Marcin Dondalski

Asset Management & Leasing Manager, Globalworth Poland

Expert commentary

In 2025, the Łódź office market is undergoing significant changes that create new potential for commercial real estate, including offices, with a stable position and in a convenient location. From Globalworth’s point of view, the key value in deciding to lease commercial space is the combination of a long-term investor approach and active ownership management. Today, tenants are looking not only for efficient space, but also for solutions that support a hybrid working model – large floor plates, flexible modules and amenities that enhance employee comfort. The office becomes primarily a place for meetings, integration and cooperation.

Our experience shows that customers value, above all, a comprehensive approach to real estate management, which saves them time, optimises their budget and ensures the highest quality. Globalworth’s ownership management business model is based on an in-house team of experts – architects, engineers and asset managers – who work with tenants on a daily basis and have an in-depth understanding of the building’s characteristics, capabilities and limitations. This enables us to respond quickly to the needs of businesses, flexibly implement layout changes and invest in the common areas of the facility, ensuring that its tenants enjoy a constantly improving standard of the building.

We are observing significant activity of budgetary units and public institutions which supplement the demand generated by the business services and IT sectors. Our office buildings, including those in Łódź, are gradually evolving towards quasi-mixed-use functionality – combining classic office space with lifestyle services and amenities. Together with the City of Łódź, we have also created a green area in front of the Green Horizon building, which serves as an open chill-out zone available to tenants. This approach, enhanced by pro-environmental modernisation, allows us to maintain attractiveness of the location and build long-term value for tenants and investors.

Łódź is committed to developing entrepreneurship through close collaboration between businesses and public administration, offering various forms of support for entrepreneurs. Dialogue between the private and public sectors is actively promoted, which is conducive to favourable conditions for business development.

The city is committed to implementing the Strategy for Responsible Development, which aims, among other things, to increase the share of domestic capital in the banking sector and introduce facilitations for companies. In Łódź, there are institutions that support entrepreneurship by offering advice and training.

Individuals planning to start a business may apply at Poviat Employment Offices (PUP) and institutions offering EU support for one-off funds to start a business. Currently, the maximum amount of such aid is approximately PLN 24,000. Furthermore, the city implements programmes supporting innovation and technological development, offering tax reliefs and access to preferential premises for entrepreneurs. With these initiatives, in 2025, Łódź strengthens its position as a business-friendly city, offering comprehensive support for business development.

Łódź is a dynamically developing academic centre that combines a rich industrial tradition with a modern approach to science and business. In the 2024/2025 academic year, the city continues to strengthen its position as a hub of innovation and cooperation between universities and the business sector. With numerous research and development programmes and close ties with business, Łódź universities educate highly qualified specialists who find employment both in Poland and internationally.

The University of Łódź is one of the main drivers of academic and business development in the region. It operates the Academic Business Incubator, which supports young entrepreneurs in implementing their business ideas, and the Technology Transfer Centre, which facilitates the commercialisation of research results and their implementation in the economy. The university is engaged in international research projects and collaborates with companies, offering tailored internship and advisory programmes.

The Łódź University of Technology stands out for its innovative approach to education and strong research and development base. It works with global technology and industrial corporations on numerous joint research and implementation projects. The university also has a Technology Transfer Centre to support the commercialisation of scientific research results. Internship programmes and a dual education system, run jointly with enterprises, enable students to gain practical skills while still studying.

The Medical University of Łódź actively collaborates with the healthcare sector and the pharmaceutical industry, conducting clinical trials and innovative projects in biotechnology and medicine. It is one of the national leaders in implementing modern medical technologies and in cooperation with international pharmaceutical corporations.

Łódź focuses on the development of modern technologies, the creative industry and innovative business solutions, with universities playing a key role in this process. Through numerous support programmes for entrepreneurs, research and development projects and cooperation with business, the city attracts both investors and talented students, reinforcing its position as a centre of innovation and a modern economy.

Dominik Kalinowski

Head of Outsourcing, Antal

Expert commentary

Łódź is one of the most interesting academic centres in Poland. It attracts both students and investors, because local universities – the University of Łódź, Łódź University of Technology, Medical University and the Film School – not only offer a wide range of courses, but also respond dynamically to changes in the labour market. For example, the Łódź University of Technology regularly introduces new specialisations, often in consultation with representatives of local companies, so that graduates are ready for the challenges of green transformation or the digitisation of industry. The Medical University, in turn, focuses on modern forms of education, such as micro-credentials, which allow students to flexibly acquire specific qualifications. Universities are increasingly inviting entrepreneurs to collaborate with them to help create curricula and offer work placements and internships. This allows students to learn the realities of work and employers’ expectations while still at university. All this makes Łódź a place where education truly goes hand in hand with market needs.

For years, Łódź has been associated with industry, especially textiles, but today its employment potential is growing thanks to the diversification of the region’s economy. Although there is still a high demand for professionals such as electricians, electromechanics and electrical fitters, bus and truck drivers, and warehouse workers, changes in labour market trends are driving an increase in demand for employees with specific IT, data analysis and sales skills. Such diverse labour market provides entrepreneurs with broad access to a varied pool of talent, both in traditional and modern sectors.

Maja Wilczewska

Senior Consultant, Antal Engineering & Operations

Expert commentary

The Łódź market continues to be a dynamic mix of opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the city has a solid base of IT specialists, business services and creative sectors, particularly supported by strong collaboration between universities and businesses and the presence of large international organisations that have found a sound environment for growth in Łódź. On the other hand, companies are struggling with a shortage of qualified engineers, technical specialists (electromechanics, automation engineers, etc.) and production workers. Their expectations in terms of remuneration increases, recognition of their contribution to the company’s growth, and focus on personal development through participation in training courses and obtaining certificates are currently the biggest challenges for employers. The strategic location of Łódź in the heart of the country, its developed infrastructure and numerous investor successes, also due to the support of local government institutions, make it a natural hub for logistics and production. However, to win in the competition for talent in Łódź, employers will have to dare to combine an attractive offer with a concrete plan for competence development. Companies that attract the best people have the greatest chance of stable and harmonious development.

Łódź once again confirmed its strong position on the European investment map, ranking high in the European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 ranking prepared by fDi Intelligence. In the Business Friendliness category, the city ranked second among medium-sized European cities. The stable and favourable conditions for conducting business and developing foreign investment were appreciated. Human capital and lifestyle were also highly rated, with Łódź coming in 7th place. This award highlights the development of education, the availability of talent and the improving quality of life in the city. Furthermore, the city ranked eighth in the category of foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy. This is proof of the city’s effective measures in terms of investment promotion and implementation of policies favourable to foreign companies. Łódź is consistently strengthening its position as one of the key business centres in Central and Eastern Europe, combining economic development with improved living and working conditions.

During the Forbes Diamonds 2024 gala, the Łódź University of Technology ranked 13th in the Łódź region in the category of companies with revenues exceeding PLN 250 million. This prestigious distinction is awarded to the fastest-growing companies in Poland.

Kamila Woźniakowska

Site Director, Alorica

Expert commentary

Łódź has proven to be a strategic location for Alorica’s operations in Central and Eastern Europe. The city offers a unique blend of business-friendly infrastructure, cost efficiency, and access to a highly educated, multilingual talent pool all of which are critical for delivering world-class customer experience solutions. We are proud to have our site in Łódź, where we are supported by the city’s commitment to innovation, urban development, and collaboration with international companies. The local government’s openness to investment and the availability of modern office spaces have enabled us to build an amazing team and maintain operational excellence. Łódź’s central location also provides logistical advantages, making it a hub for regional service delivery. For Alorica, Łódź is not just a place to operate – it’s a place to thrive.

Wiktor Doktór

CEO, Pro Progressio

Expert commentary

A city in the heart of Poland, at the intersection of two major motorways, with its own airport, is an ideal location for both production and warehouse projects and service projects.

This is where organisations such as Phillips, Barry Callebaut, Infosys, ABB, Clariant or McKinsey are headquartered.

The “city of four cultures”, as the name suggests, is highly diverse, open to foreigners and investment, both local and international.

Łódź is home to numerous initiatives that support development of industries such as household appliances, logistics and outsourcing, as well as operational models such as R&D centres, centres of excellence and global service centres.

The proximity of Łódź and Warsaw has led to these two cities being referred to as Duopolis, as they form the largest developed business location in Europe. Both cities’ potential still has a lot to offer.

As the former capital city of Polish cinema, Łódź uses its enormous creative potential, offering many attractions and events. Today, it is mainly known as a city of festivals, hosting regular events of international significance. The residents themselves often emphasise that it is a city of many cultures. You can learn about the history and culture of Łódź by visiting numerous museums: the Museum of the City of Łódź, the Museum of Cinematography, the Museum of Textiles, and the Museum of Art. Manufaktura, which houses museums, a cinema, a theatre, a quarter of a thousand boutiques and shops, playgrounds for children, a fitness club, and dozens of restaurants and cafés, is undoubtedly the city’s showcase. The focal point of the city is the over three-hectare Łódź Women Textile Workers Market Square, which serves as a friendly public space where numerous cultural and entertainment events are organised. 

The potential for the development of culture and art is significantly increased by the presence of the Leon Schiller National Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre, which once again has been included in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of the 15 best film schools in the world. 

The city in figures*

• over 4.7 million of tourists, of which over 400 thousand of foreign tourists.
• over 330 tourist accommodation facilities.
• over 100 hotels.
• over 20 museums.
• over 60 parks and squares.
• over 500 hectares of green areas.