Entrepreneurs in 2025 faced wave of bankruptcies
The year 2025 proved one of the toughest in a decade for Polish entrepreneurs, with a sharp rise in closures, bankruptcies, and restructurings. Data from the Central Economic Information Center show nearly 3,000 businesses shut down, 426 companies went bankrupt, and more than 5,100 entered restructuring — up 13% y/y and the highest level since 2016. Sole proprietors (JDG) were hit hardest, accounting for nearly 70% of restructurings and over 85% of bankruptcies; many opted for personal bankruptcy instead of formal business insolvency, shifting financial distress to their private lives.
Transport, trade, and construction were most affected, driven by surging costs, payment delays, and late reactions. Experts stress earlier use of financing and restructuring tools to preserve liquidity and avoid collapse.
