English is the standard in the IT industry, essential for effective communication and working with modern technologies. This article examines how Polish programmers manage language requirements and the impact their English proficiency has on career development and daily work in an international environment.
Why are language skills crucial when working remotely in IT?
Remote programmers must know English because it is the primary means of communication in global IT teams. Without a good command of the language, it is difficult to participate in daily meetings, effectively use technical documentation, communicate with clients, and – most importantly – perform their work correctly.
Why is English essential in IT?
Polish developers often work with foreign companies where communication is only in English. Being able to clearly express ideas, ask questions, and explain technical problems improves teamwork and reduces mistakes. This applies to both spoken conversations and using various tools and technologies, where English is essential.
Additionally, most educational materials, libraries, and IT solutions are available only in English, so poor language skills can slow down learning and daily work. Language skills are one of the key factors employers consider when hiring programmers from Poland or other non-English-speaking countries for remote work.
How do Polish programmers fare in terms of knowledge of foreign languages?
Polish programmers usually handle English very well, especially in technical contexts. According to rankings like the EF English Proficiency Index, Poland has been among the top countries for English skills as a foreign language, ranking 15th in both 2024 and 2025. IT specialists often have even higher proficiency due to daily work with documentation, code, and international teams.
Many also have experience working remotely on global projects, which gives them strong practical English skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
While language skills can vary depending on experience, role, or technology, overall communication in English among Polish programmers is at a very high level.
Our 2025 report shows that over half of Polish IT specialists (51%) use English as their main work language, and 88% of respondents have English communication skills at levels B2 to C2.
How to assess the language skills of a candidate from Poland?
To check a Polish programmer’s English level, it’s useful to switch partly to English during the interview. This helps see if the candidate can talk comfortably about their experience and understand technical questions.
You can also ask for a short project summary or code comments in English. This way, you can assess writing skills, which are important for remote work.
For more demanding roles, a language test or feedback from a technical recruiter can be helpful. However, keep in mind that many Polish programmers use English well in practice, even if they aren’t perfect. Effective communication matters more than accent or perfect grammar.
Tips for foreign companies employing Polish developers
Set clear English language requirements – From the job posting or recruitment stage, clearly state if the developer will attend meetings, talk to clients, or write documentation in English, and what the minimum English level is to start work. Sometimes the team mostly speaks Polish, or English meetings are rare, so C1 level may not be necessary.
Check the IT specialist’s communication live and in writing – Pay attention not only to spoken English but also to how they write messages, code comments, or answers to test tasks to avoid misunderstandings later.
Offer language support if needed – Extra technical English courses are a common benefit in IT and help improve work comfort, which specialists appreciate.
Use clear and simple communication – Polish programmers work well in organized environments with clear tasks, both in language and tools like Jira or Slack. Use straightforward and transparent messages without unnecessary complexity.
Give regular, constructive feedback – Clear feedback, both positive and developmental, helps faster adjustment and improves remote cooperation, benefiting the IT specialist and their results.
Advantages of working with Polish programmers abroad
High English proficiency
Most Polish developers speak English fluently, especially in technical and business contexts. They can not only read and understand documentation but also clearly express ideas in English – in conversations, messages, and code comments.
Experience with international projects
Many Polish programmers work with clients from the USA, UK, or Scandinavia and are used to meetings, coding, and communicating in English.
Cultural similarity to the USA and Western countries
Poland shares European culture with strong Western work standards, including time management, feedback, responsibility, and communication style. This makes working with Polish developers natural for companies from the USA and Western Europe.
Competitive rates
Poland offers great value for money. Companies can hire highly skilled programmers at rates often lower than in Western Europe or the USA, while maintaining high code quality, communication, and commitment.
Willingness to learn and grow
Continuous skill development is standard in IT. Many programmers regularly take courses, learn new technologies, and eagerly take on challenges to expand their abilities.
Work culture that favors clear communication
Polish IT specialists appreciate clarity, brevity, and direct information exchange, which is a big advantage in remote work and international teams.
Is it worth employing Polish programmers remotely?
Hiring Polish programmers remotely gives foreign companies a real chance to find highly skilled IT specialists at competitive rates. Polish developers have strong technical skills, plenty of experience working with international clients, and very good English.
Another advantage is their similar approach to work culture, communication, and project standards, which makes remote cooperation much easier. This allows companies from the USA, UK, or Germany to work smoothly and efficiently without language or organizational barriers.
Support from IT recruitment agency in hiring IT specialists from Poland
Working with an experienced IT recruitment agency can make hiring remote Polish programmers much easier. For foreign companies hiring Polish IT specialists for the first time, this is a safe and effective solution.
Need help recruiting IT specialists from Poland or IT outsourcing?
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