- 63% of SMEs identify leasing as a key source of financing.
- 42% of companies utilize leasing continuously.
- Poland records the highest leasing usage in the European Union.
- Leasing is a permanent fixture in the investment cycle.
- PLN 119.5 billion – the value of investments financed in 2025.
For 63% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Poland, leasing is one of the most vital sources of business financing, according to the latest SAFE 2025 survey conducted by the European Commission and the European Central Bank. This is the highest result in the European Union, where the EU average stands at 47%. In Poland, the significance of leasing now surpasses other forms of funding: bank loans were cited as important by 36% of enterprises, while grants were mentioned by 41%.
In the latest edition of the SAFE study, Poland holds the top spot in the EU regarding the importance of leasing for the SME sector. Finland, last year’s leader, has dropped to fourth place, with Germany and the Czech Republic trailing behind Poland.
Furthermore, 42% of Polish SMEs utilize leasing continuously (in both the previous and current quarters). This is more than double the EU average of 19% and represents the highest usage rate in the Union. Following Poland are Latvia (32%) and Finland (31%), while the lowest utilization rates were recorded in Italy and Spain (6% each).
A Fundamental Pillar of the Economy
The high declared importance and the scale of actual usage confirm that leasing has become a systemic instrument in Poland. It is not only highly regarded but also actively integrated into the operations of a vast majority of the SME sector.
“Leasing in Poland today is not just an add-on, but one of the foundations for financing SME investments. The SAFE 2025 results confirm its enduring and systemic role in the economy,” says Monika Constant, President of the Polish Leasing Association. “The fact that over 42% of companies use leasing continuously proves that entrepreneurs treat it as a permanent element of their development strategy rather than a one-off solution. Poland clearly stands out in the EU for the scale and universality of leasing, which is a constant feature of the investment cycle.”
Predictable Financing for Development
The SAFE 2025 study shows that 73% of SMEs report stable leasing needs (up from 66% in 2024), while 13% indicate an increase in demand. This suggests that leasing has become a predictable tool for modernizing fleets, machinery, and equipment, aligning with the natural investment cycle of enterprises.
“Polish companies primarily use leasing for growth and modernization—financing the machinery, transport, and equipment necessary to increase competitiveness. This is financing for the real economy,” emphasizes Monika Constant.
Profile of Leasing Clients in Poland
The SAFE 2025 data paints a clear profile of the typical leasing client in Poland:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Entities in capital-intensive sectors: industry, transport, construction, and technical services.
- Established companies performing replacement and modernization investments.
Data from the Polish Leasing Association confirms this trend: in 2025, micro, small, and medium enterprises accounted for 70.9% of all financed investments. Leasing in Poland serves primarily to build production capacity rather than just supporting short-term liquidity.
Stable Availability and Future Outlook
Access to financing remains robust; 76% of Polish SMEs believe the availability of leasing has remained unchanged in recent months, with only 2% reporting a deterioration.
In 2025, leasing companies financed investments totaling PLN 119.5 billion, an 8% increase year-on-year. Projections for 2026 suggest a further rise to PLN 129.7 billion.
“This year will be a period of major investments, largely due to the accumulation of EU funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) and the 2021–2027 financial perspective,” notes Monika Constant. “We estimate that investment expenditures funded by EU money could reach approximately PLN 182 billion, compared to about PLN 63 billion in 2025. These funds will act as a strong catalyst for private investment, particularly in the SME sector, which will further benefit the leasing market.”
About the SAFE Survey
The Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) is a recurring study conducted by the European Central Bank and the European Commission. It monitors the opinions of businesses on financing and the availability of financial instruments. Results are weighted by industry structure and company size to reflect real-world conditions in individual member states.
Source: Manager Plus
