The study evaluates of the financial effectiveness of special economic zones (SEZ) in Poland. The author investigates factors influencing the financial performance of the zones by analyzing the benefits and costs of SEZ operations in Poland. The study covers the period of 1996–2012. The analysis shows that the benefits of SEZ operation substantially outweigh the costs. As of the end of 2012, the cumulative benefits amounted to PLN 80.9 billion, while total costs were PLN 15.4 billion. The article includes an assessment of the financial standing of 50 enterprises operating in Poland’s special economic zones, based on their financial statements. The author uses discriminatory and logit methods and investigates banking procedures to determine the financial standing of companies. The analysis finds that 48 companies had a good financial standing while two were not doing well financially. The article assesses the impact of the economic crisis on the performance of Poland’s special economic zones. The author examines the impact of the latest crisis on the financial standing of companies. The research indicates that Poland’s special economic zones are effective financially. Even though their operation has generated a great deal of controversy, they have contributed to the economic development of the country, mainly through the creation of new jobs.