Business in Poland

Poland is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for starting a business. If you have decided to open a company in Poland, you need to carefully plan your steps. This requires studying the Polish market, which will help you choose the right business direction, determine the field in which your newly established company in Poland will operate, or decide on the type of services you will offer.

The advantages of doing business in Poland include:

• EU Membership: Access to the single European market.
• Tax Benefits: Low corporate tax rates for small businesses.
• Growing Economy: Steady growth and demand for new services and products.
• Skilled Workforce: Access to highly qualified professionals.
• Support for Startups: Availability of grants and subsidies for new enterprises.

To open a company in Poland, you need to go through the following key steps:

1. Choosing the Business Form
   The most common business forms, including for foreigners, are:
   1. Sole Proprietorship (Jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza): One of the simplest ways to start a business.
   1. Limited Liability Company (Spółka z o.o.): A popular choice for businesses with multiple shareholders.
   1. Joint-Stock Company (Spółka akcyjna): Suitable for large-scale projects.
2. Company Registration
   To register a company, you need to:
   1. Choose a Company Name: Ensure the name is not already registered by another company.
   1. Prepare Documents: Such as the articles of association, lease agreement, and other required documents. Provide information about shareholders and ownership shares. If another company is a shareholder, obtain its extract from the register, articles of association, representation method, and details of the ultimate beneficial owner.
   1. Appoint Company Management: The board of directors (zarząd).
   1. Provide PKD Codes (Polish Classification of Activities).
   1. Register in the National Court Register (KRS): Requires filling out forms and paying a state fee.

• Opening a Bank Account
  Opening a business bank account is necessary for conducting financial operations.

• VAT Registration
  If your business exceeds a certain income threshold, you will need to register as a VAT payer.

• Registration with Tax Authorities and Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)
  This is required for tax registration, obtaining a tax identification number (NIP), and registering employees.

• Obtaining Permits and Licenses
  Depending on the type of business, additional licenses may be required (e.g., for selling alcohol or food products).

Features of Company Registration in Poland

A company in Poland can be registered in two ways: electronically (online, via the S24 system) or through a notary.
IMPORTANT! For online or remote registration of a company in Poland, a foreigner will need to obtain a PESEL number and register in the ePUAP system (Electronic Platform of Public Administration Services).

Documents Received After Company Registration

1. Articles of Association of Sp. z o.o. in the form of a notarial deed.
2. KRS Number (National Court Register): Once the company is assigned this number, it is considered registered. No additional confirmations or certificates on paper are issued. You can verify your company’s registration on the KRS website by entering the number. All information about your company will appear in a table. You can save this document from the website in PDF format.
3. REGON Number (National Business Registry): After registration in the KRS, the company is assigned a number in the National Business Registry. This number is required for statistics maintained by the Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny — GUS).
4. NIP Number (Tax Identification Number): Issued by the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy). This certificate includes the company name, number, issuer details, and a stamp.
5. Company Seal and Bank Account: Upon completion of registration, a company seal is created, and a bank account is opened. All data is updated with the tax office at the company’s registered address.

Opening a Business in Poland

Starting a business in Poland is not only an accessible way to operate but also an opportunity to take advantage of EU membership, which creates numerous competitive opportunities in the market.