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 all your steps. To do this, it is essential to study the Polish market. This information will help you choose the direction of your business, determine the field in which your newly opened company in Poland will operate, or decide on the type of services you will provide.
The advantages of doing business in Poland include the following:
- EU Membership – Access to the single European market.
- Tax Benefits – Poland offers low corporate tax rates for small businesses.
- Growing Economy – Stable growth and demand for new services and products.
- Skilled Workforce – Access to highly qualified specialists.
- Support for Startups – Availability of grants and subsidies for new businesses.
To ensure the successful opening of a company in Poland, you need to prepare thoroughly and go through the following key steps:
1. Choosing the Business Structure
The most common forms of business, including for foreigners, are:
- Sole Proprietorship (Jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza) – One of the simplest ways to start a business.
- Limited Liability Company (Spółka z o.o.) – A popular choice for businesses with multiple shareholders.
- Joint-Stock Company (Spółka akcyjna) – Suitable for large projects.
2. Company Registration
To register a company, you need to do the following:
- Choose a Company Name – Ensure the name is not already registered by another company.
- Prepare Documents – Such as the articles of association, lease agreement, and other necessary documents. Provide information about shareholders and their ownership shares. If another company is a shareholder, you will need to obtain its extract from the register, articles of association, representation details, and information about the ultimate beneficial owner.
- Appoint Company Management – The management board (zarząd).
- Provide PKD Codes – Classification of business activities.
- Register in the National Court Register (KRS) – Requires filling out forms and paying a state fee.
3. Opening a Business Bank Account
Opening a business bank account is necessary for conducting financial operations of the company.
4. VAT Registration
If your business exceeds a certain income threshold, you will need to register as a VAT payer.
5. Registration with Tax Authorities and Social Security (ZUS)
This is necessary for registering with the tax authorities and obtaining a tax identification number (NIP), as well as for registering employees.
6. 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:
- Online Registration – Through the S24 system.
- Notarial Registration – Via 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 Services).
Documents Received After Company Registration
- Articles of Association of Sp. z o.o. – In the form of a notarial deed.
- KRS Number (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy) – Once the company is assigned this number, it is considered registered. No additional certificates or confirmations 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.
- REGON Number (Rejestr Gospodarki Narodowej) – 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).
- NIP Number (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) – Tax identification number issued by the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy). This document is a form with the company’s name, number, issuer details, and a stamp.
- Company Seal and Bank Account – After completing the 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.
Conclusion
Opening a business in Poland is not only an accessible way to run a business but also an opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of EU membership, which creates numerous competitive opportunities in the market.
