Opening a business bank account in Poland is a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to establish and operate a company in the country. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, having a dedicated account for business transactions ensures financial transparency, simplifies tax reporting, and is often a legal requirement depending on the business structure.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, documentation, types of accounts available, banking regulations, and essential tips to make the process smoother and compliant with Polish law.
Why Do You Need a Business Bank Account in Poland?
A business bank account in Poland is essential for:
- Separating personal and business finances
- Ensuring compliance with Polish tax and accounting laws
- Receiving payments from clients or customers
- Paying salaries, taxes, and operational costs
- Building your company’s financial credibility
- Complying with corporate governance and statutory requirements
If you’re operating through a formal entity like a Sp. z o.o. (Limited Liability Company) or a joint-stock company, a business account is not just important—it’s mandatory. The bank account becomes part of the company’s official records and may be scrutinized during audits or inspections.
Furthermore, Polish banks are integrated with national and EU-level systems for tax compliance, making a business bank account essential for handling VAT payments, ZUS contributions (social security), and employee salaries in a transparent manner.
Types of Business Bank Accounts in Poland
Business Bank Account (Rachunek Firmowy)
This is the most common type of account for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), sole traders, and partnerships. It’s tailored for handling daily business transactions, including payroll, vendor payments, and tax payments.
These accounts typically include:
- A Polish IBAN
- Debit card for purchases
- Online and mobile banking platforms
- SMS/email notifications
- Access to business loans or overdraft facilities
Corporate Bank Account in Poland
Typically used by larger businesses or multinational corporations, a corporate bank account in Poland offers:
- Higher transaction thresholds
- Multi-currency account management
- Access to corporate credit lines
- Specialized treasury management services
- Dedicated business banking advisors
Corporations often benefit from customized service packages that include bulk payments, integration with ERP systems, and dedicated account managers.
Requirements to Open a Business Bank Account in Poland
Whether opening a business bank account in Poland as a resident or a foreigner, the following documents are generally required:
For Sole Proprietors (Jednoosobowa Działalność Gospodarcza):
- Valid passport or Polish ID
- Business registration confirmation from CEIDG
- NIP (Tax Identification Number) and REGON
- PESEL (if applicable)
- Address of business operation
For Companies (e.g., Sp. z o.o. or Joint-Stock Companies):
- KRS extract (from the National Court Register)
- Articles of Association
- Identification and proof of address of all directors/shareholders
- REGON and NIP numbers
- Resolution of the board authorizing account opening (if required)
- Company stamp (some banks still request this)
Some banks may also ask for:
- A business plan or financial projections
- Contracts with clients or suppliers
- Proof of local address (rental agreement or utility bill)
In some cases, particularly for foreign-owned companies, the bank may perform additional due diligence in line with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, which may include background checks on beneficial owners.
Steps to Open a Business Bank Account in Poland
Step 1: Choose the Right Bank
Research banks that cater to your business needs. Leading banks that offer business bank accounts in Poland include:
- PKO BP
- ING Bank Śląski
- mBank
- Santander Bank Polska
- BNP Paribas Polska
- Alior Bank
International banks with a presence in Poland like Citi Handlowy or HSBC can be ideal for corporations needing global integration. Each bank has its own procedures, fee structures, and account management services.
Step 2: Compare Account Types
Choose between a basic business bank account and a more complex corporate bank account in Poland. Consider these features:
- Online banking access
- Multi-currency accounts
- FX conversion rates
- Fees and monthly maintenance charges
- Transaction limits
- Cash deposit availability and branch network
Many Polish banks offer account packages (pakiety konta firmowego) that include insurance, legal assistance, or accounting tools.
Step 3: Prepare and Translate Documentation
All documents submitted must be either in Polish or accompanied by a certified Polish translation. Notarization may also be required for foreign documents. Foreign companies should also consider getting assistance from Polish legal advisors to ensure compliance.
Step 4: Book an Appointment or Apply Online
Some banks offer online applications for Polish residents or simple sole proprietorships. However, foreign entities and corporations often need to visit a bank branch or authorize a legal representative. Appointments are usually required for in-branch visits.
Step 5: Attend Verification Meeting
Banks may require a face-to-face meeting to verify the authenticity of documents and intent of the business. If authorized, your lawyer or representative can attend on your behalf. Be prepared to answer questions about the nature of your business, planned turnover, and sources of funding.
Step 6: Account Setup and Activation
Once approved:
- Your IBAN will be issued
- Online banking login credentials will be provided
- Debit or business cards will be mailed
Depending on the bank, this may take between 1 to 5 business days. Corporate accounts may take slightly longer if further verification is needed.
Can Foreigners Open a Business Bank Account in Poland?
Yes, but with additional steps. Foreign entrepreneurs must:
- Register a legal entity or branch in Poland
- Appoint a legal representative
- Obtain a registered office address in Poland
- Translate and notarize documents not originally in Polish
Banks also evaluate the legitimacy and transparency of the foreign business, especially in light of EU AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
Working with a Polish consultancy or legal firm can help streamline this process by ensuring all compliance steps are fulfilled and documents are in order.
Online Business Bank Accounts in Poland
Online banking is standard for most Polish banks, but fully online opening is limited:
- Sole proprietors (with PESEL) may apply via ePUAP or bank’s portal
- Corporations usually require physical presence or proxy
Benefits:
- Fast processing for Polish citizens/residents
- Easy access to mobile apps and bank APIs
- Integration with invoicing tools and accounting software
Limitations:
- Available mainly to residents
- Restrictions for foreigners without PESEL or KRS
Some fintech banks and neobanks like Revolut, Wise, or ZEN.com also offer digital accounts in Poland, though they may not fulfill the legal requirement for a local business account.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Bank
When opening a business bank account in Poland, consider:
Fees and Charges
- Monthly maintenance
- Domestic and international transfers
- Card issuance and ATM withdrawals
- Hidden FX fees
Language Support
Choose banks with English-speaking staff and English online interfaces, especially if you don’t speak Polish. Larger banks and international branches usually offer bilingual support.
Integration with Accounting Software
Many banks integrate with popular Polish accounting platforms like Comarch ERP, iFirma, wFirma, and global platforms like QuickBooks and Xero.
Loan and Credit Options
If you plan to expand, look for banks that offer SME loans, lines of credit, or leasing services. Startups may need to present business plans to qualify.
Branch Network
For businesses operating nationwide, a bank with a broad branch and ATM network may be useful, especially if you manage cash deposits.
Compliance, Taxation, and Legal Reporting
Maintaining a business bank account in Poland is essential for:
- VAT registration and reporting
- CIT (Corporate Income Tax) filings
- Employee payroll and ZUS (social security) payments
- Transparent audit trails during inspections
- Real-time tax reconciliation through JPK (Jednolity Plik Kontrolny – Standard Audit File for Tax)
The Ministry of Finance regularly reviews business accounts for suspicious activities. Failure to maintain a dedicated account or mixing personal expenses with company funds can lead to compliance issues.
Best Practices for Managing a Business Bank Account
- Keep all receipts and match them with transactions
- Schedule regular bank reconciliations
- Avoid mixing private and company expenses
- Maintain multiple user roles with limited access
- Back up all financial statements and transaction logs monthly
- Use your bank’s digital tools for budgeting and cash flow tracking
- Review and update permissions regularly, especially for growing teams
How Ease to Compliance Helps
At Ease to Compliance, we specialize in helping foreign entrepreneurs, startups, and growing companies navigate the Polish banking system. Our firm assist in:
- Preparing and translating legal documents
- Recommending the right bank and account type
- Arranging bank appointments and legal representation
- Ensuring compliance with KYC, AML, and Polish tax regulations
Whether you’re opening a basic business account or a more complex corporate bank account in Poland, we ensure the process is smooth, compliant, and efficient.
Our team provides end-to-end support, from initial consultation to post-account integration with your financial systems. We stay updated on regulatory changes to help your business stay ahead.
Final Words: Opening a business bank account in Poland is more than just a regulatory formality. it’s a strategic move that supports your operational efficiency, legal compliance, and financial stability. With the right preparation and support, the process can be quick and straightforward.
Let Ease to Compliance handle the complexities, so you can focus on building your business with confidence.
For more information or to get started, reach out to our team today!
FAQs on Open a Business Bank Account in Poland
Question 1. Can I open multiple business bank accounts for the same company in Poland?
Answer: Yes, companies in Poland can open multiple business bank accounts with the same or different banks. This is often done to manage different currencies, departments, or international operations.
Question 2. Are there any minimum deposit requirements for opening a business account in Poland?
Answer: It depends on the bank. Some banks may require a small initial deposit (e.g., 100–1000 PLN), while others may waive it, especially for startups or during promotional offers.
Question 3. Can I switch my business bank account to another bank in Poland later?
Answer: Yes, you can switch banks anytime. However, it’s recommended to notify clients and update tax records, payroll systems, and invoicing platforms to avoid disruption.
