Starting a new venture abroad can feel overwhelming but deciding to start a company in Poland opens doors to one of Eastern Europe’s fastest-growing markets. With EU membership, a skilled workforce, and a strategic geographic location, Poland is a highly attractive place to do business. In this guide, you’ll discover the step-by-step process of company formation in Poland, legal requirements, timelines, costs, compliance considerations, and tips tailored for foreigners.
Why Start a Company in Poland?
Poland offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs:
- EU single market access
- Favorable corporate tax (19% standard CIT; 9% for small businesses)
- Moderate startup costs (Low share capital requirements)
- Fast registration process
- Foreign-friendly regulations
- Support ecosystem with incubators and co-working spaces
- High internet penetration and infrastructure
- Availability of local and EU grants/subsidies
With a population of over 38 million and a growing middle class, Poland is a stable and thriving economy, making it an ideal destination for startups, SMEs, and international corporations alike.
Step-by-Step Company Formation in Poland
1. Choose Your Legal Structure
Selecting the right legal form is the first and most crucial step:
- Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.): Ideal for most entrepreneurs; offers limited liability. Requires at least one shareholder and one director. It is the most popular choice among both Polish and foreign founders.
- Joint-Stock Company (S.A.): Suitable for large enterprises and companies looking to be publicly traded. Requires a higher share capital.
- Sole Proprietorship (JDG): Best for solo operators, freelancers, and small-scale services. It involves simplified registration and low initial costs.
- Partnerships: Includes registered partnership, limited partnership, and limited joint-stock partnership. Best for businesses with multiple owners sharing liability and profits.
- Branch Office or Representative Office: A practical option for foreign companies looking to enter the Polish market without creating a new legal entity.
2. Select and Reserve a Company Name
Your company name must:
- Be unique (not already in use)
- Include the legal form (e.g., “Sp. z o.o.”)
- Avoid misleading, vulgar, or restricted terms
- Be checked for trademark availability if planning international operations
Company name availability can be verified through the National Court Register (KRS) and the Polish Patent Office.
3. Prepare Founding Documents
Key documents include:
- Articles of Association, signed in front of a notary or digitally
- Shareholder and board member details
- Proof of share capital deposit
- ID documents, along with official Polish translations for foreign nationals
- Company address or lease agreement for registered office
These documents form the legal foundation of your company and are required during registration.
4. Deposit Share Capital
- Sp. z o.o.: Minimum PLN 5,000 (can be in cash or as in-kind contribution)
- S.A.: Minimum PLN 100,000 (25% must be paid before registration)
The capital must be deposited in a Polish business bank account and a confirmation must be included in the registration file.
5. Register with KRS (National Court Register)
Submit your application online (via S24 platform) or manually:
- Prepare digital copies of all documents
- Pay court and registration fees (approx. PLN 600)
- Upload the Articles of Association and shareholder information
Upon successful registration, your company receives:
- KRS number (Company Registration Number)
- NIP (Tax Identification Number)
- REGON (Statistical Number)
Registration via S24 typically takes 1–5 business days, while traditional court registration can take several weeks.
6. Tax and Statistical Registrations
After KRS registration:
- Submit NIP-8 form to the local tax office within 21 days
- Register for VAT if you expect annual revenue above PLN 200,000 or wish to trade within the EU
- Register for Excise Tax, if dealing with goods like alcohol or fuel
- Declare your business to GUS (Polish Statistics Office)
If hiring employees, you must also register with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution).
7. Register Employees and ZUS Contributions
If hiring staff or the management board receives remuneration:
- Register the company and employees with ZUS within 7 days
- Submit relevant forms for pension, disability, and healthcare contributions
- File monthly ZUS reports and pay contributions by the 10th day of the following month
ZUS contributions include:
- Retirement insurance
- Disability insurance
- Accident insurance
- Health insurance
- Labor Fund contributions
New businesses may be eligible for “startup relief” (Ulga na Start) reducing ZUS costs for the first 6 months.
8. Register Beneficial Owners (CRBO)
The company must report its beneficial owners to the CRBO within 14 days of KRS registration:
- Submission is done online using a qualified electronic signature or ePUAP profile
- Required for transparency under AML laws
- Penalty for non-compliance can reach up to PLN 1,000,000
9. Obtain Licenses and Permits
Some sectors require additional licenses or permits:
- Restaurants and food service businesses need sanitary and hygiene permits
- Construction firms require building permits and technical licenses
- Financial or insurance services need approvals from KNF (Polish Financial Supervision Authority)
- Transportation services must register with the appropriate transport authorities
10. Open a Corporate Bank Account
This is required to:
- Deposit share capital
- Handle day-to-day transactions
- Receive VAT refunds and pay taxes
Banks may require personal presence of directors and notarized documents. Some banks support remote setup for foreign founders.
11. Ensure Ongoing Compliance
After registration, companies must comply with ongoing obligations:
- File annual financial statements with the court registry
- Submit monthly or quarterly VAT returns
- Maintain accounting books in accordance with Polish GAAP or IFRS
- Pay corporate income tax (CIT) and ZUS contributions
Engaging a professional accountant is strongly advised.
Tips for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Remote Registration
Most procedures can be done remotely using the S24 platform. Alternatively, a power of attorney may be issued to a local agent or law firm.
Obtain a PESEL Number and Digital Signature
A PESEL number is required for signing documents digitally or representing the company in official matters. Foreigners can apply at the local municipal office.
A qualified digital signature (e.g., ePUAP, Certum) is required for online registrations and filings.
Choose the Right Tax Scheme
Polish companies can opt for:
- Standard CIT (19%)
- Small taxpayer rate (9%) for revenues below EUR 2 million
- Flat-rate taxation for certain sectors
- Lump-sum taxation for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs
Seek professional advice to optimize your tax burden.
Timeline and Cost Overview
| Step | Timeframe | Estimated Cost (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | 1–3 days | 100–200 |
| Notary Fees | 1–2 weeks | 1,000–2,000 |
| KRS Registration | 1–5 days (online) | 600+ |
| Capital Deposit (Sp. z o.o.) | Before/During Registration | 5,000 |
| Accounting Setup | Ongoing | 400–2,300/month |
| ZUS + Healthcare | Recurring | 336–1,007/month |
| VAT Registration | 1–2 weeks | 0–200 |
| Legal and Consulting Fees | One-time | 1,000–5,000 |
Total Upfront Cost: PLN 7,000–12,000 + monthly costs
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How Ease to Compliance Helps You
At Ease to Compliance, our firm simplify company formation in Poland for entrepreneurs around the world. Our comprehensive services include:
- Expert consultation on selecting the ideal legal structure
- Drafting and notarizing Articles of Association
- Registering the company with KRS (online or in-person)
- Facilitating corporate bank account opening
- Handling tax, VAT, REGON, ZUS, and CRBO registrations
- Managing licensing, permits, and compliance filings
- Offering full-scale bookkeeping, payroll, and tax advisory services
Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or international company, our team ensure your business is set up properly, legally compliant, and ready for growth.
Ready to start a company in Poland?
Contact Us today to schedule a free consultation and take your first step toward launching a successful business in Poland.
FAQs On Start a Company in Poland
Question 1. Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Poland?
Answer: Yes, Poland allows full foreign ownership of companies. A foreign national can own 100% shares in a Polish company, including a Sp. z o.o.
Question 2. Do I need to be physically present in Poland to register a company?
Answer: No, company registration can be done remotely via the S24 system or through a power of attorney granted to a local representative.
Question 3. What are the common mistakes foreigners make when starting a business in Poland?
Answer: Some common mistakes include not choosing the right legal form, overlooking tax implications, or failing to meet CRBO and ZUS deadlines.
