1. Who Can Start a Business in Poland?
Foreigners can run a business in Poland under different conditions depending on their legal status and citizenship:
- Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland – have the same rights to start a business as Polish citizens.
- Citizens from outside the EU/EEA – can conduct business under specific conditions, such as having a residence permit with access to the labor market, EU long-term resident status, or a temporary residence permit for business purposes.
- Ukrainian citizens – under special legal provisions, they can start a business in Poland on the same terms as Polish citizens, provided they legally reside in Poland and have a PESEL number.
2. Choosing a Legal Form of Business
A foreigner can establish a business in Poland in one of several available legal forms:
A) Sole Proprietorship (JDG)
✅ Available to EU, EEA, Swiss, and Ukrainian citizens, as well as citizens of other countries with the appropriate residence permit.
✅ Simple registration in CEIDG (Central Register and Information on Economic Activity).
✅ Possibility of using simplified tax schemes.
❌ Personal liability for all debts and obligations.
B) Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.)
✅ Available to all foreigners, regardless of their residence status.
✅ Minimum share capital: 5,000 PLN.
✅ Limited liability for company shareholders.
✅ Online registration is possible through S24.
❌ More formalities than a sole proprietorship.
3. Step-by-Step Company Registration
A) Registering a Sole Proprietorship (JDG)
- Obtain a PESEL number – required for non-EU citizens.
- Submit a CEIDG-1 application – can be done online or at the municipal office.
- Register with ZUS – to be recognized as a taxpayer for social security contributions.
- Open a business bank account – required for business operations.
- Choose a registered business address – if the entrepreneur does not have their own premises, they can use a virtual office, which provides mail handling and administrative support.
B) Registering a Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.)
- Draft the company’s Articles of Association – can be done at a notary’s office or through the S24 online system.
- Register the company in the National Court Register (KRS).
- Obtain NIP (Tax ID) and REGON (Statistical ID) numbers – assigned automatically after registration in KRS.
- Open a corporate bank account.
- Choose a registered company address – a virtual office can be a cost-effective solution, eliminating the need for renting a physical office space.
4. Costs of Registration and Running a Business
- Sole Proprietorship (JDG) – registration in CEIDG is free.
- Sp. z o.o. – notary fees (approx. 500-1,500 PLN) + KRS court fee (600 PLN).
- ZUS (Social Security Contributions) – new entrepreneurs can benefit from the “start-up relief”, meaning no social security contributions for the first 6 months.
5. Virtual Office as Business Support
Many foreigners starting a business in Poland do not yet have a permanent address or do not want to bear the high costs of renting an office. A virtual office is a solution that offers:
✅ A legal business address is required for CEIDG and KRS registration.
✅ Mail handling services, including receiving and forwarding correspondence.
✅ Administrative support, such as assistance in dealing with government offices.
✅ Cost reduction for running a business by eliminating the need for a physical office.
6. Summary
Starting a business in Poland as a foreigner is feasible and can be beneficial thanks to available solutions such as virtual offices. Choosing the right business structure depends on the entrepreneur’s individual needs and legal status. It is essential to complete all registration formalities, understand tax obligations, and use tools that simplify business operations, such as mail handling and administrative support offered by virtual offices.
📞 If you need help setting up a company in Poland, contact us – we will guide you through the entire process step by step!
✉ WRITE TO US: biuro@virtoffice.pl