Register company in Poland: advantages and opportunities

Have you ever thought about setting up a company in Poland? Perhaps now is the right time to take a closer look. In recent years, Poland has become a real magnet for entrepreneurs. With its central location in Europe, Poland offers not only a stable economy but also numerous opportunities – both for startups and established companies. Sounds promising, doesn’t it?

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Advantages of setting up a company in Poland

Poland offers many advantages that make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. Here are the most important ones:

1. Attractive tax system: Poland has one of the lowest corporate income taxes in the EU. The standard CIT rate is 19%, while a reduced rate of 9% is available to so-called small taxpayers. This status applies to entrepreneurs whose sales revenue in the previous year did not exceed the equivalent of 2 million euros. This amount is calculated based on the average euro exchange rate published by the National Bank of Poland (NBP) on the first working day of October of the previous year, rounding up the result to PLN 1,000. For 2025, this means that a small taxpayer is a business whose gross revenue (including VAT) in 2024 did not exceed 8,569,000 PLN at a euro exchange rate of PLN 4.2846. In addition, the lack of business tax significantly reduces the financial burden and enables greater investment. For this reason, many companies choose to spin off a subsidiary company registered in Poland taking over some of the responsibilities previously carried out in the home country.

2. Strategic location: with its central location in Europe, Poland offers direct access to the European Union markets. Its well-developed infrastructure and proximity to key commercial centres enable efficient management of logistics and distribution chains. Poland’s proximity to Germany, one of the largest markets in Europe, further increases opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, making Poland an attractive location for investors planning to expand into Western markets. Moreover, outsourcing services in Poland, including warehouse services, remain more cost-effective than in Germany, even though their quality and efficiency are at an equally high level. Due to lower labor costs and more favorable business conditions, entrepreneurs can benefit from outsourcing services at a level comparable to those offered by German companies, but at more competitive prices.

3. Attractive startup costs: in Poland, the costs of setting up a company are attractive compared to many EU countries. Setting up a sole proprietorship is completely free of charge. For establishing a limited liability company (GmbH) with a minimum share capital of 5,000 PLN (approximately 1,170 EUR at the December 2024 exchange rate), the cost of online registration is around 380 PLN (about 90 EUR). If a notary and advisor are involved in the registration process, the costs may be higher but remain competitive compared to other markets.

4. Flexibility in the choice of legal form: entrepreneurs can choose from various legal forms to find the one that best suits their business model. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, you’ll find a structure that fits your needs. The legal forms of companies in Poland are described below.

5. Qualified and affordable workforce: the Polish labor market offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Poland. A key advantage is the availability of highly qualified yet affordable labor. This combination makes Poland a very attractive location to set up a business. Polish specialists are characterised by a solid education and high mobility within the EU, which provides companies with flexibility in human resources planning – also in international markets.

According to a survey by Pracuj.pl, knowledge of foreign languages in Poland is at a high level. English is the most widely used foreign language, as many as 87% of Poles declare knowledge of English, with 60% achieving at least an intermediate level. German is spoken by 46% of Poles, with 15% of this group speaking it at an intermediate or higher level. The growing number of people learning English and German shows that its importance for business relations is steadily increasing, which is of great value to companies operating in the Polish-German market.

Many companies in Poland, such as getsix®, offer comprehensive services tailored to the needs of English-speaking clients. These services include accounting, payroll, and HR services, as well as assistance with company registration in Poland. With professional support in both English and Polish, entrepreneurs can count on effective communication, which significantly facilitates business operations. Such support allows companies to grow, based on the knowledge of the specifics of both markets and the adaptation of services to local needs.

6. Access to EU Funds and Special Economic Zones: Poland offers access to various EU funds that financially support innovative projects and investments. Particularly noteworthy are the Polish Special Economic Zones, which not only provide tax relief but also offer a range of other economic incentives.

Advantages:

• EU funds: financial support for innovative projects and investments
• Special Economic Zones: reduced tax rates and additional reliefs.
• Economic incentives: promotion of investments and business development

The combination of EU funds and the benefits of Special Economic Zones allows businesses to minimize their tax burden while succeeding in a booming market.

7. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements
Poland has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with numerous countries, providing significant benefits for international businesses. These agreements aim to prevent the double taxation of the same income, which is particularly beneficial for companies operating internationally.

Advantages:

• Effecient tax planning: ability to avoid double taxation of income
• Legal certainty: clear and uniform rules for cross-border activities
• Reduced tax burden: increased competitiveness of companies

Thanks to these agreements, companies can gain greater tax stability, which encourages strategic business decisions and the development of efficient international business structures.

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Legal entity types in Poland

Choosing the right legal form is a crucial step when establishing a business in Poland. The available legal forms allow you to tailor your business structure to your individual business goals. From limited liability companies and sole proprietorships to partnerships, each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are worth considering carefully in order to build a solid foundation for future success.

Limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.): The most popular choice

The limited liability company in Poland, officially known as Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (Sp. z o.o.), is a preferred option for many entrepreneurs. It combines tax flexibility with limited liability, which makes it particularly attractive. Its key advantages are:

• Low minimum share capital: only 5,000 PLN (approximately 1,170 EUR according to the exchange rate of December 2024).
• Limitation of liability: the private assets of the partners are secured.
• Investor-friendly: ideal for business models with international reach.

It’s important to note that establishing this type of company requires a notarial deed, which should be taken into account in the organisational plans.

Sole proprietorship in Poland: fast and cost-effective

Starting a sole proprietorship in Poland is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to launch a business. The benefits of this structure include:

• Simple registration: can be completed via the CEIDG system (Central Registration and Information on Business).
• No registration fees: the process is free of charge.
• Ideal for small ventures: perfect for smaller-scale business models.

However, the main drawback is significant: as a sole proprietor, you are personally liable for all business obligations, which can pose considerable financial risks in case of difficulties.

Limited partnership (Sp.k.) and other partnerships

The Polish limited partnership (Spółka komandytowa, or Sp.k.) is an excellent choice for business partnerships, that allows for the division of liability:

• Limited partners: are liable for liabilities up to the amount of the contributions made.
• General partners: are fully liable for the obligations of the partnership.

This structure is subject to VAT and provides flexibility to fit various business models. In addition to it, there are other partnerships available that are worth considering depending on your specific business.

Simple Joint-Stock Company (PSA): perfect for start-ups

The Simple Joint-Stock Company (Prosta Spółka Akcyjna, or PSA) is an innovative and modern legal form designed specifically for start-ups. Its advantages include:

• Extremely low capital requirements: minimum share capital is only 1 PLN.
• Benefits of a corporate structure: limited liability and flexibility.
• Ideal for fast-growing companies: adapted to the needs of dynamic markets.

This structure is particularly beneficial for emerging companies operating in fast-paced industries.

How to choose the right legal form?

The most important question is: which legal form best suits your business model and long-term goals? The final decision depends on your priorities, readiness for risk and the specific needs of your business. It is worth taking the time to analyse the available options in detail – it’s an investment that will pay off in the future.

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The process of setting up a company in Poland

The process of setting up a company in Poland has been designed to give entrepreneurs an easy start. With streamlined systems and procedures that reduce bureaucratic hurdles, the country fosters a highly business-friendly environment. A cornerstone of this process is the One-Stop-Shop principle, which simplifies and accelerates registration, offering efficiency and clarity for new businesses entering the market.

One-Stop-Shop principle: effective registration

Poland’s One-Stop-Shop principle revolutionizes the registration process with its modern and efficient approach. All the necessary steps for registering a company can be done in one place, which saves time and increases transparency. This system is especially advantageous for foreign investors unfamiliar with local administrative procedures.

Key features include:

• Centralized process: all formalities can be handled in one place.
• Time efficiency: faster completion of registration.
• Resource savings: less effort on the part of entrepreneurs.
• Market entry: fast access to the Polish market.

In an increasingly connected world, this centralised service is an invaluable advantage that allows entrepreneurs to save resources and start their business faster.

Role of the notary and importance of PKD codes

The notary plays a critical role in the Polish business registration process, especially when establishing a limited liability company (Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością, or Sp. z o.o.). The notary ensures that the founding documents are certified and comply with all legal requirements. This process not only guarantees legal security but also provides entrepreneurs with confidence that everything is done correctly.

Equally significant are PKD codes (Polska Klasyfikacja Działalności), which define the scope of the company’s activities. These classification codes are essential for legal and tax categorization. For example:

• An IT company requires a specific PKD in order to be correctly registered.
• A clear structure facilitates the management of both administrative authorities and entrepreneurs.
• Precise assignment of business areas increases efficiency.

The combination of notarial certification and clear PKD classification ensures a smooth and legally secure registration process.

Using the CEIDG system for sole proprietorships

For sole proprietorships in Poland, the CEIDG system provides a particularly convenient and user-friendly solution. This online tool enables entrepreneurs to register their sole proprietorships quickly and free of charge. It is ideal for small businesses and start-ups that want to enter the market quickly.

Benefits of the CEIDG system include:

• Free registration: no fees are required for the process.
• Speed: a business idea can be registered online within a few hours.
• Digitization: the entire process is conducted online, eliminating complex bureaucratic procedures.
• Attractiveness: this makes Poland an interesting place for innovative and growing companies.

The digitalization of the process makes business registration not only simpler but also significantly faster. This efficiency makes Poland an ideal location for entrepreneurs aiming to implement their ideas quickly and effectively.

Social Insurance Contributions and registering the company with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)

When starting a sole proprietorship (działalność jednoosobowa) in Poland, social insurance contributions are an essential aspect. These include:

• Retirement insurance: provides security for retirement.
• Health insurance: ensures access to medical care.
• Accident insurance: protection in case of accidents at work.

Registration is conducted through the Polish Social Insurance Institution (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych, or ZUS), which manages these contributions. While this step may seem bureaucratic, it is crucial to meet legal requirements and ensure a smooth start to your business. With little effort, you are building a solid foundation for your business!

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Summary: benefits for foreign companies and investors

Poland offers foreign companies and investors much more than access to a skilled workforce. A key advantage is the support provided by organizations such as the Polish Chamber of Commerce, significantly facilitates market entry by offering comprehensive assistance — from setting up a company to running operations. For international investors, this support is invaluable. It is advisable at the outset to use the services of recognized consulting firms specializing in cross-border cooperation. Thanks to their knowledge and practice, entrepreneurs can count on professional support that will help them successfully navigate the complex aspects of international business.

In addition, foreign companies establishing operations in Poland can take advantage of attractive tax and economic conditions. Relatively low tax rates and Poland’s strategic location, offering convenient access to EU markets, make it an attractive destination for investment and business expansion. These favorable conditions create a strong foundation for sustainable growth and economic success.

To learn how to get support with registering a company in Poland, take a look at our offer: Company Registration in Poland.

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If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the enquiry form on the HLB Poland website.

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