Register a company in Poland as a foreigner – key questions and answers

Interest in Poland as a place to conduct business among foreign investors has been steadily growing. This is driven not only by favourable economic conditions and relatively low operating costs but also by its central location in Europe and increasingly business-friendly administration. It is no surprise that more and more foreigners decide to register a company in Poland.

Before entering the Polish market, it is worth familiarising yourself with the basic rules – who can set up a company, what the formal requirements are, and how the entire process works. Below, we present the most common questions we encounter in practice, along with clear answers based on current regulations and the experience of our specialists.

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Q&A – most frequently asked questions about registering a company in Poland as a foreigner

Who can register a company in Poland?

Any foreigner – regardless of citizenship – can register a limited liability company (LLC, in Polish: sp. z o.o.), a simple joint-stock company (P.S.A.), a joint-stock company (S.A.), a limited partnership (sp.k.), or a limited joint-stock partnership (S.K.A.) in Poland.

However, in the case of a sole proprietorship or partnerships (general partnership or professional partnership), it is necessary to hold citizenship of an EU/EFTA/Swiss/US state or have an appropriate residence permit (e.g., residence card, refugee status, or Pole’s Card (in Polish: Karta Polaka).

Does a foreigner need a residence permit to conduct business in Poland?

It depends on the citizenship and the legal form of business.

Citizens of EU, EFTA, Swiss, and US states can conduct business in Poland without a residence permit – on the same terms as Polish citizens.

Citizens of countries outside this group require a residence permit if they wish to run a sole proprietorship or operate within a partnership.

The establishment or ownership of a capital company (e.g., limited liability company) does not require a residence card or staying in Poland. However, if a foreigner plans to manage the company personally from Polish territory, they must have a valid residence title – such as a national visa or a temporary residence permit.

What legal forms of business are available for foreigners?

Foreigners can conduct business activity in Poland under several legal forms, depending on their citizenship and residence status. In practice, the most commonly chosen form by foreigners is the limited liability company (sp. z o.o.).

Other available forms include:

• Simple joint-stock company (P.S.A.) – attractive for startups,
• Joint-stock company (S.A.) – typically for large-scale projects,
• Limited partnership (sp.k.) / limited joint-stock partnership (S.K.A.) – often used in holding structures,
• Branch of a foreign enterprise – provided that international agreements allow it.

On the other hand, forms such as sole proprietorship, general partnership, or professional partnership are reserved for citizens of the EU, EFTA, Switzerland, the USA – or for foreigners holding an appropriate residence title, such as a permanent residence permit.

Do foreigners need to be in Poland to register a company?

No. In most cases, a foreigner can register a business or company in Poland remotely – without the need to be physically present in the country.

Company registration (e.g. limited liability company, joint-stock company, or simple joint-stock company) can be completed entirely online – via the S24 system or through a legal representative. For sole proprietorships, online registration is only possible if the applicant holds a PESEL number and a Trusted Profile (in Polish: Profil Zaufany).

getsix® offers comprehensive support for foreigners – from document preparation to full representation during the entire registration process, including remote procedures.

What is needed to register a company in Poland?

In order for a foreigner to register a company in Poland, the following documents and information are required:

• a valid passport (with a sworn translation if necessary),
• details of shareholders and management board members,
• articles of association – notarised or electronic (via S24),
• registered office address in Poland,
• declaration on the contribution of share capital (minimum PLN 5,000 for an sp. z o.o.),
• consents of management board members and the list of shareholders,
• sworn translations of all foreign-language documents,
• power of attorney – if the registration is carried out by another person.

Depending on the registration method and the foreigner’s specific circumstances, additional attachments may be required – such as an electronic signature, documents confirming the registered office, or payment of official fees.

Can a foreigner register a single-member company?

Yes – a foreigner can conduct business in the form of a single-member entity, but the conditions depend on the chosen legal form and citizenship.

A sole proprietorship (JDG) can be registered by individuals holding citizenship of an EU or EFTA country, the USA, Switzerland – or by foreigners holding a valid residence permit in Poland.

A single-member capital company (e.g. a limited liability company or simple joint-stock company) can be registered by any foreigner – including those from outside the EU.

It is important to note that single-member companies are subject to additional formal requirements – such as restrictions on representation. In such cases, appointing a second shareholder or a proxy is often recommended.

What does the company registration process in Poland look like?

Regardless of the chosen legal form – whether a limited liability company, simple joint-stock company, limited partnership, or general partnership – the registration process in Poland includes the following steps:

1. Preparation of key information and decisions (legal form, shareholders, governing bodies, registered office).
2. Execution of the articles of association – either before a notary or online via the S24 system.
3. Contribution of share capital by the shareholders.
4. Appointment of the management board and, if applicable, other bodies.
5. Submission of the application to the National Court Register (KRS) and official company registration.
6. Automatic assignment of NIP (Tax Identification Number) and REGON (Statistical Number), and mandatory registration in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners (CRBR).
7. (if applicable) Registration with ZUS (social security) and for VAT.

The entire process can take from a few days to several weeks – depending on the registration method, company form, and completeness of the documentation.

How much does it cost to register a company in Poland?

The cost of registering a company in Poland depends on the chosen legal form, the scale of operations, and the scope of services required. It is recommended to discuss the details individually with a consultant.

The standard fees related to company registration include:

• PLN 500 – court fee for entry into the register (or PLN 250 if the articles of association were concluded via the S24 online system),
• PLN 100 – fee for publication of the entry in the Court and Commercial Gazette (Monitor Sądowy i Gospodarczy),
• Additional costs: power of attorney fee (PLN 17), sworn translations, electronic signature, legal representative’s or law firm’s fee – determined individually.

Does registering a company entitle a foreigner to reside in Poland?

No – registering a company does not automatically entitle a foreigner to reside in Poland. In order to legally live and operate in Poland, a foreigner must hold a valid residence permit – such as a national visa or a temporary residence permit.

However, owning a company may serve as a basis for obtaining:

• a temporary residence permit for business purposes, provided the business is genuine and profitable,
• a national type D visa – for example, due to holding a management board position or planning to invest.

In all cases, the decision depends on the individual situation – it is therefore advisable to consult an expert before applying for legalisation of stay.

How long does the registration process take?

• Online registration via S24: typically 1–5 business days,
• Notarial registration via the National Court Register (KRS): from a few days up to several weeks,
• Obtaining an electronic signature for a foreigner: up to 30 days, depending on the country of origin and certificate provider.

For foreigners, it is also important to remember about the time needed for sworn translations and issuing powers of attorney, if applicable. The entire process – from document preparation to official registration in the KRS – may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Can a foreigner act as a legal representative (proxy)?

Yes. Both Polish citizens and foreigners can act as legal representatives during the company registration process in Poland. A representative may act on behalf of the investor at all stages – from signing the articles of association to submitting the registration application to the KRS and providing further company support.

A written power of attorney is required – often in notarial form – and must be translated into Polish. For documents issued abroad, an apostille or legalisation by a Polish consulate may be required.

getsix® regularly represents international clients as an authorised proxy – ensuring full compliance with the law and smooth communication with Polish authorities.

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Registering a company in Poland as a foreigner is entirely possible – and increasingly accessible thanks to digitalisation. However, proper preparation, knowledge of regulations, and efficient handling of formalities are essential.

Would you like peace of mind that your company will be registered correctly, promptly, and in line with Polish law? Contact us. getsix® offers end-to-end company registration services in Poland – in three languages, with full legal, accounting and administrative support.

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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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