Company registration

How to set up a company in Poland? You have several legal structures to choose from, depending on what suits your business best. The limited liability company (LLC) appears to be the most common choice for investors in Poland.
When entering the Polish market, it's important to carefully consider the various legal forms of companies available. The choice of the most appropriate form for a particular investment depends on numerous business, practical and formal factors. To proceed with the process of establishing of a company smoothly, it's essential to meticulously plan and follow the necessary steps.
Each type of company in the Polish legal system has a different purpose and is tailored to the needs of a particular type of investor. The most popular are listed below:
Limited liability company
- Limited liability, simple form, unformalised to a point: for the purpose of conducting business as well as for any legally permissible purpose
- Notarial deed or electronic form
- Minimum capital: 5,000 PLN
Joint stock company
- For the purpose of conducting business on a large scale
- Notarial deed
- Minimum capital: 100,000 PLN
Limited partnership
- Combination of active participation and capital investment with limited risk: for conducting business under its own name
- Notarial deed or electronic form
- Minimum capital: Not required
Limited stock partnership
- Flexible form: allows the involvement of investors through the issue of shares on a smaller scale (i.e. large family business)
- Notarial deed
- Minimum capital: 50,000 PLN
Simple joint stock company
- Flexibility and a simple management structure: interesting i.e. for innovative start-ups;
- Notarial deed or electronic form
- Minimum capital: 1 PLN
Branch of a foreign entity
- For conducting business only in the scope of business activity of the foreign company
- Statement of the foreign company on establishing a branch and its place of operation
- Minimum capital: Not required
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC)
A limited liability company is the most common choice for investors. Compared to other legal forms, this is due to a number of factors. These include:
- no personal liability of the shareholders for corporate liabilities (as a rule).
- the required initial share capital is low — only 5,000 PLN (approximately €1,200).
- comparatively low costs for incorporation and operation of the LLC
- Clear and transparent rules in relation to the LLC’s day-to-day management;
- LLC can even be established online (theoretically within 24 hours) although this introduces some limitations;
- under certain conditions, LLC may operate already after signing the Articles of Association
How to set up limited liability company in Poland
To establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Poland, shareholders must begin by drafting the Articles of Association as a notarial deed, which requires the signatures of all shareholders. The Management Board must then notify the National Court Register within six months of signing this document.
Alternatively, an LLC can be formed electronically via the Ministry of Justice's platform at https://ems.ms.gov.pl/ . The registration process should be completed within 24 hours after submitting the necessary documents to the Register of Entrepreneurs. However, there are significant restrictions on the provisions of the Articles of Association when using this electronic method.
Frequently asked questions on a limited liability company in Poland:
- What is a LLC in Poland?
A limited liability company (spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością) in Poland is a type of company that allows you to conduct business with limited risk and relatively low costs. It is common for investors considering to establish a business in Poland.
- How to set up a limited liability company in Poland?
In the first place, setting up a company involves signing Articles of Association. The Management Board must then notify the National Court Register within six months. Alternatively, the company can be registered electronically via the Ministry of Justice's platform. Other obligations are briefly described below.
- How much does it cost to set up a company in Poland?
An entrepreneur wishing to set up a limited liability company in Poland must contribute share capital (at least PLN 5,000) and bear the costs of notarisation, registration and preparation of documents. However, in comparison to other types of companies, these costs are relatively low.
- Can a foreigner open a company in Poland?
Yes, a foreigner can open a company in Poland. One of the possibilities is to set up a limited liability company, or to operate through a branch, or in other forms described by us on this page.
- How long does it take to register a LLC in Poland?
If registering electronically, the process can be completed within 24 hours after submitting the necessary documents. Traditional registration may take longer, depending on the notarial and court procedures.
- Are there any restrictions on the business activities of an LLC?
Generally, an LLC can engage in any lawful business activity. However, certain regulated industries may require additional licenses or permits.