TYPES OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AVAILABLE IN POLAND
The array of organizational and legal forms for businesses in Poland is diverse, though not all options are accessible to foreign citizens. The most popular among non-residents are:
- Sp.z.o.o — closed limited liability company, similar to an LTD. It requires only one founder, and the minimum number of shareholders is one, with no maximum limit. The minimum authorised capital must be 5000 PLN or about 1200 EUR.
- S.A. — public limited liability company. Popular among medium and large businesses, it demands a minimum authorised capital of 100,000 PLN or about 23,800 EUR, and only one founder is required for registration.
- Partnerships. According to Polish law, various types of partnerships can be registered, including full, professional, limited, and limited liability partnerships. Establishment requires a minimum of two partners, who can be either individuals or legal entities.
Foreign companies also have the option to open branches and representative offices in Poland. Activities of Sp.z.o.o and S.A. with foreign capital in Poland are regulated by the Commercial Code and the Law on Companies with Foreign Participation of 1991. These documents were amended and supplemented in 1996.
Furthermore, Poland features 6 special economic zones (SEZs) where foreign companies can enjoy special tax benefits and more convenient conditions for doing business.
FEATURES OF COMPANY REGISTRATION IN POLAND
When registering a business in the Republic of Poland, founders need to gather a set of documents, including personal details of founders and shareholders, constituent documents, and a memorandum, all certified by a notary. It is also essential to find and rent a local office for an official legal address and open an account at a local bank. Once the company is successfully registered in the National Court Register, founders must promptly submit information about the final beneficiaries to a special register within 7 working days. Additionally, within 21 working days, details about the company’s bank account and accountant must be forwarded to the tax authorities at the place of registration.
It is worth noting, that despite the seemingly straightforward registration process, foreign citizens often encounter unexpected bureaucratic challenges and nuances that can be difficult to navigate independently. To avoid unnecessary complications during the company registration in Poland, we recommend seeking assistance from COREDO managers. They possess a thorough understanding of Polish legislation and extensive experience in the local legal field.
