How to launch startup in Poland: legal requirements, documents, taxation — explainer

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How to launch startup in Poland: legal requirements, documents, taxation — explainer

Polish startup ecosystem has been experiencing dynamic growth, establishing itself as a significant player in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland is ranked within the top 40 startup ecosystems globally and 4th in Eastern Europe. It is holding the largest share of the record value of the entire startup ecosystem in the CEE region at the end of Q1 2025 and is one of the fastest growing markets in the CEE region.

Several Polish Unicorns impress with their stories. 

Allegro – a Polish online e-commerce platform with 26 years of experience, after debuting on Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2020 became the largest IPO in Poland’s history.

InPost – a Polish public logistics limited company with courier, package delivery and express mail service. Founded in 1999, InPost has been expanding since, firstly debuting on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2015, and in 6 years launching on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. 

CD Projekt – a video game company based in Poland. The company became the largest video game company in Europe in 2020 by reaching a valuation of $8.1 billion. The company is in the top 20 largest companies on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and is also listed in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

How to launch a startup in Poland? AIN has collected all the necessary details to start a successful business.

How to start a business in Poland

    1. Check if you can run the business in Poland.

For this, you need to be an adult citizen of Poland, the European Union, or the European Economic Area.  Others can start and run a business just like Polish citizens if you hold a residence title that grants you this right. This includes a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU residence permit, or a temporary residence permit obtained for university studies.

    2. Some businesses don’t have to be registered. Check yours.

To start a business in Poland, you typically need to register it with the CEIDG, which is the national register for sole proprietorships. This also applies if you’re forming a partnership.

However, if you expect your income to be low, you may not need to register at all. This is called an unregistered activity – a small-scale, for-profit activity that doesn’t require any formal business registration.

    3. Choose the name.

When registering your business with CEIDG, your business name must include your full first and last name.

    4. Choose a business address.

You can run your business in a few permanent locations. You also may select the option of not permanent place of business.

    5. Select the PКD (in the Polish Classification of Activities) code.

Search for the type of code that suits you best. Choose one main code and an unlimited number of additional codes. 

    6. Check if you need a permit for your activity.

    7. Choose the form of income taxation.

    8. VAT.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax that is added to the price of goods and services at each stage of production and distribution.

As a rule, entrepreneurs must register for VAT in Poland, and this obligation is separate from your personal income tax (PIT) obligations, regardless of how you choose to settle your PIT.

    9. Open a bank account.

    10. Register online on biznes.gov.pl.

Legal forms of business in Poland

There are several variants of legal forms of business activity for those who want to start a business in Poland:

  • one-person business activity;

  • civil law partnership;

  • a limited liability company;

  • a joint-stock company;

  • general partnership;

  • limited partnership;

  • partnership limited by shares.

How to choose a name

You should check whether the name you want to use is available yet. The easiest way to do that is to enter the name in the CEIDG and KRS databases. It’s also a good idea to check if the name isn’t a registered trademark:

Enterpreneur Visa

With the help of this visa, non-EU nationals can start and run a business in Poland, enabling freelance or self-employment.

Documents required:

  • completed visa application for;

  • foreign passport;

  • color photographs;

  • detailed business plan for the startup;

  • documents confirming the availability of funding;

  • resumes of founders and the key team members;

  • proof of qualifications and experience in the relevant field;

  • letters of recommendation (optional).

There are some requirements for candidates. Your idea need to be innovative, you should have a business plan and financial model, and sufficient funding. The project needs to fit the priority directions of the Polish economy development. Finally, you have to be ready to develop the project in Poland.

CIT in Poland

  • standard rate: 19%.

  • reduced rate: 9% for companies with annual revenue up to €2 million –  “Small taxpayers” (revenue up to €2M in the previous year) and new businesses in their first year of operation until they exceed the €2M threshold.

  • restrictions: the 9% rate cannot be used by companies created through certain types of restructuring.

Government support

The Polish government offers a wide range of initiatives to assist new businesses, mostly through grants, tax breaks, and state-run programs, including the Poland Prize which provides non-dilutive funding and mentorship to attract foreign companies. Startup Platforms offer incubation and grants for early-stage companies, while the “Smart Track” program provides large-scale funding for R&D and innovative projects. Additionally, new entrepreneurs can access favorable loans and micro-grants from state-owned banks.

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