This autumn, with the start of the new business season, the process of immigration to Poland by entrepreneurs has become much more active. Some take their time — conducting research, planning in advance, while others make quick decisions, arriving in Poland and figuring everything out on the spot. In this article, we will discuss the types of immigrants, the pros and cons of each approach, and also touch upon the topic of relocating families and children.
Immigration to Poland: Strategy Options
We can conditionally divide business immigrants into three types:
- Explorers
- Conquerors
- Strategists
In many ways, the strategy depends not on character but on life circumstances. How urgent the situation is, how quickly it needs to be done, how much trust you have in people, partners, contractors in Poland, and what type of business you want to run. There are niches where it is easy to set up workflows, choose activities, and engage the right contractors. And there are others where you need to run around, obtain licenses, physically visit government offices, communicate with them, choose premises, buy equipment — and here, the presence of the owner is required. More details about the types are provided below.
Explorer
The explorer usually comes alone, sometimes without prior agreements.
His task is to quickly set up processes: obtain a PESEL and ePUAP, open a company, outline the company’s strategy, meet with a banker, leave the necessary powers of attorney, and leave in order to later bring over family or partners.
The advantage of business immigration to Poland for the “explorer” type is that everything happens quite quickly — once the decision is made, you arrive in Poland and start solving issues locally. The key is to have a guide who can take you by the hand and help set up the business processes.
Disadvantage — you will have to return home and then move with your team or family.
Services needed for this type of entrepreneur include express company registration and all associated documents, business plan development, consultations, process setup, and power of attorney arrangements.
Conqueror
For the “conqueror,” immigration to Poland is usually a one-way ticket. They move with suitcases, often with family and children in tow. Typically, these individuals have already exhausted their visa. They need a company immediately, so they don’t want to return. This is often linked to economic, political, or other situations in the country they are leaving.
Advantage — as long as you have at least one day of legal stay left in Poland, you are safe. You can apply for a residence card and resolve further issues locally.
Disadvantage — a lot falls on your shoulders right away — family, partners, housing search, residence card, etc.
The best service for this situation is business support and representation. This means there will be a professional who can help find housing, speak Polish, solve problems, and prepare necessary documents for you, your family, or partners. The representative will act as your guide and translator here.
Strategist
Strategists are in no rush to immigrate. They may order consultations, market analysis, strategy development, website creation, and remote company registration, etc. They might spend six months consulting without moving during that time. But by the time they arrive in Poland, they will have a legal entity set up, processes in place, initial requests from the website, working accounting, permits ready, and housing rented.
Advantage — smooth relocation, no stress, and established online processes. You can work remotely or arrive and take over the management of the company.
Disadvantage — during the time spent thinking and planning, the situation may change. The year 2020 and the pandemic are a good example.
Relocation to Poland with Family
Let’s touch on the topic of relocating to Poland with family and the current situation, which imposes certain restrictions. In a standard situation, for example, regarding Ukraine, there were no issues. Holders of biometric passports could easily enter Polish territory and resolve further matters.
During the pandemic, a reason is required for each family member to cross the Polish border.
Currently, due to COVID-related restrictions, it is necessary to have a special reason for crossing the border. It is possible to cross the border visa-free, but you must additionally attach, at a minimum, a work permit, invitation, or a certificate from your place of study. Such a reason for entry must be provided for each family member.
If an entrepreneur enters during the pandemic — they arrive, open a company, and get a work permit for themselves. However, their spouse cannot enter with them right now; she needs her own reason — either a work permit or a certificate from a vocational school.
The same applies to children. It’s easier if you take the explorer route — arriving, finding a kindergarten or school, and housing. With these documents, the child will have a reason to stay.
Summary
To make business immigration to Poland comfortable, here are tips for each type of immigrant:
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For explorers — arrive first, take care of all the necessary documents, appoint a representative to handle processes. This will be comfortable for your family, partners, and employees whom you plan to relocate.
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For conquerors — plan your move, consult, and learn about the best relocation options.
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For strategists — avoid overanalyzing and planning for too long. It’s possible to assess opportunities, a good window for entry, and favorable prices on properties that are being sold, while avoiding the active business season rush.
No matter which category you belong to, we wish you success in your business. If you still have uncertainties regarding relocating to Poland with your family or alone, schedule a consultation.
