Starting a Business in Poland for Ukrainians: Conditions and Advice
Hello! My name is Stas, and I have been living in Poland for eight years. We help companies enter the Polish market. In this video, I will explain how to start a business in Poland during wartime for Ukrainians. Let’s go!
Choosing the Legal Form for a Business in Poland
The first thing you need to do is understand which legal form to choose. This is important because it determines who can come to open a bank account and what taxes you will pay. In Poland, there are two most suitable options for Ukrainians: either a Spółka cywilna (civil partnership) or JDG (sole proprietorship).
Some might consider a joint-stock company or a public organization, but believe me, that’s not the best choice for 99% of you. It’s important to choose between Spółka cywilna and JDG. If you want to understand this in more detail, watch our video comparing taxes related to the chosen legal form.
Conditions for Starting a Business in Poland
Now let’s talk about the business registration process in Poland. If you plan to open a JDG (sole proprietorship), it’s important to know that Ukrainians have been allowed to register this type of business in Poland since February 24th. This is a unique opportunity that allows you to open a business even if you have no business presence in Poland.
If you were already in Poland before the war and have a valid residence card, you can also open a business here. If you are in Ukraine and your business there is not operating, that’s not a problem either. It’s best to send someone from your relatives, for example, your spouse, to open a company in Poland.
Obtaining an Electronic Signature for Remote Business Registration
To open a business remotely, you will need to get an electronic signature. This signature can be issued online, for example, at the Polish consulate in Lviv. This is important for all your partners and board members who will be registered in the company. Without an electronic signature, opening a business will be difficult.
Electronic signatures allow you to register a company remotely. Remember, you can not only open a company remotely but also open a bank account, though not all options are suitable. For example, in the case of JDG, physical presence in Poland is required.
Opening a Bank Account in Poland: What You Need to Know
When you open a business in Poland, you also need to open a bank account. However, this can only be done in the presence of one of the board members. If this is your business, you need to be in Poland or send a person who will open the account for you.
It is important to remember that any remote schemes for opening bank accounts are not reliable. Opening an account without physical presence is not possible, so be cautious with suspicious offers.
For example, some companies promise to open accounts but might use fraudulent schemes. It is always better to do everything legally and transparently.
Running a Business from Ukraine: Possible Options
The question arises: is it possible to run a business in Poland while staying in Ukraine? The answer is yes, it is possible. You can continue importing and exporting goods or providing services while in Ukraine.
You can arrange cooperation with local accountants or managers you trust to supervise your business in Poland.
Also, consider remote work possibilities: you can register on platforms like Allegro and receive payments via payment systems. However, be prepared for questions from government agencies, so it’s best to prepare documents and powers of attorney for those representing your interests in Poland in advance.
Hiring Employees in Poland: New Opportunities
The labor market situation in Poland has also changed. After the war, many Ukrainians came to Poland, including many talented professionals. The work permit requirement for Ukrainians has been canceled, which means you can hire Ukrainians just like Poles by simply notifying local authorities.
This significantly simplifies the process. Thus, there are many opportunities in Poland for starting and growing a business. The key is knowing how to choose the legal form properly and what steps to take to launch your business.
Conclusion: Your Steps to a Successful Business in Poland
So, if you decide to start a business in Poland, keep in mind the following: choose the right legal form, get electronic signatures, open a bank account, run your business remotely. You can handle this process and organize your affairs in Poland even from Ukraine. The main thing is to act legally and find reliable partners.
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