Starting a business in one of the European countries has always been promising. Many entrepreneurs choose Poland, a country that is rapidly developing and has a favorable legal environment for foreign investors.
Who can open a Sole Proprietorship (SP) in Poland:
Unlike joint-stock companies (Spółka Akcyjna) and limited liability companies (Sp. z o.o.), not all foreign residents can open a sole proprietorship. According to current legislation, the following categories of foreign nationals can open a sole proprietorship in Poland:
- Those residing in Poland with permanent residency (PМЖ).
- Those with a European Union residence card.
- Those with a Polish Card (Karta Polaka).
- Those with refugee status.
- Students (under 26 years old) enrolled in Polish higher education institutions.
How to Open a Sole Proprietorship (SP) in Poland:
Polish legislation allows foreigners to open a sole proprietorship without excessive financial costs through CEIDG (Central Register and Information on Economic Activity). The resident must fill out the CEIDG-1 form. The main requirement for this method is the need to confirm your identity remotely via the ePUAP profile or with a digital signature.
How to Register as a Sole Proprietor:
After remotely submitting the application via the CEIDG service, the registration process will be automatic. To complete the registration, a PESEL number (taxpayer identification number) is required. The new entrepreneur will automatically be added to the register. Within 24 hours, you can check your personal data in the relevant database. NIP (tax number) and REGON (statistical number) will also be assigned automatically.
If the registration with ZUS (Social Insurance Fund) hasn’t been done, you will need to submit a written application to the relevant office within a week, depending on your place of residence or business activity. Also, foreigners who do not have a Polish Card should remember the requirement to register with the tax office (depending on the type of business they choose).
Free Registration of Sole Proprietorship in Poland:
Regardless of the foreigner’s status, the entire process of registering as a sole entrepreneur is completely free. Polish legislation allows for the opening of a sole proprietorship (Jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza) even without initial capital. However, there are some nuances during the registration process:
- Residents do not receive a certificate of registration for the sole proprietorship. However, all necessary data can easily be downloaded from the CEIDG database.
- During the registration process, copies of documents may be required. These expenses are not reimbursed.
- The entrepreneur chooses one of the proposed forms of taxation for the business. If no option is selected, the system will automatically choose the standard tax scheme (progressive scale). Tax payments are due by the 10th of each month. If employees are hired, the deadline is extended to the 15th.
For those who are unsure how to open a sole proprietorship in Poland without a Polish Card, it is advisable to seek support from experienced staff at Uniconsulting.group. They can help navigate the intricacies of Polish legislation and quickly register your business without issues.
