How to Open a Transport Company in Poland for Foreigners

Transport Company in Poland: How to Open and What You Need to Know

Freight transportation in Poland is one of the leading sectors among entrepreneurs from the CIS countries. So, why does the Republic of Poland attract entrepreneurs?

The primary reason is Poland’s strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes across the continent. It can truly be considered a hub for international trade and business. Poland boasts high-quality roads, developed infrastructure, and a strong sense of civic and entrepreneurial responsibility. Moreover, the criteria for business development are clearly defined and regulated.

Freight Transport in Poland: Features of Opening a Business

To open a business in Poland, you must go through the sequential stages of creating and registering the company, obtaining a license, forming the staff, and attracting clients.

Before starting a transport company in Poland, there are a few requirements that must be met by the individual wishing to open the business:

• No criminal record in Poland.
• Experience in the transportation sector and a competence certificate (certyfikat kompetencji zawodowych).
• Initial capital to organize the business and funds to maintain the transport vehicles.

Main Stages of Opening a Transport Company

To open a transport company in Poland, you must follow several steps:

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1. Register the Company in Poland: Registration is done through the Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy (Polish national business register), which takes up to 2 weeks. The preferred business structure for foreigners is the Spółka z o.o.(the Polish equivalent of an LLC). You can register the company remotely or through a notary. Alternatively, you can buy an existing transport company in Poland to save time on obtaining permits.

2. Open a Bank Account and Obtain Taxpayer Status: For this process, the company owner needs to contact the bank and the tax office to obtain VAT status. It is advisable to open accounts in several currencies for optimal fund management.

3. Purchase and Register the Vehicle: Polish legislation requires that the vehicle be registered under the company’s name, and failing to do so will result in the denial of a license.

4. Obtain a License for Domestic and International Transport: The process takes between 1 and 1.5 months. What is required for licensing:

   • Payment of a registration fee.
   • Appointment of a transport manager with the appropriate professional qualifications.
   • Insurance policy.
   • Declaration of available parking space.

   The cost of the freight transport license in Poland is as follows:

   • For up to 5 years: 900 EUR (4000 PLN).
   • For 5 to 10 years: 1800 EUR (8000 PLN).

5. Obtain a Digital Card for the Company and the Reading Device: The cost of the digital card is 290 PLN.

6. Form the Staff: The staff must include drivers who have undergone medical exams, have certificates of mental health, professional qualifications, and a certificate for delegating work abroad.

7. Organize Freight Transport Operations: Freight transport can be organized by the entrepreneur themselves or by an external team of specialists, leveraging established schemes and understanding the intricacies of this business sector.

If you need help registering a transport company in Poland, leave a request on the website, and specialists at Uniconsulting will provide consultation.