Starting your own business in Poland can be made significantly easier thanks to a number of government programs aimed at supporting new entrepreneurs. These programs offer various benefits, from reduced tax obligations to financial support in the form of subsidies and grants. Let’s look at the most important ones:
1. Działalność nierejestrowana (Non-registered Activity)
This is the simplest way to start a business activity. It is suitable for those whose monthly income does not exceed 75% of the minimum wage for a given year. Advantages: no need to register with CEIDG, GUS, or ZUS, simplified accounting, and no obligation to pay social or health insurance contributions. Conditions: income limit, performing the activity independently, without hiring employees on an employment contract.
2. Ulga na start (Relief at the Start)
This relief exempts you from paying social security contributions (pension, disability, accident) for the first six full months of your business activity. Only the health insurance contribution remains mandatory. Advantages: a significant reduction in costs at the initial stage. Conditions: you must register your business in CEIDG, and it must be your first business activity, or at least 60 months must have passed since your last one was closed.
3. Składki preferencyjne (Preferential Contributions)
This allows you to pay reduced social security contributions for the next 24 full months after the “Ulga na start” period ends. The contribution base is 30% of the minimum wage. Advantages: lower financial burden during the business development phase, providing a smooth transition to standard contributions. Conditions: you must register your business activity, and this support follows the “Ulga na start” relief.
4. Mały ZUS Plus (Small ZUS Plus)
A program that allows you to pay income-dependent social security contributions for up to 36 months within a 60-calendar-month period. The calculation of contributions depends on the company’s income from the previous year. Advantages: long-term reduction in social security costs for small enterprises. Conditions: your income for the previous calendar year must not exceed PLN 120,000, and you must have conducted business for at least 60 days in the previous year.
Subsidies and Grants
In addition to tax and contribution reliefs, new entrepreneurs can apply for subsidies and grants from various public and private funds. This often involves non-repayable financial aid for purchasing equipment, software, or covering other startup costs. The conditions for receiving such funds vary depending on the program and region. It often requires developing a business plan, having an innovative idea, or focusing on job creation. Information about available programs is published on the websites of organizations such as PARP (Polish Agency for Enterprise Development), local entrepreneurship support centers (PUP), and web portals specializing in business financing.
Key Considerations and Recommendations
- The conditions for receiving benefits and the amounts of subsidies can change, so you should always check the current information on official government websites (ZUS, gov.pl).
- Obtaining some benefits requires fulfilling specific formalities and preparing the appropriate documentation.
- Consulting with an accountant or a legal specialist is recommended to correctly choose and use the available benefits.
Summary and Contact Information
Taking advantage of all possible benefits can significantly simplify starting a business in Poland and reduce the risks associated with the initial stage of entrepreneurship. A thorough examination of the available programs and meeting their conditions is the key to a successful start.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact our managers for a prompt consultation: office@progressholding.pl
