Frequently asked questions

Opening an LLC (SP.Z.O.O.) in Poland is accessible to any foreign citizen or foreign company. We register the company remotely, without the need to be physically present in Poland. The foreigner will need to obtain a PESEL (Polish identification number) from the local registration office and an electronic signature.

For the registration of a company in Poland, the following documents will be required from the foreigner:

1. Passport.
2. Power of attorney.

Information about the company’s name, founders and their shares, company management, company address, types of activities, and the size of the share capital.

Also, it is important to note that all documents not in Polish must be translated and notarized. For more detailed information and specific requirements regarding company registration, please refer to our website.

1. Valid passport of the company founder.
2. The name of the future company. It must be in Polish or English. The name should be unique and not resemble any other registered company in Poland. You can check the availability of the name in the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy) or through an online company registration service.
3. Legal address of the company. We determine the location where the company will operate – the city.
4. We choose the management of the company – the board of directors (zarząd). At least 1 person, but there can be more. The board is responsible for the company’s activities and bears full responsibility before the authorities; founders do not bear any responsibility. We also provide a list of founders and board members (they need to be registered and obtain a PESEL (Tax Identification Number), ePUAP (Electronic Platform of Public Administration Services) profile, undergo ePUAP verification (for this purpose, visit either the Polish consulate in the country of residence or a government institution in Poland).
5. We prepare and provide the company’s Articles of Association.
6. We contribute the share capital – the minimum amount of share capital for an LLC in Poland is 5,000 PLN. It can be contributed in cash or in kind. The capital gains tax is 0.5% (For example: with a share capital of 5,000 PLN, the tax will be 25 PLN). The founder can provide loans to the company, and loans from the founder are not subject to taxation.
7. We choose the types of activities for the future company (PKD codes); there can be an unlimited number of them, but there will be no more than 10 in the extract from the register.
8. We go through the registration in the National Court Register of Companies in Poland (KRS) through the S24 system (online registration). To do this, on the eKRS website, find the section “S24 — Rejestracja spółki.” Alternatively, we go through notarial registration.
9. We obtain the KRS number and a certificate of company registration in Poland, as well as the NIP (Tax Identification Number).
10. We open a bank account (personal presence is necessary!).
11. We register the company with the tax authorities, social insurance authorities, and the statistical office.

The corporate income tax (CIT/Podatek dochodowy od osób prawnych) or profit tax is applicable for companies in Poland. The taxable base is calculated by subtracting business development and maintenance expenses from the total profit, excluding VAT. In Poland, there are two main tax rates since 2020:

1. The standard rate – 19%. It applies if the company’s annual revenue exceeds 1,200,000 EUR.
2. The reduced rate – 9%. Applicable if the company’s annual revenue is less than 1,200,000 EUR. This rate is mainly used by small and medium size enterprises and is considered one of the lowest in the EU.

Value Added Tax (VAT/НДС).

1. The basic rate is 23% and is applied to all types of goods and services. There are also reduced rates for certain types of goods and services:
   1. 8% rate – hotel services, medications, certain types of passenger transport.
   2. 5% rate – groceries, sale of ready-made food, cultivation and sale of certain types of plants.
   3. 0% rate – certain socially significant products and services.

IMPORTANT! Goods imported into Poland from EU and non – EU countries are subject to a 23% tax rate.

Dividend Tax.

Declared dividends are subject to a tax rate of 19%.

In Poland, accounting is conducted in accordance with Polish laws and standards, which require mandatory compliance with certain rules and procedures. Polish standards are very similar to international standards, but there are some specific features. Here are some key aspects of accounting in Poland:

1. Official language: Accounting must be conducted in Polish, and financial reports must be submitted in accordance with local requirements.
2. Taxation: Polish accounting includes recording tax obligations, preparing tax reports, and complying with tax legislation.
3. Reporting: Companies are obliged to adhere to established deadlines for submitting financial reports and statements to government authorities.
4. Registration: Accounting policies and standards must comply with the requirements of the National Council of Certified Auditors (Krajowa Rada Biegłych Rewidentów – KRRiT).

For effective accounting management in Poland, many companies hire local accountants or outsource these functions to specialized companies. Given the complexity and specificity of accounting in Poland, it is recommended to seek advice from experienced professionals or accounting consultants with expertise in this field.

To maintain accounting records in Poland, various types of documents related to the company’s economic activities need to be provided. Some of the key documents commonly used for accounting reporting include the following:

1. Financial documents: It is essential to provide invoices, bank statements, waybills, income and expense reports.
2. Contracts with suppliers and customers: These documents include contracts for the supply of goods and services, invoices, waybills, etc.
3. Payroll documents: Payroll sheets, employee contracts, reports on accruals and deductions, insurance contributions.
4. Tax declarations and reports: In tax reporting, it is important to consider VAT declarations, corporate income tax, personal income tax, land taxes, and property taxes.
5. Financial transaction documents: These include credit agreements, leasing contracts, expense orders.

This is just a small list of documents necessary for accounting reporting, and categories may vary depending on the specific activities and structure of the company. To ensure proper accounting reporting and compliance with Polish legislation, it is recommended to consult experienced accounting professionals or legal consultants to clarify the complete list of required documents for each specific situation.

Accounting services should include the following:

1. Accounting management: Gathering primary information, verifying the correctness of document formatting, and compiling documents. Entering information into the accounting system. Checking the consistency of invoices and statements. Providing online accounting services to clients, exchanging documents online.

1. Tax accounting: Calculating and assessing major taxes – CIT8, VAT7, ZUS, PIT, as well as other mandatory payments. Submitting all types of reports and declarations to tax authorities, social security funds, and statistical offices. Adhering to reporting deadlines. Preparing and submitting the annual report to tax authorities and the National Court Register (KRS).

1. HR support for the company and employee registration with ZUS: Calculating and processing salaries, handling dismissals, vacations, etc. Issuing invitations and work permits for non-residents.

1. Assistance with tax authorities and court matters: Preparing and submitting applications related to changes in details, shareholders, and registration address. Resolving issues related to the company’s type of activity. Clarifications regarding payments.

1. Consultations on business operations and tax consequences: Explanation of transactions and the tax implications associated with them.

1. Conducting foreign trade operations, supporting exports and imports: Assistance in choosing a customs agent, consultations on export and import operations, as well as their tax implications. Checking the need for product certification. Finding business partners and providing an overview of the Polish market.

1. Consultations on financing: Preparation and submission of documents for additional financing and obtaining loans. Assistance in leasing arrangements. Help in obtaining grants from the EU and funds.

Not every accounting firm can provide comprehensive accounting services in Poland; many are limited to certain services. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully choose an outsourcing company.