Do you want to open a transportation company in Poland and build a successful transportation business? Poland offers favorable conditions for the development of the transport industry, and opening a transportation company in Poland is a great opportunity to establish a foothold in the EU transport market. But how do you start a transport business in Poland and develop it successfully?
It’s important to note that to open a transportation business in Poland, an entrepreneur needs experience in the industry and knowledge of its specifics.
Who can open a transportation company in Poland?
How can a foreigner open a transportation company in Poland? The same way as Polish citizens. To register a company in Poland, you need to provide certain documents, including those confirming your legal status and place of residence. It’s important to note that foreigners can open a company in Poland if they have a PESEL number and an electronic signature. The registration of a transportation company in Poland is carried out online through the S24 system.
How to register a transportation company in Poland
If you’ve decided to open a transportation company in Poland, for example, to engage in freight or passenger transport, the first step is to determine the legal form of your future company. According to statistics, in Poland, most businesses of this kind are registered as either a one person company (Individual Entrepreneur) or an LLC (Sp. z o.o.). You can register your company in Poland remotely; there’s no need to physically visit Poland.
To register a company, the following is required:
- Company name
- Registered legal address, it can be any address for the transportation company.
- Provide details of the founders and appoint board members. They need to create an ePUAP profile (electronic signature), but first, they must obtain a PESEL number (personal identification number). To verify their identity for the ePUAP, they need to visit a Polish government office or consulate in their country of residence.
- Articles of Association
- For company registration in Poland, a share capital deposit is required (the minimum share capital for registering an Spółka z o.o. is PLN 5,000).
- Determine the PKD (activity codes). For the transport industry, these are section H, group 49; 49.3; 49.4; 49.41.
- Register the company in Poland with the Polish National Court Register (KRS).
- Pay the state registration fee.
- If all documents pass the verification process, the company receives a KRS number and a company registration certificate, as well as a NIP (taxpayer identification number).
- Open a bank account.
- Register with the tax authorities, social security office, and the statistical office.
Obtaining a license to open a transportation company in Poland
Types and description of transportation licenses in Poland:
- Passenger transport license – for passenger transport by bus or taxi.
- Freight transport license – for cargo transportation by road.
- International freight transport license – for transporting cargo outside Poland. The cost of a license for 5 years is 4000 PLN. Detailed terms will be sent upon request to office@progressholding.pl.
A transportation license in Poland requires that at least one company employee holds a professional competence certificate (certyfikat kompetencji zawodowych). You can take a 10-day course (Polish language proficiency is required, and the exam is paid). Alternatively, you can hire a transport manager who holds the relevant professional qualifications. To obtain a license for opening a transportation company in Poland, all documents must be submitted to the relevant authority. The documents should include details about the company, vehicles, and drivers. The transport license is issued for a maximum period of 10 years.
Technical requirements for opening a transportation company in Poland
Several key aspects need to be considered for the successful launch of a transport business:
- Availability of vehicles. You will need vehicles that meet the requirements for transporting people or goods. These vehicles may be owned, leased, or rented.
- Parking space availability. You must ensure safe storage of vehicles. This can be your own facility or rented space.
- A service and maintenance area. Vehicles require regular technical maintenance and repairs. You will need a space for this work or contract the services of external organizations.
Driver requirements for obtaining a transport license in Poland
Drivers in Poland must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid driver’s license for the relevant category.
- Undergo a medical examination and confirm their fitness to drive.
- Comply with rest and work time regulations.
- Complete regular training.
Why transportation companies choose Progress Holding accountancy service?
We are an accounting firm with 20 years of extensive experience, rendering service to number of transportation companies. Our broad range of expertise and years of experience in company formation in Poland allows us to understand the challenges these modern industries face. We offer professional tax advice particularly in an international transportation and forwarding businesses.
Accounting services for transportation companies in Poland, provided by Progress Holding:
- Comprehensive bookkeeping services for the company.
- Preparation and submission of tax reports (VAT, corporate income tax, and other mandatory reports and declarations).
- Financial accounting (reports according to local standards and requirements) and tax consulting (minimizing tax risks and optimizing taxation).
- Salary calculation for drivers and related taxation. Managing travel documentation.
- Provision of legal services and consultation on tax and corporate law, including Polish legislation on transportation companies.
- Document management and preparation for audits.
- Assistance in managing loans, financial planning, and forecasting.
- Assistance in obtaining licenses and permits for both domestic and international transport.
- Interaction with banks.
- Administrative support at all stages of business operations.
When opening a transportation company in Poland, it’s important to comply with all current laws and regulations. Receiving professional legal and accounting assistance can greatly simplify this process and ensure that your company meets all the necessary requirements.