Part 1: STARTING A BUSINESS IN POLAND
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR MERSERPL CLIENTS
7/24/20254 min read


1. Can a foreigner open a business in Poland?
Yes, a foreigner can open a business in Poland, even from abroad. The most accessible legal form is the Sp. z o.o. (equivalent to an LLC), which is available to citizens of most countries. We guide you through all the steps remotely and without mistakes—from articles of association to registration in the national court register.
2. Does your pricing include all expenses, such as government fees and taxes?
The price quoted in our offer covers our consulting services. The government registration fee (around €100) and capital tax are paid separately, depending on your selected structure and share capital. We calculate all mandatory payments in advance so that you have a complete overview of the costs.
3. Do I have to use your services, or can I handle everything myself?
You’re free to go through the process on your own—we don’t force our services. However, our experience shows that without knowledge of Polish law and language, many people make mistakes that cost time and money. We offer three cooperation options:
Option 1: Self-registration using our detailed business plan and step-by-step guidance to avoid errors.
Option 2: Full turnkey support by our team.
Option 3: If you purchase a business plan and register the company yourself, you can choose specific stages where you need our help. The service cost in this case depends on the scope or is set by agreement.
You choose — we provide honest alternatives.
4. What determines the total cost if I purchase the business plan and request assistance?
The total depends on the scope. The business plan alone (including analysis, structure, and launch strategy) is around €350.
If you want us to also handle registration, bank communication, government documents, and bylaws — you’ll need a consulting package, costing from €200 to €1300 for a typical business (not involving complex licensing or structures).
We calculate everything in advance: the business plan, fees, legal address, taxes, and support — so you can decide confidently, with no hidden surprises.
5. Why do I need to stay in Poland for 15 days?
6. What happens during that time?
7. How long does it take to open a company?
You’ll need to be present for two key steps: obtaining a PESEL number and creating an ePUAP profile (for document signing), and opening a bank account. We handle everything else. These two visits can be completed within 10–15 days.
8. Can a company be opened remotely, without traveling to Poland?
Yes, this can be done via power of attorney. We prepare all documents and register the company on your behalf. This is ideal for clients without a visa or time to travel — everything is done legally, remotely, and efficiently.
9. What is the S24 portal and how is it different from notarial registration?
S24 is the Ministry of Justice’s online platform for registering Sp. z o.o. companies. It’s faster and cheaper, but requires a Polish electronic signature or ePUAP. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to register through a notary. We help you choose and arrange the best option.
10. What is the minimum share capital required?
The minimum capital for a Sp. z o.o. is 5,000 PLN (around €1100). This is a formal deposit that can be used by the company after registration. We’ll guide you on how to declare and deposit it correctly to avoid issues.
11. Who can be the director and founder of a Sp. z o.o.?
Any foreigner can be both a founder and a director (board president), with no restrictions.
No employment contract or residency card is needed. We help you properly structure management and prepare the necessary consents.
12. Is a registered office in Poland required?
Yes. A valid legal address in Poland is mandatory for Sp. z o.o. registration. We provide a reliable address with a legal agreement — which speeds up the whole process.
13. What is a virtual office? Can it be used for registration?
A virtual office is a legal address service without physical space. It suits most business types and is fully legal. We offer such addresses with signed agreements and mail handling.
14. How are business activity codes (PKD) chosen?
PKD codes define what your company does. Choosing them wisely affects your taxes, reporting, licenses, and even eligibility for residence permits. We select the right PKD codes as part of the business plan or during full registration support.
15. What is needed to create company bylaws (articles of association)?
The bylaws are the key document for Sp. z o.o. — defining structure, purpose, management, and rules. We prepare them based on your goals and scale. If you order a business plan, we include bylaws recommendations.
16. Is PESEL and ePUAP profile required to start a business?
Yes, if you’re registering through S24, you need both a PESEL number and an active ePUAP profile (electronic signature). We help you obtain them within 1–3 days of arrival in Poland — escorting you and handling everything officially. If you don’t have them, notarial registration is the alternative.
17. How do I open a corporate bank account?
18. Is a personal visit required?
19. What are the costs?
20. Are there hidden fees?
A personal visit is required to open an account — this is a legal requirement.
We help you choose the right bank based on fees, currency services, and online tools. Opening is free, and account maintenance is about €2–3/month. We check all terms in advance to avoid hidden costs.
21. Is VAT registration mandatory?
No, not immediately. You must register as a VAT payer only if your annual turnover exceeds 200,000 PLN, or you engage in specific activities (e.g. export, IT services). We analyze your case and advise whether and when VAT registration is needed.
22. Is hiring an accountant mandatory? What does it cost?
Yes, full accounting is mandatory for Sp. z o.o. — you must submit reports to tax authorities and ZUS. Costs start at 500–600 PLN/month, depending on business volume.
We connect you with reliable partners or work with your accountant — whichever you prefer.
23. What happens after registration?
24. What are the next steps and documents?
After registration in KRS (the national court register), your company automatically receives NIP (tax number) and REGON (statistical number). Next steps: open a bank account, register for VAT (if needed), and set up accounting. We guide you through every step — from official extract to full operational readiness. This takes about 7 to 14 working days.
25. What else should be done post-registration?
Once registered, it's important to activate your business — otherwise it will be seen as dormant. Key steps:
Open a bank account (to deposit capital and handle transactions)
Set up accounting (mandatory for tax reporting)
Calculate and pay taxes (even without income, obligations may exist)
Secure a legal address and documentation storage
Register for VAT if required
Start real commercial activity (invoicing, sales, contracts)
For visa or residency — prepare a business plan and prove business activity
Warszawa, Poland
info@merserpl.com
+48 573 880 826
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