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How to Start a Business in Poland and Obtain a Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) in 2025

Poland remains one of the most attractive countries in the European Union for foreigners seeking legal residency and the opportunity to start a business. With its stable economy, transparent tax system, and access to the EU market, an increasing number of individuals from not only Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, but also India, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Moldova, and other countries are choosing Poland as a strategic entry point into Europe.

In this article, we will explore in detail:

• how to start a business in Poland in 2025,

• the taxes entrepreneurs are required to pay,

• and how to legally obtain a residence permit (Karta Pobytu) through business activity.

Legalization in Poland: How to Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu)?

If you plan to stay in Poland for an extended period, obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) is essential.

✅ Ways to Obtain a Residence Card:

1️⃣ Through employment (if you are hired by a Polish company)
2️⃣ Through education (e.g., studying at a Polish university)
3️⃣ Through starting a business in Poland

📌 How to Apply for a Residence Card in Warsaw?

✔ Booking an appointment at the Voivodeship Office (Mazowiecki Urząd Wojewódzki) is mandatory
✔ High demand — early scheduling is recommended due to long queues
✔ Legal assistance — you can consult with professionals for help with documentation

📌 Starting a Business in Poland in 2025

Launching a business in Poland offers a legal way to work in the EU, enjoy low tax rates, and obtain official residence.

✅ Available Legal Forms for Businesses:

• Spółka z o.o. (Limited Liability Company) – the most common and flexible option

• Jednoosobowa Działalność Gospodarcza (Sole Proprietorship) – ideal for small or individual businesses

📌 How to Register a Company in Poland?

✔ Company registration in 2025 can be done online via the ePUAP system
✔ Choosing a business idea – from IT and consulting to logistics and trade
✔ Top cities for launching a business in Poland: Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań

📌 What Taxes Apply to Businesses in Poland (2025)?

Poland’s tax system offers preferential rates for small businesses:

• CIT (Corporate Income Tax) – 9% for eligible small companies

• VAT – standard 23%, but reduced rates of 5% and 8% are available

• ZUS (Social Security Contributions) – between 300 PLN and 1400 PLN per month, depending on structure

📌 How to Minimize Taxes?

✅ Use available tax exemptions and reliefs
✅ Consider registration in a Polish Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for additional incentives

📌 How to Legalize Your Stay Through Business?

Opening a business is one of the fastest ways to obtain a residence permit in Poland.

Steps to legalize via business:
✔ Register a Sp. z o.o. (LLC)
✔ Submit regular tax reports and maintain compliance
✔ Create jobs for Polish citizens – this significantly increases your chances of getting approved for residency

Poland: A Growing Destination for Entrepreneurs

Thanks to its stable economy, strategic geographic location, and strong support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Poland is becoming increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs. The country offers favorable conditions for launching and developing your own business.

Business Planning in Poland

A successful business starts with careful planning. This includes developing a detailed business plan, which helps define your objectives, strategies, and the path to achieving them. A business plan is also essential for attracting investors and securing funding.

Key stages of business planning:

• Market analysis: Study demand for your product or service, analyze competitors, and define your target audience.

• Strategy development: Identify your unique selling proposition (USP), pricing policy, and distribution channels.

• Financial planning: Estimate startup costs, forecast revenues and expenses, and calculate your breakeven point.

👉 Merser offers professional business planning services, including market analysis, financial projections, and strategies for entering the Polish market.

Starting a Business in Poland

Once your planning is complete, the next step is registering your company. Poland offers several legal forms of business, with the most popular being Spółka z o.o. — the Polish equivalent of a limited liability company (LLC).

Steps to starting a business in Poland:

• Choose a legal structure: Select the type of company based on your business scope and objectives.

• Company registration: Submit the necessary documents to the National Court Register (KRS) or the Central Registration and Information on Business (CEIDG).

• Obtain permits and licenses: Depending on your industry, additional certifications may be required.

Polish law provides streamlined registration procedures, allowing entrepreneurs to start operations quickly and efficiently.

Business Growth and Scaling in Poland

Once your company is up and running, the next step is to focus on growth and scalability. This involves optimizing business processes, entering new markets, and implementing effective marketing strategies.

Key growth elements:

• Marketing & promotion: Leverage modern tools like SEO, content marketing, and social media advertising to attract customers.

• Process optimization: Increase operational efficiency through automation and improved internal workflows.

• Scaling: Expand your product or service offerings and reach new geographic markets.

👉 Merser provides end-to-end business development support, including strategic planning, full-service marketing, and guidance throughout your growth journey.

Conclusion

Starting and growing a business in Poland requires thoughtful planning, knowledge of the local market, and effective promotional strategies. With the right approach and professional support, entrepreneurs from countries like the CIS, India, and the Middle East can successfully realize their business ideas and achieve sustainable growth in the Polish market.