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How to start company in Poland?
20 November 2025

Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign entrepreneurs looking to do business in Central Europe. One of the most popular legal forms for companies is the limited liability company, known in Polish as spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.). Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand how to set one up.
 

  1. What is a spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.)?

 

A spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.) is a private limited liability company that:

  • Has its own legal personality,
  • Limits the liability of shareholders to the value of their contributions,
  • Can be founded by one or more individuals or entities (including foreigners).

 

The equivalent of the Polish spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.) in selected European countries includes:

 

  1. Sweden – Aktiebolag (AB)
  2. Norway – Aksjeselskap (AS)
  3. Denmark – Anpartsselskab (ApS)
  4. Germany – Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH)
  5. France – Société à responsabilité limitée (SARL)
  6. Czech Republic – Společnost s ručením omezeným (s.r.o.)
  7. Lithuania – Uždaroji akcinė bendrovė (UAB)

 

  1. Who can set up a spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.)?


Anyone – whether a private individual or a legal entity, regardless of nationality or place of residence – can set up a sp. z o.o. in Poland.
 

  1. Two ways to register a limited Liability Company in Poland

 

You can register a Polish limited liability company in two main ways:

 

a) Online Registration (via S24 system) - This method is ideal for entrepreneurs who want a quick, simple setup and are comfortable with the default legal structure.

  • Requires setting up an account at https://ekrs.ms.gov.pl/s24/
  • Company founders must use a qualified electronic signature or trusted profile (ePUAP)
  • It can be used to establish a very basic company, without complex or customized provisions in the articles of association
  • Registration usually takes 2–5 business days,
  • Contributions must be in cash.

 

b) Traditional Registration (via notary) - This method is best suited for more complex companies or for founders who want to set specific legal safeguards or operating rules beyond the standard template.

  • The company agreement is signed as a notarized deed,
  • Allows full customization of the company's articles,
  • Enables non-cash (in-kind) contributions, such as intellectual property, real estate, or equipment
  • Registration is completed via the Court Registers Portal (PRS),
  • Takes approximately 2–4 weeks.

 

  1. Basic Requirements for registering limited liability company (sp. z o.o.) in Poland:

 

To establish a spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.), you will need:

 

  • Company agreement (signed online via S24 or with a notary),
  • Share capital – minimum PLN 5,000,
  • Management board – at least one person,
  • Registered office address in Poland,
  • Court registration (KRS – National Court Register),
  • REGON and NIP numbers – assigned automatically after registration,
  • VAT registration (optional, depending on business activity.

 

  1. Costs  of registering limited liability company in Poland:

 

  • Court fee: PLN 350 (online via s24) or PLN 600 (traditional),
  • Notary fee (if using a traditional agreement): approx. PLN 800–1,400,
  • Minimum share capital: PLN 5,000.

 

  1. Do you need to be in Poland to register limited liability company?

 

No. It is possible to establish a company 100% remotely, especially via online registration or with the help of a legal representative using a power of attorney.

If registering online, you will need a qualified electronic signature or a trusted profile (ePUAP) – which can be obtained through Polish consulates abroad.

 

  1. Do I need a PESEL number as a foreigner to set up limited liability in Poland?

 

No, a PESEL number is not obligatory required to set up a company in Poland as a foreigner.

 

However, if you plan to use online registration (S24 system) or sign documents with a trusted profile (ePUAP), having a PESEL number can be helpful or even necessary.

If you don’t have a PESEL, you can:

 

  • Use a qualified electronic signature issued in the EU (accepted across Poland),
  • Or grant power of attorney to a legal representative (e.g., a legal advisor) to handle registration on your behalf.

 

  1. Can I grant a Power of Attorney to set up a company?

 

Yes, you can authorize someone to handle the entire company formation process on your behalf by granting a power of attorney (PoA).

 

The power of attorney must be in writing and notarized.

If signed outside of Poland, it may require apostille or consular legalization, depending on your country of residence.

 

If you grant the power of attorney in a Polish notary office and you do not speak Polish, the presence of a sworn (certified) translator is legally required during the notarial procedure.


A licensed attorney at law (radca prawny) from our law firm can act as your attorney-in-fact, taking care of all required steps to establish the company quickly and in full compliance with Polish law. 

If you are looking for legal support in this issue, please contact us.  

 

Attorney At Law - Michał Kubiak 

e-mail: biuro@kancelariakubiak.pl or phone/whatsaap  +48 724293339

 

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