As data published by the Polish Economic Institute shows, in 2023, the number of companies established in Poland by foreigners reached nearly 42,000, of which as many as 28,600 were businesses registered by Ukrainian citizens. At the same time, this was 5% more companies opened by foreigners than in 2022, which shows an upward trend and proves that Poland is steadily becoming a more attractive place to grow a business. Alongside this trend, demand is growing for services such as a virtual office and, more broadly, professional business support for foreign entrepreneurs — something we also focus on at IdeaPlace. We know that the process of setting up a business in Poland as a foreigner may seem complicated, but with specialist support, it does not have to be.

Can a foreigner start a company in Poland? The right to run a business

Foreigners can start and run a business in Poland, but the rules for company registration differ depending on the country of origin and legal status. The regulations are most favorable for citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, meaning EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, as well as the United States and Switzerland, who can set up their own companies in Poland on the same terms as Polish citizens.

The situation is slightly different for citizens from outside the European Union. They also have the right to set up a sole proprietorship or any commercial company in Poland, but to do so they must have the appropriate residence title. Documents that may entitle them to do so include: 

How can a foreigner start a company in Poland? Choosing the form and registration method 

As mentioned above, the rules for company registration by foreigners may vary depending on the country the person planning to start a business in Poland comes from. The simplest path applies to EU and EEA citizens, who do not need any additional permits, unless they plan to carry out regulated activity. This means they can freely open companies on terms similar to entrepreneurs with Polish citizenship, choosing one of the available business forms: 

In the case of Switzerland and the United States, this issue is regulated by two international agreements: the Treaty on Business and Economic Relations between the Republic of Poland and the United States of America, signed in Washington on March 21, 1990, and the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Swiss Confederation, on the other, on the free movement of persons. These agreements allow business activity to be established on the same terms as for Polish citizens.

Ukrainian citizens form a separate group. Due to the special situation in Ukraine and the large-scale migration that followed, the Act of March 12, 2022 on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that country applies. As a result, despite Ukraine not being part of the EU or EEA, a Ukrainian citizen staying legally in Poland and holding a PESEL number may start a business on the same terms and in any legally permitted form as Polish citizens.

Legal requirements for starting a foreigner’s business activity in Poland

A frequently asked question is whether a foreigner must have a residence card to run a business in Poland. In practice, this requirement applies only to people who are not citizens of the United States, Switzerland, or any country belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area. 

Foreigners with citizenship other than the ones listed above who do not hold a residence card may conduct business in Poland only in the form of a company or a branch of a foreign entrepreneur, provided that ratified international agreements concluded with Poland do not exclude this possibility. 

How long does it take for a foreigner to start a company in Poland?

Several factors affect how long it takes for a foreigner to register a company. One of the key factors is often the location itself. People completing this process in large, popular cities that attract many foreigners usually need more patience. While registration of new entities in Warsaw or Kraków may take even several months, a similar procedure in Wrocław usually takes much less time, and all formalities can often be completed within a few weeks. So if time matters, it is worth choosing places with lower administrative workload.

To make the entire company registration process even faster, it is worth using professional support. At IdeaPlace, we offer help from a qualified virtual assistant who, based on proper authorization, can represent a foreigner at the office and efficiently handle all formalities related to setting up a business on their behalf. 

The process of registering business activity by a foreigner

To register a sole proprietorship in CEIDG as a foreigner, you first need to have a PESEL number. The registration procedure itself can be completed in two ways: online or in person, by visiting a selected municipal office.

The next step is to create a trusted profile, which is necessary to register an entrepreneur account on biznes.gov.pl. A trusted profile or qualified electronic signature will also be useful for signing the registration application submitted electronically.

In the case of foreigners who do not have a PESEL number, company registration is possible only in the traditional way, through a visit to any municipal office. In that case, the applicant must present a passport or another document confirming their identity and citizenship. Citizens from outside the EU, EEA, United States, and Switzerland must additionally present a residence title. 

In the case of a company, the registration procedure in the National Court Register takes place through the S24 system or the Court Registers Portal. To do this, it is necessary to create an account in the selected system and confirm it using a trusted profile or qualified electronic signature. To submit the registration application, it is also necessary to have a PESEL number.

Why should foreigners consider a virtual office when starting a business?

A virtual office is a solution that brings many benefits to foreigners setting up a company in Poland, especially those who do not yet have a permanent place of residence in the country. Above all, it allows them to register their business at a prestigious address in an attractive location, which significantly increases the company’s credibility, especially at the beginning. A representative registered office address is a helpful tool for building trust among potential clients and business partners in a new market. 

Using a virtual office also means saving time and money. Foreigners who are just settling in Poland can avoid the cost of renting a traditional office. A virtual office offers full flexibility — there is no need to worry about long-term lease agreements or managing a physical workplace. This allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business and building contacts without unnecessary administrative burdens.

Another important aspect is mobility. Foreigners often travel between their home country and Poland, and using a virtual office gives them the ability to run a business regardless of their current location. It is therefore an ideal solution for those who prefer a remote or hybrid work model.

In addition, at IdeaPlace, we offer comprehensive administrative services, such as correspondence handling, phone answering, and even accounting support or virtual assistant help. This is especially valuable for people who are not yet familiar with Polish regulations or procedures and need additional support in managing their company smoothly. A virtual office can also provide help with document translation and advice on local legal regulations, making it much easier to enter a new market.

Business activity for foreigners and virtual office support

It is worth remembering that a virtual office is not only an address for company registration. It is also professional business support, which can prove essential for foreigners taking their first steps on the Polish market. 

At IdeaPlace, we work as a qualified team of specialists, and thanks to our many years of presence on the market, we have gained knowledge and experience that allow us to act as a trusted advisor and effectively support foreign entrepreneurs at every stage of their activity. We understand local regulations and the specifics of this market very well, so by using our services, you can count on practical advice that will help you avoid mistakes often made by beginner entrepreneurs and plan your business activities effectively.

Choosing an accounting office

Another important step when starting a business in Poland as a foreigner is choosing the right accounting office. Virtual office staff can play a key role in this process, helping you find specialists who provide services in the desired foreign language. For foreigners who may not know Polish or may not feel confident using it, the possibility of using accounting services in their native language will certainly make things much easier.

At IdeaPlace, thanks to our extensive network of contacts and knowledge of the local market, we offer support not only by recommending the right specialists, but also by explaining the complexities of offers from different accounting service providers. We know that accounting is an area that requires special attention and a reliable approach, which is why we help our foreign clients avoid potential pitfalls connected with it.

Opening a bank account 

To conduct business activity in Poland, it is necessary to open a bank account. However, for foreigners, this procedure can sometimes cause certain difficulties. The problem may be both the language barrier and uncertainty around legal regulations. This is another area where a virtual office can help. 

As IdeaPlace, we have been present on the market for more than a decade. During this time, we have worked with many entrepreneurs from different parts of the world, which has given us insight into the offers of individual banks and their approach to foreign clients. Based on our experience, we can direct foreigners to the right branches and help ensure a smooth and trouble-free process. 

Recommending trusted institutions that offer support 

A virtual office also helps in choosing trusted institutions offering support at different stages of running a business. This applies not only to accounting services, but also to cooperation with translators who can prepare the necessary documentation in the required language. 

Sole proprietorship for a foreigner – get support from IdeaPlace

Starting a sole proprietorship in Poland as a foreigner may seem complicated, but with support from IdeaPlace, the process becomes much simpler. This means not only saving time, but also the confidence that all formalities will be completed in accordance with the regulations. As a result, entrepreneurs gain the comfort that allows them to focus on their actual business, without worrying about time-consuming administrative processes.

Do you want to start a company in Poland as a foreigner? At IdeaPlace, we can help you at every stage — from business registration, through choosing the right business partners, to ongoing administrative support. Focus on growing your company and leave the formalities in the hands of experienced experts who know the local market inside out! 

Ewa Rogoż

Ewa Rogoż is an experienced coworking pioneer in Wrocław and the founder of IdeaPlace – the first professional coworking space in Lower Silesia. Her dedication to business development and support for entrepreneurs led to the creation of an inspiring space in the heart of the city. Ewa not only creates coworking spaces for freelancers but also micro-offices for small teams, thereby supporting diverse business initiatives in the region.