Tyche in Poland
We already have an established network of contacts in Poland for creating and directing temporary companies, as well as for external CFO support.
The path to creating a sp. z o.o. in Poland, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 24h (S24 route) to 5–6 weeks (notarial route) for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: PLN 5,000.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Fast-track S24 route
Online incorporation via the S24 portal with standard articles — fast and cheap, but limited to standard clauses.
Notarial route
An individually drafted (often bilingual) notarial deed is recommended for a foreign shareholder; a sworn translator is mandatory if the founder does not master Polish.
Capital deposit
Minimum capital of PLN 5,000 to be paid in; no direct legal requirement for a bank account, but a business payment account is in practice indispensable.
National Court Register (KRS) filing and operational account
Once registered, the professional bank account is opened for day-to-day operations.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 23% | |
| Reduced rates | 8% | catering, hospitality, medical equipment |
| Reduced rates | 5% | basic food products, books |
Corporate tax
19% generally; reduced 9% rate for small taxpayers and businesses in their first year of activity.
Is a visa required?
No for an EU/EEA national. A non-EU national wanting to run the business while residing in Poland must apply for a temporary residence permit tied to their role in the company — a national visa alone is not enough.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Poland required?
The S24 route is entirely online. The notarial route may require the founder's presence or a sworn translator if they do not sufficiently understand Polish.
Observed timeframe to open the account
A few days to 2 weeks for a standard account; a non-resident shareholder may face longer delays (3-4 weeks) if the bank requires a branch visit for identity verification.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: PLN 5,000.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease, registering the address with the national register (KRS or CEIDG), and a health declaration for food retailers (Sanepid).
On-site sales & till
An online fiscal cash register (kasa fiskalna online) is mandatory for most retail activities, transmitting data directly to the tax authority.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- myPOS
- Shopify POS
- Lightspeed
Payment providers for small businesses
- PayU
- Przelewy24
- Stripe
- PayPal Business
- Adyen
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Poland.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Polish Customs and Tax Administration (KAS).
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Poland — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.