Conditions for Registering a Business
A sole proprietorship in Poland is called Jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza (JDG). Foreigners can register a business only under certain conditions:
- Legal residence in Poland and a basis for conducting business (e.g., Polish Charter, refugee status, residence card, etc.);
- Possession of a PESEL – the national identification number;
- A residential address in Poland (can be rented, permanent registration not required);
- Profil Zaufany – a free electronic signature for registration and submitting documents online.
You can learn more about the legal basis for foreigners opening a business on the Biznes.gov.pl portal.
Required Documents
To register a JDG in Poland, the entrepreneur will need:
- Passport or residence card;
- PESEL number;
- Residential address in Poland;
- Electronic signature (Profil Zaufany).
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Fill out the online CEIDG-1 application on the biznes.gov.pl portal.
- Provide personal details, PKD codes (type of business activity), tax form, and contact information.
- Submit the application to the office.
- Within 2–4 business days, the NIP (Tax ID) and REGON (Statistical ID) numbers are assigned.
- Open a business bank account at a Polish bank.
- Register as a VAT payer if necessary.
Important: JDG registration is free; no government fee is charged.
Can I Change the Details?
Yes, if the address, PKD codes, or other information changes, the entrepreneur can submit an updated CEIDG-1 application via the biznes.gov.pl portal. Changes are made free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a business in Poland?
JDG registration is free. The entrepreneur only pays associated costs (e.g., accounting services or a bank account).
Is a PESEL number required to open a business?
Yes, having a PESEL number is mandatory for business registration.
Can a foreigner open a business?
Yes, but only if they have specific legal grounds, such as a Polish Charter, residence card, or refugee status.
How long does the registration take?
The process usually takes 2–4 business days, after which the NIP and REGON numbers are assigned.
Why BST Group
We help foreigners and Poles set up a business in Poland without errors or delays:
- We advise if JDG registration is suitable for you;
- We select optimal PKD codes and tax systems;
- We assist with the online registration process;
- We provide outsourced accounting and reporting services.
Submit an application on our website — and we will register your business within a few days.
