What is a cross-border service activity? And how to do it?
Your Voice in Law is a podcast produced by lawyer Ernestyna Niemiec in partnership with Fundacja Portugalia that seeks to demystify Polish law.
Never before has this support been given to the Portuguese community in Poland.

🎙️ Your Voice in Law: Cross-border services

Published in collaboration with Fundacja Portugalia

By: Ernestyna Niemiec – Polish lawyer

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of the Your Voice in Law podcast, produced in collaboration with Fundacja Portugalia, to support the Portuguese community living in Poland.

In this episode, we focus on a key topic for freelancers and entrepreneurs: cross-border service provision – that is, offering services in Poland without registering a business there.

What Are Cross-Border Services?

Cross-border services allow an entrepreneur registered in one EU country (e.g. Portugal) to temporarily provide paid services in another EU country (e.g. Poland)without establishing a company there.

🧾 This is possible if:

• The activity is temporary
• The services are occasional
• The provider is legally registered in their home country

Ways to Provide Services

1.Self-employment from Portugal

A self-employed professional registered in Portugal (freelancer, ENI) can work in Poland temporarily without opening a company, if:

• The activity is temporary
• Registration in Portugal is confirmed
• The services are paid

2.Posting of Workers

A Portuguese company can temporarily post workers to Poland under a service contract.

🧑‍💼 This process follows EU rules on labor mobility and may require notifications to Polish authorities, depending on the sector.

Legal Restrictions

Not all activities are allowed under cross-border service provision.

The Polish Act of 6 March 2018 on the participation of foreign entrepreneurs in business in Poland excludes certain professions, such as:

🚫 Services like:

• Transport
• Notary services
• Medical and pharmaceutical services
• Gambling

In these cases, you must register and obtain local licenses.

Licensing and Authorizations

Even when cross-border activity is allowed, you may still need:

• Licenses or permits
• Professional certifications
• Registration with specific professional bodies

💡 Rule of thumb: If Polish law regulates the activity, you must meet the same requirements as local professionals.

Conclusion

You can provide services in Poland without setting up a company – as long as the activity is temporary and legally allowed.

Before starting, be sure to:

• Confirm the activity is permitted
• Check for licensing needs
• Respect Polish rules for regulated services

📧 For help and more info, contact: info@fportugal.com

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