What are the steps to opening a business?

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Do you know what steps you should take to officially start your business in Poland?
Your Voice in Law is a podcast created 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: How to Start a Business in Poland

Published in collaboration with Fundacja Portugalia

By: Ernestyna Niemiec – Polish lawyer

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of the Your Voice in Law podcast, brought to you in partnership with Fundacja Portugalia, supporting the Portuguese community living in Poland.

This episode continues the discussion on how to start your own business and outlines the key steps to launch a sole proprietorship in Poland.

Steps to Start Your Business

1. Choose a Business Name

When registering with the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity (CEIDG), your business name must include your first and last name, for example:

João Coelho

You can also add descriptive elements:

João Coelho Printing Services

João Coelho Warsaw

🔹 Note: One person can only have one business registration under their name.

2. Choose Your Business Address

You can operate from:

A physical or virtual office
Your home
No fixed address (e.g., service at client location)

You must legally own or rent the property listed.

3. Assign a PKD Code

You must select a Polish business classification code (PKD) for your activity.

Choose a main code (most profitable activity)
Add additional codes if needed

🧾 The PKD affects taxes, VAT obligations, and whether a cash register is required.

4. Check If You Need Authorization

Most businesses don’t need special permits, but some do:

Specific licenses or qualifications
Suitable equipment or premises

Tax and Admin Considerations

Consult a tax advisor to:

Choose an income tax form
Determine if you must register for VAT
Pick an accounting method and business bank account
Review social security (ZUS) obligations

Conclusion

Starting a business in Poland is manageable if you follow the right steps and seek expert advice.

Need help? Reach out:

📧 info@fportugal.com