How to register a new business in Poland

Perhaps you could give me the name of your accountant :)

Even if he is in Poznan I would travel for a trustworthy soul and all though you say trust no one, I can see that you post a lot of sensible advice in many different threads and I know you have had to bite your tongue quite a lot and I respect you for that. As you stated I have a steep learning curve ahead, but if the bank limits at the VAT Ceiling than I should at least avoid that fine. If only that one fine.

But the bank should be able to give me advice and so should an accountant.

I notice that you attend multilingual meet and greets in Poznan, would you know if there are any similar events in Krakow? It would be a good place to network with different people, from what I have seen there are many lessons that GB could learn from Poland - not least Credit Card payment for Buses - to me its a no brainer! SMS for a taxi - again no brainer!

I lived in Tbilisi, Georgia for 7 months, and there banking system puts the British System, to shame, but with International SWIFT Transfers at 1 zlotty first impressions of Polish banks are as good as Georgia and much better than British!

I look forward to spending much more time in your country, for the next 9 months or so I will be bouncing back and forth between the two countries but perhaps come the middle of next year I could look to relocate much more permanent.

Now would be time for me to look for Polish language tutor in England.

Merged: Is this what is about right when registering a business in Poland?

I've just registered as a sole trader after my Polish son-in-law-to-be and I spent a day traipsing around the town and found the process boring, but not too painful. I can see now that the 'One Window' system must be so much more simpler that a year or so ago.

First we went to see the very helpful Jednoosobowa Dzialalnosc Gospodarcza lady, who was not only friendly, but wasn't phased at all by my foreignness. I found this quite a relief, given that we are in a town in Opolskie, not a major city. She gave me a 'Ewidencij' document, explained what we need to do next (ZUS) and that I would receive more paperwork in the mail.

Score 9.5/10

Then we went to the Urzad skarbowy and that wasn't fun. Massive room with very little in it. Three women who appeared to have as much disdain for each other as their clients and a form that one of them partially ticked for us, but some of her choices seem contradictory. No problem as it will be sorted out with the accountant next week. In and out in under ten minutes which wasn't bad.

Score 6/10 (mainly because they were so dour)

ZUS. That was surreal. We popped in to see if we could get any information booklets - which you can - admittedly it was at 14:45 which I can't help but feel to be a normal part of the working day and the place was deserted apart from one guy. He was helpful... after the obligatory 'phhhhh' noise that all public servants make when asked a question, but ended up giving us the phone number of a nameless colleague who knows all about foreigners, on a post-it note.

Score 8/10 9helped by the comedic value of the guy we spoke to)

Overall it wasn't as difficult as I had been lead to believe, but I'll feel better once I have my REGON and the ZUS stuff is out the way.

How does this compare to other's experiences recently?

Got my NIP today, that = three business days!!!! I was told it would take weeks

I came in 2004. I applied for my tax number in November of that year.

In December I was informed that my application had been sent to the wrong office (Warsaw I) and had been POSTED to the correct office (Warsaw II), which is the floor upstairs in the same building.

In February 2005 Warsaw II tells me that my application has been sent to the wrong office, and had been posted to the correct office (Warsaw I).

In March 2005 I moved flat and asked Warsaw I when my number would be ready. "What number?" they said. "You're in Warsaw II". I showed them the two letters. "Well, we haven't got it."

In April 2005 I submitted a new application in Warsaw-Wola, and got my tax number confirmed by phone the next day. I went to Warsaw I to tell them that I was cancelling my application. I got a stamped note confirming this.

In August 2005 I got a letter from Warsaw I informing me that I was under investigation for fraud for operating under two tax numbers. I submitted my copies of their letters and my cancellation of the initial application, and got some women very angry in that office.

That's just one example. It took another seven months to get my PESEL/meldunek, a similar time to get my original Karta Pobytu. Things have certainly changed a lot since the early EU days...

Richfilth

Bloody hell. That was along the lines of what I expected. The woman from Urząd Skarbowy even telephoned yesterday and said "Congratulation on the commencement of your new business".

If it makes you feel better, I lived in France a few years ago and had a similar experience. In Polish terms I was incorrectly issued two REGON/NIP ID cards. One had the correct NIP but the wrong REGON, while the other the wrong NIP/correct REGON (so to speak). Seven times I tried visited the local office/ wrote letters etc. The woman at the local office kept apologising and tearing up the nasty letters and telling me everything would be sorted. Before leaving I paid all dues in full according to the card with the correct NIP along with a explanatory letter from my accountant and photocopies of all correspondence/both cards. I received a letter telling me that I had no outstanding obligations.

Friends in France tell me that the authorities still visit occasionally to interview me.

The thing that both countries have in common is that a qualification is necessary to become a public servant, or I believe that to be the case. At least the Polish authorities have have made progress.

There are some departments that are still woefully ignorant of the changing times. Upon presentation of my British passport at the Immigration Office last year, I was asked where my visa stamp was...

Oh dear.

That reminds me of a French policeman arguing with a friend a few years ago that the UK was not in the EU. I think he was getting it confused with the Euro. Maybe your immigration person was in the same boat.

Is this accountant at it with their monthly charges? It sounds a bit steep to me, especially when they know I only have one employee at the moment.

Suggested net price for the main services
a) 50 documents (bookkeeping) - 400 PLN*
b) 10 UE transactions - 100 PLN
Total net price (bookkeeping): 500 PLN

c) 10 employees (payroll+HR) - 575 PLN

Total net price (HR+payroll): 575 PLN

Yeah, that is a lot. Sounds like you've contacted a proper accounting firm where the directer has a BMW X5 and employs a team of young women for 1500 a month to do all the calculations.

Find yourself a small 1- or 2-person accounting practice, and they'll charge you half that much.

Thanks for that. I thought so, as it's more than I've been charged in the UK, almost double in fact.

It's one thing I've never got my head around here: wages for many people are lower, houses are cheaper, there isn't the onerous UK style business rates regime. But, services are frequently quite expensive and business property rental is high. Hmm.

Dear Sobieski,

I want to register my it company in poland. Will appreciate any help for an accountant and the following details.

1. I am resident of India
2. I deal in providing IT solution.
3. What kind of business format will be good for me.
4. Taxing in Poland.
5. Can i bank in Euro?

Thanking you
Saurabh

REGON arrived today. Bloody hell, allowing for the mail delivery, that's only about three or four business days, it's like lightening!

Far too high - I pay 100zl+VAT for 50 invoices going through a month. That includes paperwork for employees/etc.


Way over the top. I know a business that's putting through around 150 invoices a month for some serious cash (and non-EU too - all transactions in CHF) and they're paying 400PLN a month. That includes the paperwork for the employees and so on.


There's much more disparity in the price of services, I think.

I had the same nonsense when finding an accountant - quotes of 300/400 from ones in the city, but my little osiedle-based accountant charged 100+VAT for absolutely spot on service. I could visit her anytime, ask questions, etc - all in the price. Anyone trying to charge more for invoices issued to clients outside Poland is frankly having a laugh - it's a piece of **** for them to deal with.

services are expensive because there is limited access to many professions (including real estate agents) - prices are also high because there are plenty people who have money but have no idea how to employ them in industries - they are just leeches who managed to put their hands on property(think it is was not always a lawful process) - but I believe the prices of properties and rentals will drop in not so distant perspective

Follow on question:

The son-in-law will become an employee after Christmas and has just been asked by my accountant to bring his qualification papers into her office, and "BTW what are they?" When he told her he has a MA in culture, she went on about how it's not connected with what he is doing for me, "If there is a government inspection there might be an issue, but it should be OK as you are in a small company."

I can't get hold of her until after christmas. In the meantime, does anyone know what the f'ck she's banging on about? Inspection? An accountant requesting copies of employee qualification? What does it have to do with her, or the state?

Is this crap normal in non-licensed occupations?

Misleading. If your son-in-law has an umowa pracy you should keep a personnel file in a specific format, including copies of qualifications, (assuming a particular qualification is necessary to do the job) medical tests, leave records etc. If he has a different type of umowa, you don't. This however has nothing to do with your bookkeeper (who by the way is almost certainly not an accountant - Polish bookkeepers have a habit of describing themselves as such). Keeping such records is not the responsibility of the bookkeeper. I would find another. Quickly.

That's the thing Johnny, he has a degree in culture (sort of limiting his employment options, but he's as smart as a shithouse rat, which is why I want him to work for me) and my business is connected with manufacturing products for the building industry, so no connection but none needed.

I agree with you that yes 'HR' records are between me and him, so I'm not sure if she want to generate more work or is obsessed with 'they' and wants to make sure that she can't get into trouble. The Mrs told me that her aunt is an accountant and had been under communism too, which was modified to 'bookkeeper' after I highlighted the "under communism" bit. The trouble is that the 'accountant' is a very close friend of the family and helps me as she speaks great English, so I'll need to wait a bit then look around I think.

What utter crap - find a new accountant sharpish. I've never heard something so absolutely ridiculous - while there are some professions that can be practiced only by people suitably qualified, it's probably unlikely that you're hiring him to do such a thing.


Nothing. There are some records you should keep, but these are nothing to do with the accountant. The only time she should intervene is if you're attempting to give a certain type of contract illegally.


I'd look at making a break now if you can - family friends are more trouble than they're worth.

I see what you're saying, but if she's feeding you rubbish advice like this, what is she doing with your records?

Well, time to give her a little bit of credit, as she has arranged to do my employees personal taxes, something I wasn't aware of. Apparently for every year a person spends at university, it equates to some% of one years working, in reference to pensions etc.

As the son in law has just finished a five year MA, she wants to get him any pension etc entitlements he's entitled too. This is why she wanted evidence of qualification.

It still doesn't explain her comment about 'if they do an inspection' but I guess I'll work that one out too eventually.

Anyone heard of an elevator operators license?

We are about to rent first floor workshop space (2nd floor for Americans) in a two story 1960s concrete building and asked about the lift - which appears in perfectly good condition - and were told that one of the landlord's staff will need to operate it as there is a mandate if you are caught (presumably at an inquest) having operated it without the 'training certificate' which BTW costs 600zl.

Has anyone heard of this before?

Hahahahaha. That's utter rubbish - and probably the classic "oo, foreigner, let's treat him like a mug" line.

Tell them you'll supply your own trained member of staff - problem solved.

Hi guys,
I am registered as self employed in the UK, i have a company registered in the Uk. my work involves online sales to the uk market which i dispatch from here in Warsaw. question is do i need a NIP number if i'm paying UK taxes. the reson i ask is because i wanted to by goods here in poland and a supplier asked for a NIP number!

Merged: Register my business

Does anybody know where in Krakow i can register my business please.

Hey guys!
I want to recommend one company which specializes in supporting individual entrepreneurs and companies to start up business in Poland. You can check their website for more information.

It is called Easy Business Poland.
greetings!

Sobieski,

I am now in the same position as you were. I recently relocated to Warsaw and am a 1 man show. I need an accountant for 'simple' invoicing. Can you please share her contact details?

Best to reach me at leskowich at hotmail com

Thanks,
Vince

Merged: Registering a business in Poland

Hey guys I want to register a business in Poland and send products from Poland to China with my colleague. Where do I start? I just got my Polish citizenship so I think that will make it easier for me. I know I need to get a nip number but how should I do that and do I do this after I register my business or at the same time?

Also what are the costs of registering a business. I have been told that it costs 1500 zloty to register a business here. Is this true?

Merged:Running your own business in Poland

Question: Did any of you open up your own business in Poland? Krakow specifically?
What's the "procedure"?
Is it a real pain? meaning a lot of paper work?
In the States it's relatively easy - you can open your own business while sitting in front of your laptop.
Please let me know how long does it take, how many places do you need to visit, how many long lines do you need to stand in.

I'm sure it's worth it, but if it is a major hassle I'd rather know now.

Let me add that I'm an American with a dual citizenship so I do not need work permits etc.

Thanks!

What sort of legal basis for the business? Self-employed or limited liability? Partnership, sole-trader or company of investors? Makes a difference. BTW there are plenty of threads here with up to date information.

Hi!
My girlfriend work helping foreigner to open company here in Krakow and after following them with invoice etc...
If you are interested just write us an email: alanmancinotti@yahoo.it

Regards

Merged: Advisory office - questions about starting a small business in Poland

Hi. My name is Rami, and I am from Jordan. I have been here to Poland, back and forth for the past 5 years in a very short visits, right now I am more free than before, and I am thinking to start a small business here in Poland. My temporary stay here in Poland is in the suburbs of £odź, but of course, I am looking to start my business in a big city.

I am seeking help and advice from anyone who can direct me How should I start? Is there any advisory office that can offer such service, as in project plan study, evaluation, legal procedures,....etc. I would really appreciate any professional help here, as I need to sort things out and make some decision.

I have a certain business idea plan in my head, and I would like to discuss it and evaluate it with someone professional.

Merged: How do I register an import/export business in Poland? Rules and law.

hello,
Can some tell me rules and law or help me to registered a import & export company in Poland.
Thanks.

Merged: How to apply as a one-person business in Poland?

Hi, I would like advice or help or links or information or story you can provide as to the process of applying for a one-person business? Is it possible to do this in one day?

Here's a good guide: foreigners in poland./work/start-business-in-poland.htm