Types of business activity in Poland – which one is best to choose?

In this article, we'll explore the different types of business activity in Poland and how to choose the ideal form for you.

Main forms of doing business in Poland

Poland offers entrepreneurs a wide range of business types. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Business registration statistics in Poland:

Individual entrepreneur (Jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza)

Sole proprietorship is the simplest and most popular form of business, especially among aspiring entrepreneurs. Imagine opening a small cafe or becoming a freelance programmer. That's exactly what it's all about.

  • Pros: easy registration, low start-up costs, full control over the business.
  • Disadvantages: full liability with personal property, limited business opportunities in Poland.

Limited Liability Company (Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością): Spółka in Poland: Pros and Cons

A limited liability company is a popular choice for medium-sized businesses. Imagine opening a chain of stores or an IT company with a few employees.

  • Pros: limited liability of participants, possibility of attracting investments.
  • Disadvantages: more complex procedure for creation and management, higher tax burden.

Joint-stock company (Spółka akcyjna)

A joint-stock company is the choice of large companies and ambitious startups dreaming of going public.

  • Pros: opportunity to attract large investments, prestige.
  • Disadvantages: complex and expensive creation and management procedures, strict reporting requirements.

Partnerships (Spółka jawna, Spółka komandytowa)

Partnerships come in different forms, but they are all suitable for joint business activities by several partners.

  • Pros: flexibility in management, tax advantages.
  • Disadvantages: increased liability for partners, difficulties when partners exit the business. The choice of partnership often depends on the type of business the sole proprietor is engaged in in Poland and the scale of your operations.

 

 

Factors influencing the choice of business form

Choosing a legal form is a serious decision that depends on many factors.

  • Business scale

Are you planning to open a small bakery or launch a supermarket chain? Scale matters. For small businesses, a sole proprietorship is often sufficient, but for larger projects, a limited liability company or joint-stock company is a better choice.

  • Financial opportunities

How much money are you willing to invest in starting a business? A sole proprietorship can be started for virtually no cost, but a joint-stock company requires substantial start-up capital.

  • Risks and Responsibilities

Are you prepared to risk your personal assets? If not, it's better to choose a limited liability company, especially if your business involves high risks.

  • Taxation

Polish entrepreneurial legislation provides for different tax regimes for different types of business. Choose the one that will optimize your tax payments.

  • Growth prospects

Are you thinking about attracting investors or entering the international market? Then it's time to choose a structure that will allow you to do just that.

We will help you open a business in Poland and register it correctly.

Comparative analysis of business forms

Characteristic Sole proprietor LLC (Sp. z oo) Joint Stock Company (S.A.) Partnership (Spółka jawna)
Minimum authorized capital Not required 5000 PLN 100,000 PLN Not required
Number of founders 1 Minimum 1 Minimum 1 Minimum 2
Governing bodies No General meeting, board General meeting of shareholders, management board, supervisory board Not required
Responsibility of founders Full personal Limited by contribution Limited by the value of shares Full solidarity
Taxation PIT (18-32%) or linear 19% CIT 19% CIT 19% PIT founders
VAT registration From 200,000 PLN/year Required Required From 200,000 PLN/year
Bookkeeping Simplified (KPiR) Full Full Full or simplified
Audit Not required Under certain conditions Required Not required
Social contributions (ZUS) Fixed or % from income For employees only For employees only For partners and employees
Possibility of issuing shares No No Yes No
Reserve capital requirements No 8% annual profit until reaching 1/3 of the authorized capital 8% annual profit until reaching 1/3 of the authorized capital No
Public reporting Not required Submission to KRS Publication in Monitor Sądowy i Gospodarczy Submission to KRS
Change of ownership Difficult Possible Possible Possible
Opportunity to attract investors Limited Eat Yes (through the issue of shares) Limited

Recommendations for choosing a business form

For aspiring entrepreneurs

If you're just starting out in the business world, consider self-employment or sole proprietorship. This is an ideal choice for freelancers, consultants, or small shop owners. The registration process is simple and the costs are minimal. Plus, you'll gain invaluable business management experience.

But remember: if your business involves increased risks or you plan to grow rapidly, it’s best to consider a limited liability company right away.

For medium-sized businesses

If you already have experience and are ready for more serious projects, consider a limited liability company. This form is ideal for startups and companies planning rapid growth.

An LLC provides you with protection from personal liability and the ability to attract investment. Furthermore, this form of business appears more reputable to partners and clients.

For large companies and foreign investors

If you represent a large company or are a foreign investor, consider a joint-stock company. While this is the most complex and expensive form of business, it offers the greatest opportunities for growth and capital attraction.

A joint-stock company is an excellent choice for companies planning to go public or actively operate internationally. Furthermore, this form is often used for large-scale foreign investments in the Polish economy.

Conclusion

Remember: there's no one-size-fits-all choice. It all depends on your goals, resources, and future plans. Perhaps you'll start as a sole proprietorship and then transform your business into a limited liability company in a couple of years.

Poland offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs. There's room for small family-run businesses, innovative startups, and large international corporations. Retail, services, and manufacturing—the types of business in Poland are limited only by your imagination and, of course, by the law (don't forget to check if your industry is on the list of licensed activities).

The key is to not be afraid to start. Even if you choose the wrong format, you can always change it later. Or perhaps you'll decide to go the franchise route and open a Polish branch of a well-known brand? There are plenty of opportunities, the key is to take the first step.

We will help you open a business in Poland and register it correctly.

Feedback from our clients

Damien Vice Profile Picture

Damien Vice

02/11/2025

Ставлю 1 звезду. Планировал начать сотрудничество через икнубатор. Отправил 3 письма, через мейл и форму на сайте, написал в инсте, сделал 2 звонка (без ответа). Потратил неделю на ожидание. Меня просто проигнорировали. Как можно доверять этому сервису, если фонд не в состоянии ответить на письмо и прислать документы для ознакомления. Жду объяснения

Andrii Melnychuk Profile Picture

Andrii Melnychuk

26/08/2025

I highly recommend Łatwy Start! Thanks to them, my two kids and I received 3-year residence cards without any stress. Special thanks to manager Kristina — she was extremely helpful and even managed to speed up the process for my children. Excellent service, very satisfied!

Anton Mezhuiev Profile Picture

Anton Mezhuiev

26/08/2025

Чудова робота, все відбулося швидко і дуже професійно, з чіткими інструкціями і нотатками про ті документи, що вимагалося надати з моєї сторони — і як саме їх правильно заповнювати. Запис на подачу і видача самої карти зайняла набагато меньше часу, ніж спочатку очікувалося (перше звернення у січні, подача документів і відбитків в березні — а в серпні вже отримав пластік).

Брав пакет з повним супроводом — ні разу не пожалкував, всім рекомендую — і дуже дякую всій компанії і зокрема менеджеру Кристині!

Anastasiya Balotnikava Profile Picture

Anastasiya Balotnikava

26/08/2025

Недавно получила вторую карту с Łatwy Start, как и в первый раз – все было отлично, положительная децизия по итогу.

Благодарю менеджера Кристину за работу и своевременное напоминание про все нужные шаги, довольна совместной работой ✨

Inna Profile Picture

Inna

03/08/2025

3 раза членами семьи сотрудничали с компанией по получению карт побыта в разное время и работали с разными специалистами. До этого были попытки с другими компаниями , но именно высочайший уровень профессионализма Latwy Start сделал нас постоянными клиентами. Каждый раз самое благоприятное впечатление за высокий уровень профессиональной работы и моральную поддержку. Особая отдельная благодарность Ольге! Ольга очень помогла, всегда на связи по любым вопросам, отличные профессиональные советы на каждом этапе, начиная с первого общения еще до заключения договора и до успешного получения карты. Как ангел-хранитель «провела за ручку» через все сложные перепитиии, поддержала словом и делом. Огромная Благодарность Ольге и всей компании! Процветания вам и хоррших клиентов!

Oleksandr Drobyshev Profile Picture

Oleksandr Drobyshev

15/07/2025

Все супер

Yevgeniy Postebailo Profile Picture

Yevgeniy Postebailo

14/07/2025

Всё понравилось, везде сопроводили, всё обьяснили.
Была пара непонятных вещей, но не стесняйтесь спрашивать — всегда отвечают и консультируют.
Рекомендую обращаться.

Aliaksei Seniukovich Profile Picture

Aliaksei Seniukovich

11/07/2025

Хочу выразить огромную благодарность Кристине из Łatwy Start за профессиональную помощь в получении вида на жительство в Польше. Благодаря её опыту, внимательности и доброжелательному отношению весь процесс прошёл легко и без лишнего стресса. Кристина всегда была на связи, подробно отвечала на все вопросы и помогала на каждом этапе оформления документов. Искренне рекомендую её услуги всем, кто ищет надёжную поддержку в решении миграционных вопросов в Польше!

Gennady Bakunovich Profile Picture

Gennady Bakunovich

11/07/2025

I had a really positive experience with Łatwy Start. Manager Kristina was supportive and always ready to help with any questions. I got my temporary residence permit without any issues and with minimal effort on my part. I really appreciate their work and highly recommend them 🙌

Comments

guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments