Dreams of having your own business often end at the idea stage. Why? Mainly because of the lack of knowledge on how to move from concept to actual activity. In this article, we will answer key questions related to starting a business – this guide will help you understand the process and encourage you to take action.
Who can start a business?
In Poland, to start a business, you must be of legal age and have full legal capacity. This means that you must be a natural person who is over 18 years of age and has no court restrictions on running a business. Importantly, foreigners can also set up a business in Poland, but in their case this process may require meeting additional conditions, such as having a residence card or other documents enabling legal residence and running a business in the country.
What does the process of starting a business look like?
The process of setting up a company in Poland is relatively simple and can be divided into several key steps. The first is the choice of the legal form of activity. The most popular are sole proprietorships and companies – civil law, general partnership, partnership, limited liability company. or joint-stock company. Each of these forms has its own specific features, requirements and legal and tax consequences, so it is important to choose the one that best suits the needs of your business. After choosing the legal form, you must register your business with the appropriate office. In the case of a sole proprietorship, it is the Central Registration and Information on Economic Activity (CEIDG), and for companies – the National Court Register (KRS). Registration can be done both in person and online, which greatly simplifies the entire process.
Can you start a business online?
Yes, current legal regulations in Poland allow business registration via the Internet. This is made easier by the biznes.gov.pl platform, which allows you to electronically set up a sole proprietorship and civil partnerships. Online registration is fast, convenient and reduces the need to visit offices. However, it requires a trusted profile or electronic signature, which is used to confirm identity and ensure transaction security.
What are the costs of starting a business?
The costs of setting up a company may vary depending on the chosen legal form of business. For example, registration of a sole proprietorship is free of charge, but to set up a limited liability company, you must pay a registration and notarial fee – if the form of the company requires it. Additionally, there may be costs associated with obtaining the necessary permits, licenses or entries in appropriate registers and records. It is also worth remembering the current costs of running a business, such as accounting, social and health insurance, as well as taxes.
What do you need to prepare to start a business?
Before registering a company, it is necessary to prepare a number of documents and information. First, you need to determine the name of the activity, which must be unique in Poland. You will also need to specify the subject of the activity according to the Polish Classification of Activities (PKD), as well as the company’s registered office address. Moreover, the entrepreneur should decide on the form of taxation of the activity – it may be, for example, a flat tax, a tax scale, a lump sum on recorded income or a tax card. It is also important to have a NIP, REGON and – in some cases required by law – identification numbers for VAT and EU VAT purposes. In addition to formal issues, it is also worth considering a business plan that will help define the purpose of the business, financial plan, market analysis, and marketing strategy. A well-prepared business plan is not only a tool for managing a company, but may also be required when applying for loans or subsidies.
To sum up, starting a business in Poland, although it requires fulfilling certain formalities, is a process available to every adult citizen. Thanks to the possibilities offered by the Internet, a large part of the formalities can now be completed online. Before deciding to run your own business, it is important to carefully read the applicable regulations, choose the appropriate legal form of business, and consider issues related to costs, taxation and necessary documents. With a well-prepared plan and the necessary knowledge, the dream of running your own business can become a reality. Remember that at every stage you can use the help of accountants, lawyers and experts from ASK AUDIT sp. z o. o. who will help you navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. We invite you to cooperate.
