How to Open a Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.) in Poland in 2026: Explained by a Lawyer

Opening a limited liability company in Poland is one of the most popular choices among entrepreneurs who plan to operate within the European Union legally, stably, and under clear regulatory rules. The spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (sp. z o.o.) form is suitable both for small businesses and large-scale international projects, especially when the owner is a foreign national.

In 2025, the process of registering a limited liability company in Poland is clearly regulated by law, and some procedures can be completed online. However, in practice, most questions arise from the details — and this is where it is important to understand not only how to do it, but also why it must be done in a particular way.

How to Open a Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.) in Poland in 2026: Explained by a Lawyer

What It Means to Open a Sp. z o.o. in Poland from a Legal Perspective

The procedure for establishing a sp. z o.o. is governed by the Polish Commercial Companies Code (Kodeks spółek handlowych). This legal act defines:

  • requirements for share capital;

  • the company’s management structure;

  • the liability of shareholders and directors;

  • the court registration procedure.

The main reason entrepreneurs choose to open a limited liability company in Poland is limited liability. Company owners are liable only up to the amount of their contributions and do not risk their personal assets.

Who Can Open a Limited Liability Company in Poland

The following entities may open a sp. z o.o. in Poland:

  • natural persons;

  • legal entities;

  • Polish residents and non-residents.

Citizenship and place of residence are not restrictions. The only important limitation is that a single-member limited liability company may not be the sole shareholder of another single-member limited liability company.

The minimum share capital is PLN 5,000, and the minimum nominal value of one share is PLN 50. Contributions may be made in cash or in kind; however, only cash contributions are permitted in online registration.

Articles of Association: The Key Business Document

To properly open a limited liability company in Poland, it is necessary to prepare the articles of association (umowa spółki). This document defines:

  • the decision-making process;

  • the rights and obligations of shareholders;

  • profit distribution;

  • conditions for exit or transfer of shares.

Standard templates are not suitable for every business. If a company has partners or investment plans, it is advisable to include individual provisions from the outset.

How to Open a Sp. z o.o. in Poland: Available Options

Online Registration via the S24 System

The fastest way to open a limited liability company in Poland is through electronic registration via the S24 system, which allows you to:

  • register a company remotely;

  • use a standard articles of association;

  • sign documents using a trusted profile (profil zaufany) or a qualified electronic signature.

The average registration time is 1–3 business days.

Notarial Registration of a Sp. z o.o.

For companies with a more complex structure, it is advisable to register a sp. z o.o. through a notary. This option allows you to:

  • prepare customized articles of association;

  • make in-kind contributions (apports);

  • establish a flexible management model.

The registration process usually takes 5–10 business days.

What Needs to Be Done After Company Registration in Poland

After registration, the company receives:

  • KRS — court register number;

  • NIP — tax identification number;

  • REGON — statistical number.

It is mandatory to submit information to the CRBR (Central Register of Beneficial Owners) within 7 days.

If the company’s activity is subject to VAT, the VAT-R form must be filed. The tax office may request additional documents or explanations.

Why It Is Worth Opening a Sp. z o.o. in Poland with Hello Poland

Formally, it is possible to open a limited liability company in Poland independently. However, in practice, mistakes made at the initial stage often lead to delays, fines, and problems with tax authorities.

Legal and accounting support from Hello Poland allows you to:

  • avoid errors in the articles of association;

  • complete tax registration correctly;

  • meet all deadlines and legal requirements;

  • focus on business instead of bureaucracy.

We support our clients from the first consultation through the full launch of the company and ongoing accounting services.

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Popular questions
+Can a foreigner open a limited liability company (sp. z o.o.) in Poland without living in the country?
Yes, a foreigner can open a limited liability company in Poland without holding a residence permit or living in the country. Polish law does not restrict company founders based on nationality or place of residence. Both individuals and legal entities — residents and non-residents — may establish a sp. z o.o. In practice, certain steps such as opening a bank account, VAT registration or signing documents may require the personal presence of a director or a properly issued power of attorney. This is why many foreign entrepreneurs choose professional legal support when opening a company in Poland.
+Which registration method is better — online via S24 or through a notary?
The choice depends on the business model. Online registration via the S24 system is suitable for companies with a simple structure, no investors and no in-kind contributions. It allows you to open a company in Poland within 1–3 business days using a standard articles of association. Notarial registration is recommended for businesses with partners, planned investments or the need for customized corporate documents. Although this process takes longer — usually 5–10 business days — it provides greater flexibility and legal security.
+What steps are required after registering a company in Poland?
After the company is entered into the KRS register, several important steps must still be completed. The company automatically receives a NIP and REGON, but it is also mandatory to submit information to the CRBR — the Register of Beneficial Owners within 7 days. If the company’s activity is subject to VAT, a VAT-R application must be filed. At this stage, the tax office may request additional documents or explanations. The final step is opening a corporate bank account, which often requires the personal presence of the director or beneficial owner.
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