Starting a business without PESEL in Poland – is it possible?
Starting a business without PESEL in Poland – is it possible for foreigners?
Starting a business without PESEL in Poland is one of the most common questions asked by foreigners planning to run a business in the country. The PESEL number is widely used in public systems, banks and online services, but its absence does not always mean that business activity is impossible.
In practice, everything depends on the chosen legal form. Below we explain when running a business without PESEL is allowed and when having this number significantly simplifies formal procedures.
Starting a business without PESEL as a sole trader
Is it possible to register a sole proprietorship without PESEL?
Online registration of a sole proprietorship via the CEIDG system requires a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany). To create such a profile, a PESEL number is mandatory, as the system identifies the applicant using this number.
As a result, online registration of a sole trader without PESEL is not possible.
Registering a sole trader without PESEL at the municipality office
A foreigner may still register a sole proprietorship without PESEL by submitting a paper application at the municipality office. In this case:
- the application is submitted in person;
- a passport is used for identification;
- the tax number NIP is assigned automatically.
Lack of a PESEL number limits access to online services and electronic banking, but does not prevent legal business activity in Poland.
Starting a business without PESEL – limited liability company
Is PESEL required to establish a limited liability company?
For a limited liability company (sp. z o.o.), a PESEL number is not required for shareholders or members of the management board. Foreigners may use a qualified electronic signature or other forms of signature accepted under Polish law.
This makes it possible to legally register and operate a company without PESEL.
Financial reporting without a PESEL number
If members of the management board do not have a PESEL number, annual financial statements must be submitted via the S24 system, which involves a court fee.
When a PESEL number is available, financial statements can be submitted free of charge via the National Court Register (KRS).
Is starting a business without PESEL in Poland a good solution?
Starting a business without PESEL is possible, but the requirements depend on the chosen legal form:
- sole trader – online registration is unavailable, but paper registration is allowed;
- limited liability company – PESEL is not mandatory, but reporting rules differ.
In practice, having a PESEL number significantly simplifies doing business, but its absence does not prevent legal activity in Poland.
The Hello Poland team supports foreigners at every stage of starting and running a business in Poland – both with and without a PESEL number.
Official information on business registration requirements is available on the government portal gov.pl.
Read more about company registration in our article company registration in Poland.
Leave a Reply