Breakdown of how self-employment works for expats in Poland
Self-employment is a viable option for expats in Poland, especially for those who want to work in industries that are not heavily regulated. To become self-employed in Poland, expats need to follow a few steps.
As a self-employed person in Poland, you are responsible for your own income, taxes, and insurance. You will need to register with the National Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) to operate legally.
Detailed step-by-step guide on how an expat can register as self-employed in Poland
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how an expat can register as self-employed in Poland:
Check if you are eligible: Before registering, make sure you are eligible to work as a self-employed person in Poland. You need to have a valid work visa and a residency permit.
Choose your legal structure: As a self-employed person, you can choose between two legal structures: a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC). A sole proprietorship is easier and cheaper to set up, but an LLC offers more legal protection.
Register with ZUS: You must register with ZUS before you can start operating. You can register online or in person at a ZUS office. You will need to provide your personal details, business name, legal structure, and a description of your business activities.
Obtain necessary licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from various government authorities. These may include a commercial registration certificate, an industrial registration certificate, or a municipal license.
Open a Polish bank account: To receive payments and pay taxes, you will need to open a Polish bank account. You can do this online or in person at a bank branch. You will need to provide identification and proof of address.
Register for tax: You must register your business for tax with the Polish tax office (UrzƒÖd Skarbowy). You can do this online or by completing a paper form. You will need to provide personal and business details, including the name of the company, the legal structure, and an estimate of your annual income.
Get business insurance: Consider taking out insurance to protect your business and yourself in case of accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances. The most common insurances for self-employed people are public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and personal insurance.
Can you work as a digital nomad in Poland?
Yes, you can work as a digital nomad in Poland. However, you will need to have a valid work visa and a residency permit. Additionally, you may need to meet certain requirements to obtain a Polish work visa, such as having a job offer or starting a business.
Breakdown of how an expat can start a company in Poland
Starting a company in Poland is a relatively straightforward process that requires a few steps. The most common legal structure for businesses in Poland is a limited liability company (LLC).
Detailed step-by-step guide on how an expat can set up a company in Poland
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how an expat can set up a company in Poland:
Choose your legal structure: The first step in setting up a company in Poland is to choose your legal structure. The most common structure for small and medium-sized businesses is a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC offers limited liability protection to the shareholders and requires a minimum share capital of PLN 5,000 (approximately USD 1,250).
Reserve a company name: Before registering your company, you must reserve a name with the National Court Register
Register the company: After obtaining the necessary documents, you can register your company with the National Court Register (KRS) online or in person. You will need to provide personal and business details, including the name of the company, the legal structure, and the share capital.
Obtain necessary licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from various government authorities. These may include a commercial registration certificate, an industrial registration certificate, or a municipal license.
Open a Polish bank account: To receive payments and pay taxes, you will need to open a Polish bank account. You can do this online or in person at a bank branch. You will need to provide identification and proof of address.
Register for tax: You must register your company for tax with the Polish tax office (UrzƒÖd Skarbowy). You can do this online or by completing a paper form. You will need to provide personal and business details, including the name of the company, the legal structure, and an estimate of your annual income.
Get business insurance: Consider taking out insurance to protect your business and yourself in case of accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances. The most common insurances for businesses in Poland are public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and personal insurance.
Incentives or Programs for Expats in Poland
There are several incentives and programs to encourage expats to become self-employed or set up a company in Poland. These include:
Startup Poland: This is a non-profit organization that supports startups and entrepreneurs in Poland. It offers mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
Polish Investment Zone: This program offers tax breaks and other incentives to foreign companies that invest in Poland. The program aims to attract foreign investment and create jobs.
Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP): This government agency offers funding, training, and advisory services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Poland.
EU funding: Poland is eligible for funding from the European Union for various projects and initiatives. Expats can apply for EU funding to start or grow their businesses in Poland.
In conclusion, self-employment and starting a business are viable options for expats in Poland. The process for registering as self-employed or setting up a company in Poland is relatively straightforward and requires a few steps. Additionally, there are several incentives and programs available to encourage expats to become self-employed or start a business in Poland.