Does a foreign company have to pay tax in Poland?

A foreign company may be required to pay tax in Poland if it conducts business in Poland or earns income that is subject to Polish taxation. The extent of its obligations depends on how the business operates, the type of income earned and the applicable Polish domestic rules and international agreements. Relevant factors may include whether the foreign company's activities create tax obligations in Poland and what types of transactions it carries out. The tax position of a foreign business should therefore be assessed based on its specific operating model. Explore tax advisory services for businesses in Poland.

Does a foreign company have to register for VAT in Poland?

Not every foreign company is required to register for VAT in Poland. The obligation depends primarily on the type of transactions carried out in Poland, their place of taxation and the rules applicable to the particular business model. VAT registration may be required for certain supplies of goods or services in Poland, while other situations may be covered by mechanisms that do not require local VAT registration. The VAT registration requirement should therefore be assessed before transactions in Poland begin. Explore support with VAT in Poland and Europe.

How do you register a company for VAT in Poland?

To register a company for VAT in Poland, the first step is to determine whether VAT registration is mandatory or voluntary for the relevant business activity. The company must then prepare the appropriate registration application and the documents required for its particular circumstances. The documentation may vary depending on whether a Polish or foreign company is applying for registration and on the transactions it intends to carry out in Poland. After registration, the business must also comply with its ongoing Polish VAT obligations. Explore our VAT registration services in Poland.

Can a foreign company employ workers in Poland?

Yes. A foreign company can employ individuals working in Poland, although the appropriate employment structure depends on the company's specific circumstances. Before employment begins, the business should determine its obligations relating to Polish employment law, payroll calculations, taxes, social insurance and employee administration. For a foreign employer, correctly identifying its local obligations in Poland is particularly important. Learn more about employment in Poland.

Who is responsible for ZUS settlements for employees in Poland?

The employer, acting as the contribution payer, remains responsible for fulfilling its obligations towards the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). However, the employer can outsource the preparation and administration of these settlements to an external HR and payroll provider. In practice, ZUS settlements can be handled together with payroll calculations and other payroll processes, allowing related obligations to be managed within a single workflow. Explore comprehensive payroll Poland services for companies.

Who can process employee payroll in Poland?

Employee payroll in Poland can be processed either by an internal company department or by an external payroll services provider. External payroll support may include preparing payroll calculations, calculating remuneration and deductions, preparing information required for relevant settlements and supporting HR administration. Explore comprehensive payroll Poland services for companies.

How much does payroll outsourcing cost in Poland?

The cost of payroll outsourcing in Poland depends primarily on the number of employees covered and the scope of the outsourced responsibilities. The complexity of the remuneration system, number of pay components, additional benefits and scope of HR administration also affect pricing. For international businesses, reporting to foreign headquarters or multilingual support may also influence the cost. Payroll services are therefore generally priced individually. Explore getsix® payroll services in Poland.

Can HR and payroll be outsourced in Poland?

Yes. A company can outsource both HR administration and payroll processing to an external provider in Poland. The outsourced service may include employee documentation administration, payroll preparation, salary-related settlements and support with employee tax and social insurance obligations. Explore HR and payroll outsourcing in Poland.

Can one provider handle accounting, tax and payroll in Poland?

Yes. A company can outsource its accounting, tax support and HR and payroll processes to a single external provider in Poland. This model allows closely connected areas of day-to-day business operations to be coordinated by one service provider. It also reduces the need to exchange the same information between several independent providers. Integrated outsourcing can be particularly useful for foreign businesses seeking to centralise the local support required for their operations in Poland. Explore getsix® accounting services in Poland, tax advisory services in Poland and HR and payroll outsourcing.

How much does accounting for a foreign company in Poland cost?

The cost of accounting for a foreign company depends on the scale and nature of its operations in Poland. Relevant factors include the number of documents and transactions, tax obligations, cross-border transactions, number of employees and the scope of reporting required by foreign headquarters. The required service language and group reporting standards may also affect the cost. Accounting services for foreign businesses are therefore generally priced individually. Explore accounting services in Poland for foreign businesses.

Who can handle accounting for a foreign company in Poland?

A foreign company operating in Poland can outsource its local accounting to an external provider with experience in Polish accounting and tax requirements. For international businesses, knowledge of local regulations is only one consideration. The provider may also need to report to foreign headquarters, communicate in multiple languages and cooperate with finance departments across the wider group. Explore accounting services in Poland for foreign companies.

How do you change your accounting firm in Poland?

The process of changing accounting firms should begin by agreeing the end date with the current provider and the date on which the new firm will take over the accounting. The accounting records, system data, tax settlement information, balances and details of open accounting periods should then be transferred. It is also important to determine which obligations for the final period remain with the previous provider and which are taken over by the new firm. A properly planned migration helps maintain accounting continuity and reduces the risk of gaps in documentation. Explore transferring your accounting to getsix®: accounting services in Poland.

How do you choose an accounting firm in Rzeszów?

When choosing an accounting firm in Rzeszów, consider its experience with corporate clients, scope of services, document exchange processes, data security and reporting capabilities. For foreign businesses, important factors also include multilingual support, experience in Polish accounting and taxation, and the ability to report to foreign headquarters or a wider corporate group. getsix® provides accounting services to Polish and foreign businesses operating in Poland. Explore our accounting office in Rzeszów.

How do you choose an accounting firm in Katowice?

When selecting an accounting firm in Katowice, consider its experience with corporate clients, the scope of accounting and tax settlements, how cooperation is organised and whether reporting can be adapted to the company's requirements. For foreign-owned businesses, additional criteria should include communication in the required language, experience with international structures and cooperation with overseas finance departments. getsix® has an office in Katowice and provides accounting services to Polish and foreign businesses. Explore our accounting office in Katowice.

How do you choose an accounting firm in Szczecin?

When choosing an accounting firm in Szczecin, check whether the provider has experience serving companies, offers the required accounting and tax services, and has efficient processes for document exchange and day-to-day communication. If the business belongs to a foreign group, multilingual support, reporting to overseas headquarters and experience with international companies may also be important. getsix® has an office in Szczecin and supports businesses operating in Poland. Explore our accounting office in Szczecin.

How do you choose an accounting firm in Warsaw?

When choosing an accounting firm in Warsaw, assess more than price. Relevant factors include the team's experience, scope of responsibility, accounting processes, data security and the quality of financial reporting. For international companies, knowledge of Polish regulations, multilingual communication and experience working with foreign owners and group headquarters are particularly important. getsix® has an office in Warsaw and provides accounting services to businesses operating in Poland. Explore our accounting office in Warsaw.

How do you choose an accounting firm in Poznań?

When selecting an accounting firm in Poznań, consider its experience with businesses of a similar scale, the scope of accounting and tax services, data exchange processes and reporting capabilities. For companies belonging to foreign groups, relevant factors may also include multilingual support, reporting in line with group requirements and effective cooperation with the internal finance team. getsix® has an office in Poznań and serves both Polish and international businesses. Explore our accounting office in Poznań.

How do you choose an accounting firm in Wrocław?

When choosing an accounting firm in Wrocław, review its experience with corporate clients, scope of services, document exchange processes, reporting arrangements and communication procedures. For foreign businesses, multilingual support, experience in reporting to overseas headquarters and familiarity with international corporate groups are also important. getsix® has an office in Wrocław and provides accounting services to Polish and foreign businesses. Explore our accounting office in Wrocław.

How do you choose an accounting firm for a limited liability company in Poland?

When selecting an accounting firm in Poland, consider its experience with limited liability companies, scope of services, document transfer processes, reporting arrangements and understanding of the client's business. Data security and efficient communication are also important. For foreign companies, additional criteria should include experience with international groups and the ability to communicate and report in the required language. Explore getsix® accounting services in Poland.

Can a company outsource its accounting in Poland?

Yes. A company operating in Poland can outsource its accounting to an external accounting services provider. Accounting outsourcing may include bookkeeping, tax settlements, reporting and ongoing accounting support. This enables the business to use an external team of specialists without having to build an in-house accounting department. Learn more about accounting outsourcing in Poland.

Does a limited liability company in Poland have to keep full accounting records?

Yes. As a rule, a Polish limited liability company is required to maintain accounting books in accordance with Polish accounting regulations. This also applies to companies owned by foreign shareholders. Full accounting includes systematic recording of business transactions, maintaining the required accounting books and preparing the relevant settlements and financial reports. Explore full accounting services in Poland.

How much does accounting for a limited liability company cost in Poland?

There is no single fixed price for accounting services for a limited liability company in Poland. The cost depends primarily on the number of documents and transactions, the number of bank accounts, the scope of tax settlements, the number of employees and the reporting requirements. International transactions, reporting to a parent company or group, and multilingual support may also affect the price. Accounting services for companies are therefore usually priced individually based on the actual scope of work. Explore getsix® accounting services in Poland.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Rzeszów?

Setting up a limited liability company in Rzeszów follows the same registration rules that apply to companies throughout Poland. You need to determine the shareholders and company structure, prepare the articles of association and required documents, and then register the company with the National Court Register (KRS). After registration, the company must also be prepared to meet the accounting, tax and administrative obligations associated with starting business operations in Poland. Explore getsix® support in Rzeszów for company registration in Poland.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Katowice?

To set up a limited liability company in Katowice, you need to choose the appropriate registration method, prepare the articles of association and other required documents, and register the company with the KRS. After registration, the company must also be prepared to meet its ongoing business obligations. getsix® has an office in Katowice and supports businesses operating in Poland, including companies owned by foreign investors. Explore getsix® support in Katowice for company registration in Poland.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Szczecin?

Setting up a limited liability company in Szczecin involves preparing the required documentation, registering the company with the KRS and organising the tax, accounting and administrative requirements needed to start operations. getsix® has an office in Szczecin and can support businesses both during the company formation process and with subsequent accounting and tax matters. Explore getsix® support in Szczecin for company registration in Poland.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Poznań?

To establish a limited liability company in Poznań, you need to prepare the ownership structure, articles of association and company documentation, complete registration with the KRS and organise the obligations associated with starting business operations. getsix® has an office in Poznań and provides services to Polish and foreign businesses operating on the Polish market. Explore getsix® support in Poznań for company registration in Poland.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Warsaw?

Setting up a limited liability company in Warsaw requires preparing the articles of association and other company documentation, completing registration with the KRS and preparing the business to meet its accounting, tax and administrative obligations. The registration procedure is governed by rules applicable throughout Poland. getsix® has an office in Warsaw and supports businesses, including foreign investors, with establishing operations in Poland. Explore getsix® support in Warsaw for company registration in Poland.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Wrocław?

Setting up a limited liability company in Wrocław follows the same registration rules that apply to limited liability companies throughout Poland. The process includes preparing the company structure and documentation, registering the company with the KRS and organising the obligations required to begin operations. getsix® has an office in Wrocław and supports both Polish entrepreneurs and foreign investors conducting business in Poland. Explore getsix® support in Wrocław for company registration in Poland.

How do you open a corporate bank account in Poland?

To open a bank account for a company in Poland, the bank will require documents identifying the company as well as information about its owners, authorised representatives and business activities. The bank may also request information about the ownership structure and ultimate beneficial owners. The exact procedure depends on the bank, and companies owned by foreign investors may be required to provide a broader range of documents. Check out our company registration services in Poland.

How do you register a limited liability company with the KRS in Poland?

To register a limited liability company with Poland's National Court Register (KRS), you first need to prepare the articles of association and the required documentation concerning the shareholders, management board, registered office and representation rules. An application for registration is then submitted to the KRS. Once registered, the limited liability company acquires legal personality. Missing or incorrect documents may delay the proceedings, so the application should be prepared carefully. Learn more about how to register company in Poland.

What documents are required to set up a limited liability company in Poland?

Setting up a limited liability company in Poland primarily requires documents and information concerning the shareholders, management board, registered office, business activities, share capital and rules of representation. The articles of association and the documents required for registration with the National Court Register (KRS) must also be prepared. The exact documentation depends on the incorporation method and ownership structure. Additional documents concerning individuals or entities participating in the company structure may be required where foreign shareholders are involved. Explore support with company formation in Poland.

Can you set up a company in Poland without travelling to Poland?

Yes. In many cases, a company can be established in Poland without the investor being physically present at every stage of the process. Whether the registration can be completed remotely depends on the incorporation method, the documents required and how those documents must be signed. Where foreign shareholders are involved, powers of attorney or additional documents prepared outside Poland may also be required. It is therefore worth determining in advance which stages of the process can be completed remotely. Check how to register company in Poland with our help.

Can a foreigner set up a company in Poland?

Yes. A foreign national can set up a company in Poland, including an investor who is not a citizen of an EU Member State. The available options and formal requirements depend on the selected legal form, the investor's status and the ownership structure. Where foreign shareholders are involved, properly preparing the documentation required for registration is particularly important. Explore company registration in Poland for foreign investors.

How long does it take to set up a limited liability company in Poland?

Setting up a limited liability company in Poland may take from several days to several weeks, depending on the registration method, whether the documentation is complete and how long the registration court takes to process the application. Simple ownership structures and correctly prepared documents can help speed up the process. Additional time may be required where foreign shareholders, more complex ownership structures or additional documentation are involved. Explore support with company registration in Poland.

How much does it cost to set up a limited liability company in Poland?

The cost of setting up a limited liability company in Poland primarily includes the costs associated with preparing and registering the company. The total amount depends, among other factors, on the chosen incorporation method, the form of the articles of association, the ownership structure and the documentation required. Foreign investors may also incur additional costs related to preparing foreign documents, translations or powers of attorney. If professional assistance is used for the registration process, its cost should also be included in the overall incorporation budget. Check how to register company in Poland with our help.

How do you set up a limited liability company in Poland?

To set up a Polish limited liability company (sp. z o.o.), you need to determine the shareholders, share capital, representation rules and management board composition, prepare the articles of association, and then register the company with the National Court Register (KRS). After registration, the company must also be prepared to meet the tax, accounting, banking and administrative requirements associated with starting business operations in Poland. getsix® supports entrepreneurs, including foreign investors, with organising the process of setting up a business in Poland. Check how to register company in Poland with our help.

Can the Polish tax office remove a company from the EU VAT register?

Yes. The competent Polish tax office may remove a company from the EU VAT register in circumstances specified in the Polish VAT Act. Removal from the domestic Polish VAT register also results in removal from the EU VAT register. A taxpayer may also be removed if it fails to submit the required Polish recapitulative statements (VAT-UE) for three consecutive months despite having an obligation to file them. If a business stops carrying out intra-Community transactions, it must notify the Polish tax office by updating its VAT-R form within 15 days of ceasing those activities. Once removed from the register, the company’s Polish VAT number may no longer return a valid result in VIES. getsix® provides VAT and EU VAT compliance services in Poland, including the preparation and correction of Polish recapitulative statements (VAT-UE), tax supervision and representation before the Polish tax authorities.

What obligations apply after EU VAT registration in Poland?

After registering for EU VAT in Poland, a business must correctly document and report the intra-Community transactions covered by its registration. The obligations may apply to intra-Community supplies and acquisitions of goods, as well as specified services supplied to or purchased from counterparties in other EU Member States. A registered EU VAT taxable person must submit Polish recapitulative statements (VAT-UE) for transactions covered by this reporting obligation. Other compliance requirements depend on whether the company is an active VAT taxpayer or benefits from a domestic exemption, as well as on the type of transactions it carries out. getsix® provides ongoing VAT compliance services in Poland and Europe, including VAT purchase and sales registers, VAT returns and Polish recapitulative statements (VAT-UE).

What should a business do if its Polish VAT number is inactive in VIES?

An inactive result in VIES does not necessarily mean that the company’s Polish Tax Identification Number is incorrect. It may mean that the business has not yet registered for intra-Community transactions, the registration procedure has not been completed or the number has been removed from the Polish EU VAT register. A temporary problem with the Polish national database may also affect the result. The company should first confirm that it entered the correct number and selected Poland as the relevant Member State. It should then repeat the search. If the number remains inactive, the taxpayer should clarify its status with the competent Polish tax office. The European Commission cannot independently amend or confirm data stored in national VAT registers. getsix® offers Polish EU VAT registration support and can represent a business before the Polish tax authorities when its number is not active in VIES.

How can a business check a Polish VAT number in VIES?

A Polish EU VAT number can be checked free of charge using the VIES search tool operated by the European Commission. To perform the check, the user selects Poland as the relevant EU Member State and enters the company’s Polish VAT number. The system then indicates whether the number is valid for cross-border transactions within the European Union. VIES is not an independent registration database. It retrieves information from the national VAT databases maintained by individual Member States. A number may therefore return an invalid result because the company has not registered for EU VAT, its registration is still being processed, it has been removed from the EU VAT register or the national system is temporarily unavailable. A Polish taxpayer may also request a ZAS-VUE certificate through the Polish e-Tax Office. getsix® provides VAT services in Poland and Europe, including support with obtaining and verifying a Polish EU VAT number.

Does a company receive a new VAT number after EU VAT registration?

No. A Polish company does not receive an entirely new identification number after registering for EU VAT. For intra-Community transactions, the company uses its existing Polish Tax Identification Number (NIP) preceded by the country code “PL”. For example, if the company’s NIP is: 1234567890 its Polish EU VAT number will be: PL1234567890 EU VAT registration activates the existing Polish number for qualifying transactions within the European Union. Once activated, the number can be checked using the European Commission’s VIES VAT number validation tool. getsix® supports companies with Polish VAT and EU VAT registration, including obtaining and activating the number required for cross-border EU transactions.

How much does EU VAT registration in Poland cost?

Submitting the VAT-R form and registering as an EU VAT taxable person in Poland are free of charge. If the business acts through a representative appointed under a specific PPS-1 power of attorney, a stamp duty of PLN 17 generally applies, unless a statutory exemption is available. Professional fees for registration support are separate from official administrative charges. The final cost may depend on the company’s current VAT status, the completeness of its documentation, the scope of the engagement and whether representation before the Polish tax office is required. getsix® provides individually priced professional VAT registration services in Poland. The service may cover the complete registration process, document submission and representation before the tax authorities.

How long does EU VAT registration take in Poland?

There is no single statutory processing time that applies to every EU VAT registration procedure in Poland. The duration depends on whether the VAT-R form is complete, whether the company’s data is consistent with public registers and whether the Polish tax office requests additional documents or explanations. A business should therefore not wait until the date of its first transaction. Registration must be submitted before the first qualifying intra-Community supply or acquisition of goods. For services, registration should be completed before the company begins supplying services that must be reported in the Polish recapitulative statement (VAT-UE), or purchases services covered by Article 28b of the Polish VAT Act that constitute an import of services in Poland. getsix® manages the process of obtaining a Polish EU VAT number, including communication with the tax office and responses to additional enquiries.

Which documents are required for EU VAT registration in Poland?

The main document required for EU VAT registration in Poland is the VAT-R form. The information needed to prepare the notification depends on the company’s legal form, current VAT status, planned transactions and method of representation before the Polish tax office. The application generally requires the company’s identification and registration details, Polish Tax Identification Number (NIP), registered office address, current VAT status and the planned date for starting intra-Community transactions. If a representative acts on behalf of the company, an appropriate power of attorney is also required. Depending on the circumstances, the Polish tax office may request additional documents, information or explanations. getsix® provides VAT registration support in Poland, including preparation of the VAT-R form, supporting documents and powers of attorney.

How does EU VAT registration work for a Polish limited liability company?

A Polish limited liability company, or sp. z o.o., registers for EU VAT by submitting a VAT-R form or updating its existing VAT-R registration. The notification must be filed with the competent Polish tax office before the first transaction for which the company is required to use a Polish EU VAT number. The company indicates the types of planned intra-Community transactions and the date on which it expects to begin carrying them out. If the company is already registered as an active or VAT-exempt taxpayer in Poland, it does not repeat the entire domestic VAT registration procedure. It updates the relevant sections of the VAT-R form to include EU VAT status. getsix® provides Polish VAT registration services, including VAT-R preparation, submission of documents and representation before the Polish tax office.

Can a business exempt from Polish VAT register for EU VAT?

Yes. A business benefiting from a domestic VAT exemption in Poland may — and in some cases must — register for EU VAT. EU VAT registration does not automatically remove the company’s exemption for domestic sales in Poland. A registration obligation may arise in connection with intra-Community acquisitions of goods. For VAT-exempt taxable persons and certain non-taxable legal persons, such acquisitions are generally excluded from WNT taxation if their total value did not exceed PLN 50,000 in either the current or the previous tax year. Once the threshold is exceeded, the transaction through which it was exceeded is treated as an intra-Community acquisition in Poland. Registration may also be required when purchasing certain services from abroad or supplying specified B2B services to another EU Member State. getsix® supports VAT-exempt businesses with EU VAT registration in Poland and prepares the documentation required by the Polish tax authorities.

Is a Polish VAT number automatically active in VIES?

No. Registration as an active VAT taxpayer in Poland does not automatically activate a company’s VAT number for intra-Community transactions. A business may be registered for domestic Polish VAT but still appear as inactive when its number is checked in VIES. If the company intends to begin transactions with counterparties in other EU Member States, it should update its VAT-R form. The notification identifies the planned types of intra-Community transactions and the date on which they will begin. After the Polish tax office processes the notification, the company’s NIP with the “PL” prefix should become active for EU VAT purposes and return a valid result in VIES. getsix® offers Polish VAT and EU VAT registration services, including activation of a Polish EU VAT number and representation before the competent tax office.

Who must register for an EU VAT number in Poland?

EU VAT registration in Poland is generally required before a business carries out its first qualifying intra-Community transaction. The obligation primarily applies to businesses making intra-Community supplies or acquisitions of goods. It may also apply to companies purchasing services covered by Article 28b of the Polish VAT Act where the transaction constitutes an import of services in Poland. Registration may also be required when a business supplies certain B2B services to a taxable person in another EU Member State and must include those services in the Polish recapitulative statement (VAT-UE). The requirement can apply both to active Polish VAT taxpayers and to businesses benefiting from a domestic VAT exemption. getsix® provides EU VAT registration support in Poland, including preparing the required documentation, submitting it to the Polish tax office and representing the client during the registration procedure.

What is EU VAT registration in Poland, and is it the same as VIES registration?

EU VAT registration in Poland means registering a business to carry out specified transactions with counterparties in other EU Member States. It is not a separate registration completed directly in VIES. In Poland, a business applies for EU VAT status using the VAT-R form. Once the competent Polish tax office completes the registration, the company uses its Polish Tax Identification Number (NIP) preceded by the country code “PL”. The term “VIES registration” is commonly used, but it is not technically precise. The VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) is a European Commission search tool that retrieves information from national VAT registers. The Polish tax office activates the EU VAT status, after which the number becomes visible in VIES. getsix® supports Polish and foreign businesses with VAT registration in Poland and Europe, including VAT-R filing, communication with the tax office and representation before the Polish tax authorities.

How long does VAT registration take in Poland?

/ How long does VAT registration take in Poland?

VAT in Poland and Europe

There is no single guaranteed timeframe for completing VAT registration in Poland. The duration depends on factors including the completeness of the documentation, the applicant’s circumstances and any additional checks carried out by the Polish tax office.

For foreign businesses, the tax office may request additional information or documents concerning the company’s activities and planned transactions in Poland. A properly prepared application can help reduce the risk of delays.

Explore our VAT registration service in Poland.