Moving to Poland: A complete guide from finding a place to live to starting a business

Dreaming of a new life in Europe? Poland is the perfect country to start a new chapter. With its rich history, picturesque cities and growing economy, Poland is attracting more and more foreigners. But how do you organise a move? This guide will help you understand all the nuances, from finding a place to live to starting your own business.

Why Poland?

- Affordable cost of living: Compared to other European countries, Poland offers lower prices for housing, food and services.

- Developed infrastructure: Large cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw have modern infrastructure, quality transport and services.

- Hospitable people: Poles are known for their hospitality and openness to foreigners.

- Work and business opportunities: There is a great demand for qualified specialists on the Polish labour market and there are favourable conditions for entrepreneurs.

- EU membership: Poland is a member of the European Union, which offers many advantages, including freedom of movement and access to the European market.

Stages of the move:

1. Planning:

• Determine the purpose of the move: Work, study, business?
• Research the labour market: Check the professions in demand and the average salary.
• Make a financial plan: Estimate the necessary expenses for moving and the first months of life in Poland.
• Learn Polish: Knowing the language will make your life much easier.

2. Search for accommodation:

• Determine the city and neighbourhood: The choice depends on your preferences and budget.
• Use online platforms: Otodom, Gumtree, Olx are popular sites for searching for accommodation.
• Take into account additional costs: utilities, internet, insurance.

3. paperwork:

• Visa: A national visa will be required for long stays.
• PESEL: Individual taxpayer number required for many services.
• Residence registration: Melduk.

4. Job Search:

• Use Polish job sites: Pracuj.pl, MonsterPolska.
• Contact recruitment agencies.
• Contact employers directly.

5. Starting a business:

• Choose the form of ownership: sole proprietorship, limited liability company.
• Develop a business plan.
• Register the company.
• Obtain the necessary permits.

Life in Poland:

- Culture and traditions: Explore Polish culture, visit museums, theatres and historical sites.

- Education: There are many universities and language schools in Poland.

- Health: The health care system in Poland is accessible to all, but it is worth taking care of health insurance.

- Transport: Poland has a well-developed public transport network.

Tips for a successful move:

- Find like-minded people: Join groups on social media.

- Learn Polish: This will help you integrate more quickly into society.

- Be open to new things: Poland is a country rich in history and culture, don't be afraid to discover new things.

Moving to Poland is not only a change of residence, but also the beginning of a new chapter in your life. With our help, you can successfully go through all the stages of the move and create a new, happy life in Poland.

How to open a company in Poland

Choosing the legal form of organisation:

- Individual entrepreneurship (Działalność gospodarcza): The simplest form, suitable for small businesses. Registration takes minimum time and formalities.

- Limited Liability Company (Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością, sp. z o.o.): A more complex form, suitable for larger companies. Requires more documents and procedures, but provides greater protection of the founders' assets.

Registration procedure:

1. Selection of the company name: Checking the uniqueness of the name in the KRS (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy).

2. Preparation of documents: Articles of Association, contract of founders (for sp. z o.o.), application for registration.

3. Submission of documents to the KRS: Usually it is done online or through a notary.

4. Registration at the tax office: Obtaining NIP (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej).

5. Registration with the statistical office: Obtain REGON (Rejestr Gospodarczych Podmiotów).

6. Opening a bank account.

What taxes you have to pay in Poland

- Corporate Income Tax (CIT):

• For sp. z o.o. the rate is usually 19%, but there may be exemptions for start-ups and small businesses (9%).

• A progressive income tax scale (PIT) is applied for individual entrepreneurs.

- Value Added Tax (VAT):

• The rate depends on the type of activity and can be 0%, 5%, 8% or 23%.

- Social contributions (ZUS):

• Paid by self-employed persons and employees. The amount of contributions depends on the salary.

Business benefits in Poland

- Tax incentives:

• Reduced income tax rates for start-ups and small businesses.
• Exemption from property tax for certain types of activities.

- State support programmes:

• Funding programmes for innovative projects.
• Grants to create new jobs.
• Export support.

- Special economic zones:

• Provision of tax and customs benefits to companies located in special economic zones.

Tips for start-up entrepreneurs in Poland

• - Research the market: Analyse demand, competition and potential customers.
• - Make a business plan: Clearly define goals, strategies and financial projections.
• - Find reliable partners: Lawyers, accountants, consultants.
• - Use government support programmes: Be aware of available incentives and grants.
• - Network with other entrepreneurs: Participate in industry events and conferences.

Important: Polish tax laws change regularly, so consulting with a professional accountant or lawyer is recommended.

Additional Resources:

- Polish Ministry of Finance website: [link to Polish Ministry of Finance website].

• - Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy (KRS): [link to KRS website].
• - Państwowy Fundusz Rehabilitacji Osób Niepełnosprawnych (PFRON): [link to PFRON website].

Please note: This information is of a general nature and does not constitute legal advice. For specific advice, please consult a specialist.

Additional topics that can be developed:

• - Franchising in Poland
• - Property investment in Poland
• - E-commerce in Poland

Conclusions:

Moving to Poland is a big decision that requires careful preparation. However, with the right planning and approach, this country can become your new home and a place to realise your business ideas. Poland offers many advantages such as affordable cost of living, developed infrastructure, hospitable people and favourable business environment.

The key stages of relocation are:

• - Planning: defining goals, financial capabilities and market research.
• - Searching for housing: choosing a city, neighbourhood and suitable housing option.
• - Paperwork: obtaining a visa, PESEL, registration of residence.
• - Finding a job or starting a business: studying the labour market, choosing a legal form, registering a company.

The decision to move to another country is always a challenge. But Poland, with its rich history, modern lifestyle and stable economy, is ready to welcome you with open arms. If you are ready for new opportunities and adventures, moving to Poland could be one of the best decisions of your life.