01 · Preparation
Documents you will need
Foreign founders often overestimate the volume of Polish paperwork but underestimate the lead time for documents issued abroad.
Individuals
Valid identity documents for shareholders and board members; banks and providers may also request certified copies and proof of address.
Company data
Name, registered seat and address, PKD activity codes, ownership, representation rules and board appointments.
Formation instruments
S24 articles or a notarial deed, together with the resolutions and statements required for the selected route.
Corporate shareholder
A current foreign-register extract, representation evidence and, where required, apostille or legalisation and sworn Polish translations.
Registered office
A genuine lease, sublease or service agreement allowing the company to use the address.
Share capital
At least PLN 5,000, documented according to the formation route.
02 · Execution
Electronic signature or notary
S24
Uses standard-form articles and an accepted electronic signing method. Confirm signature compatibility before starting.
Notarial route
Used for bespoke articles. A properly prepared power of attorney may avoid every founder travelling to Poland.
03 · Scheduling
A realistic timeline
Straightforward S24
Often one to two weeks when documents and signatories are ready; court workload can extend it.
Foreign corporate shareholder
Several weeks may be needed because authentication and translation often control the timetable.
Notarial formation
Commonly three to six weeks from complete instructions, depending on document readiness and registry processing.
04 · Post-registration
Deadlines start after KRS entry
NIP and REGON are normally assigned through registration. Supplementary and compliance filings follow.
CRBR
Generally within 14 business days; Saturdays and statutory public holidays are excluded.
NIP-8
Normally within 21 days of KRS entry, or sooner where social-insurance payer registration triggers the shorter deadline.
VAT-R
Before the first activity requiring active VAT registration or before voluntary registration.
05 · Practical sequencing
Start with the slow items
A passport scan takes minutes; an authenticated and sworn-translated corporate extract can take weeks. Start foreign-source documents and signing arrangements first.
Practical next step
Get a route matched to your company.
Tell us about the owners, activity and expected local operations. We will map the suitable formation and service scope.
Request an entry plan ↗Official sources
Register a limited company↗KRS registration and NIP-8↗CRBR filing guidance↗Indicative process information as of 11 August 2026. Timelines depend on the court, ownership, signatures and document quality.