Forms of business

EU citizens willing to open a business in Poland may choose from various organisational and legal forms:

• self-employment;
• partnership: general, limited, limited joint-stock company;
• joint-stock companies: public limited companies and limited liability companies.

In addition, foreigners who run a business in another country have the possibility to establish its branches in Poland.

According to the Treaty Establising the European Community, an EU citizen has the right to open a business in another member state without any limitations, according to the rules applicable to the citizens of that state. Therefore, EU citizens can establish, buy shares in and run a business in any of the above legal forms.

Establishing capital companies or branches is the most beneficial. We advise against running a business in the form of self-employment. Because of its simplicity, self-emplyment does not guarantee any protection of personal assets and limits development possibilities.

There are some limitations for citizens of countries outside the EU or the European Free Trade Agreement. They may establish a business in the form of limited partnership, limited joint-stock company, public limited company or limited liability company. They also have right to purchase assests or shares in the above mentioned units.