Starting a business in Poland is relatively straightforward, but the real costs depend on the legal form, business model and level of support.

Many entrepreneurs focus only on registration costs – while the actual expenses begin after the company is up and running.

Registration costs in Poland

Registering a sole proprietorship (JDG) is free of charge, making it the simplest and most accessible business form.

For a limited liability company (sp. z o.o.), additional costs apply:

• court registration fee
• publication in the official court journal
• notary fees (if the company is not registered online)

The total setup cost depends mainly on whether the company is registered online or through a notary.

Share capital requirements

A limited liability company requires a minimum share capital of PLN 5,000.

• the capital must be contributed at the beginning
• it can be used later for business operations

There is no share capital requirement for sole proprietors.

Accounting costs – ongoing expense from day one

Accounting is one of the first recurring costs:

• sole proprietorship – approx. PLN 150-500 per month
• limited company – approx. PLN 500-1500 per month

The final cost depends on:

• number of transactions
• VAT status
• payroll and reporting complexity

As the business grows, accounting costs typically increase.

Social security contributions (ZUS)

Sole traders in Poland are subject to ZUS contributions, but relief schemes are available:

• “start-up relief” – no social contributions for 6 months
• reduced contributions for the following 24 months

For limited companies, ZUS obligations depend on the ownership structure and whether the shareholder is also a board member.

Taxes – what you need to consider

Businesses in Poland must take into account:

• income tax – progressive, flat rate or lump sum
• VAT – depending on turnover and type of activity

Choosing the right tax structure at the beginning can significantly impact profitability.

Additional costs entrepreneurs often underestimate

Beyond formal requirements, many businesses incur additional expenses:

• legal services
• contracts and documentation
• business bank account
• equipment and software
• marketing and website

These costs are often the most underestimated part of starting a business.

What is the real cost of starting a business?

In practice:

• starting a sole proprietorship can cost almost nothing
• starting a limited company requires initial capital and setup costs
• the real expenses appear in monthly operations and compliance

Understanding this difference is key to avoiding financial surprises.

How Easybooks can support your business

At Easybooks, we help entrepreneurs entering the Polish market with:

• company registration support
• accounting and tax setup
• choosing the optimal legal form
• ongoing accounting and payroll services

If you want to start a company in Poland and understand the real costs – not just the formal ones, we can guide you through the entire process.

Contact Easybooks and plan your business setup in Poland with confidence.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Poland can be inexpensive – especially for sole traders.

However, long-term success depends on:

• choosing the right legal form
• understanding ongoing costs
• setting up accounting and tax processes correctly from the start