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How to Choose the Right Legal Expert in Poland as a Foreigner

Unsure who to turn to? Let’s clarify this with real-world examples.

Navigating the Polish legal system can be challenging—especially if you’ve recently moved or started a business in Poland. A common question is:

Who is qualified to help me—a lawyer, a legal advisor (radca prawny), or an advocate (adwokat)?

There are real and important differences between them, and selecting the right professional can significantly impact your case.

At ONE PLUS, we help clients choose the appropriate legal specialist for their situation. Our team includes all three: general legal consultants, licensed legal advisors, and advocates. This allows us to deliver comprehensive legal services—from consultation to courtroom representation, from document preparation to business protection.

Legal Expert for Foreigners in Poland: Prawnik, Radca Prawny, or Adwokat?

Prawnik (Legal Consultant) is a law graduate with a Master’s degree in law. Although they are not authorized to represent clients in court, they provide essential legal support and are highly effective in many situations.

A prawnik can:

• Advise on Polish legal matters
• Draft and review contracts, applications, and complaints
• Assist with immigration and residence procedures
• Review legal documents and agreements before you sign them
• Help you interact with public institutions

However, court representation requires a radca prawny or an adwokat.

When is it worth working with a ONE PLUS legal consultant?

• You are applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), Permanent Residence, Citizenship, or PESEL number
• Your case is delayed at the Urząd (immigration office), and you don’t know why
• You’ve received a refusal for a visa or residence application
• You need assistance preparing a rental or employment agreement
• You want to verify terms offered by a real estate agency or employer

Our legal consultants speak English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish. We explain your legal options clearly and without unnecessary complexity. We prepare your documents correctly and help you save time and avoid mistakes.

Who is a Radca Prawny – and Why Does Business Need One?

A Radca Prawny is a legal advisor with additional qualifications, including passing the Polish state bar exam. They have the authority to:

• Represent clients in court
• Sign employment and service contracts with businesses
• Handle legal matters before tax offices, ZUS, and Labour Inspectorates
• Act in the interest of both individuals and corporate clients

How ONE PLUS Legal Advisors Support Business Clients:

• Company formation and full legal support
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements with clients, contractors, and landlords
• Representation in tax disputes and proceedings
• Managing employment-related disputes (termination, claims, etc.)
• Legal representation in court concerning debt collection, compensation, and liability
• Negotiations with business partners and public institutions

What makes ONE PLUS different?

Our legal advisors work internally as part of our team—not as outsourced contractors. This ensures consistent support, full availability, and a deep understanding of your business context. We protect your interests as if they were our own.

Advocate (Adwokat): When the Situation Is Critical

An adwokat is a legal professional who has the same rights as a radca prawny but is additionally authorized to act as a defense attorney in criminal proceedings. An advocate typically handles:

• Family disputes (divorce, alimony, custody)
• Criminal cases (threats, theft, fraud, violence)
• Appeals and cassation procedures
• Complex administrative or immigration matters

When ONE PLUS engages an advocate:

• You are detained by the police or face deportation
• You are involved in a criminal matter (e.g. suspected fraud)
• You are undergoing a complicated divorce with property division
• There is a need to protect the interests of a minor
• You want to submit a complaint to a higher court

ONE PLUS works with a trusted network of advocates across Poland. We select the appropriate specialist based on the complexity of your case and your region.

What Does a Notary Do – and Why Might You Need One?

A notary (notariusz) in Poland is an official who certifies the legal validity of documents. A notary acts independently and must protect the interests of all parties involved. Documents prepared by a notary carry official legal weight.

When is a notary required?

• Buying or selling real estate
• Signing a prenuptial agreement
• Issuing a power of attorney
• Handling inheritance matters
• Registering a company (in specific cases)

ONE PLUS handles document preparation, certified translations, notary appointments, and can accompany you on-site to ensure the process is smooth and error-free.

“Legal Subscription” Service from ONE PLUS

Instead of hiring a lawyer for every individual task, we offer ongoing legal support through a subscription model. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and reliable.

We offer three plans:

• Start – For freelancers and small businesses. Includes basic consultations and contract reviews
• Standard – For active businesses. Covers labor disputes, tax inspections, and formal claims
• Premium – For companies that require continuous protection. Includes court representation, contact with authorities, and comprehensive legal support

Choose your plan—and we’ll take care of the rest. You’ll always have a legal expert on hand who understands your business.

Why Do Foreigners Choose ONE PLUS?

Our Strengths

• Over 10 years on the market — trusted by thousands of clients
• In-house legal team — we don’t outsource cases to external partners
• Full client adaptation — we understand your language, culture, and business reality
• Nationwide coverage — we work both online and offline, across all of Poland
• End-to-end legal protection — from the first document to courtroom success

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a consultation online?

Yes, we provide consultations via phone, video calls, and messaging apps.

How much does the service cost?

The price depends on the complexity and urgency of your case. We always confirm the cost before we begin.

Which cities do you operate in?

We work across all of Poland, including Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań, Katowice, Kraków, and other locations.

Submit Your Request — and Get Help

Our team is ready to assist you in any legal situation.

Simply fill out a short form, and we will contact you within one business day.