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Starting a Transport Business in Poland

Foreign citizens in Poland can start a business in the transport sector in two main organizational and legal forms — either as a sole proprietor (if the business involves 2–3 vehicles) or by establishing a limited liability company (Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością — Sp. z o.o.).

However, not all foreigners are eligible to open a sole proprietorship (Jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza — JDG). To do so, you must meet specific legal conditions, such as holding a Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka), a PBH visa, a permanent residence permit, refugee status, or a PESEL UKR number.

By contrast, registering a limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.) is available to all foreigners, even those staying in Poland based on a visa, without the need for a residence card. This is the most common and practical solution for entrepreneurs entering the Polish market.

How to Open a Transport Company in Poland

Today, you can establish a transport company entirely online through the government portal S24. To do so, the founder (or multiple partners) must be of legal age, hold a valid passport, have a registered address in Poland, obtain a PESEL number, and create a Profil Zaufany (trusted profile for electronic signature).

Before registering, you must select a unique company name (and verify that it is available), decide on the distribution of shares among partners, and clearly define responsibilities and decision-making rules within the company.

Step-by-Step Registration Process:

1. Prepare the founding documents and articles of association signed by all company owners.
2. Submit the online application via the S24 portal.
3. Pay the state registration fee.
4. Wait for the court’s decision on registration — your company will automatically receive a NIP, REGON, and KRS number.
5. Register in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners (CRBR).
6. Choose a bank and open a business account.
7. Sign an agreement with an accounting firm or hire an in-house accountant.
8. Register your company with the Tax Office (Urząd Skarbowy), ZUS, and the Statistical Office, and apply for VAT payer status if required.

After that, the company is considered fully operational and has all the rights to start operations.

ONE PLUS accompanies this entire cycle, from preparing documents to obtaining registration numbers and launching the company.

Share Capital — No Need to Freeze Funds

When registering a Sp. z o.o., the minimum share capital is 5,000 PLN. However, many entrepreneurs are unaware that this amount does not have to be deposited immediately into a bank account.
You can simply declare the share capital in the articles of association and keep it as cash in the company’s register (in the cash office).

This approach allows you to avoid freezing funds unnecessarily at the early stage. Later, the same amount can be used to cover operating expenses, such as accounting services, administrative fees, or other startup costs directly related to business activity.

Legal Requirements for Transport Companies

If your company plans to transport passengers or goods using vehicles with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tons, you must obtain a transport license.

The procedure is straightforward but requires compliance with several legal conditions:

• The business must be registered in Poland.
• You must have access to a parking or service base for vehicles (either owned or under contract).
• All company employees must have a clean criminal record in Poland (confirmed by official certificates).
• The company must provide financial security of 9,000 EUR for the first vehicle and 5,000 EUR for each subsequent one.
  This amount does not need to be deposited — a bank guarantee or professional liability insurance is sufficient.
• At least one person in the company must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (Certyfikat Kompetencji Zawodowych). It can be obtained after completing a short 10-day course and passing a qualifying exam.
• You must have a digital card to read tachograph data and the corresponding equipment installed in vehicles.
• Obtain a transport operator’s license (Zezwolenie na wykonywanie zawodu przewoźnika drogowego) — valid indefinitely.

All documentation and the license application must be submitted to the General Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD). After review (usually a few weeks), your company will receive the license, valid for 5 or 10 years.

International Transport and TIR System

If your company plans to operate beyond the European Union, you must also obtain access to the TIR system. To do this, you need to:

• Become a member of ZMPD (Association of International Road Carriers).
• Provide financial security of 60,000 EUR (as a deposit, insurance, bank guarantee, or real estate pledge).
• Send at least one employee to TIR training courses.

Estimated Cost of Starting a Transport Company in Poland

The startup costs vary depending on the scale of the operation. Below are the approximate minimum expenses related to company registration (excluding vehicle purchase, leasing, or maintenance costs):

• 350.60 PLN – court and state registration fee (S24 portal).
• 5,000 PLN – declared share capital (can remain in cash).
• from 310 PLN/month – accounting services.
• Legal consultations – determined individually.
• 4,000 PLN (+ ~500 PLN for copies) – 5-year license cost (8,000 PLN for 10 years).

How ONE PLUS Can Help

Our legal and business support team offers comprehensive assistance in establishing and running a transport company in Poland.

1. Consultation and Business Model Selection

We analyze your situation and advise on the optimal legal form — JDG or Sp. z o.o., explaining the legal, financial, and tax implications of each.

2. Company Registration

We prepare all documents, submit them electronically via S24, and ensure your business receives all required identification numbers (KRS, NIP, REGON).

3. Licensing Support

We guide you through the licensing process for domestic and international freight or passenger transport, assisting in the preparation of all required documents for GITD.

4. Accounting and HR Setup

Our accountants manage your bookkeeping, prepare tax declarations, and assist in setting up payroll systems and employment contracts.

5. Legalization of Foreign Workers

We assist in obtaining work permits and residence cards for foreign drivers and company staff.

6. Legal and Administrative Support

Our lawyers provide ongoing corporate legal support — including license renewals, contract drafting, representation before authorities, and compliance assurance for your company’s operations in Poland.