Which Businesses Require Licenses or Permits in Poland?

Which businesses require a license or permit in Poland?

Poland is one of the most attractive countries for doing business in Europe. However, not all businesses in Poland can operate without oversight or licensing. For certain types of activities, obtaining a license or permit is required to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and legality standards. In this article, we will discuss which businesses require a license in Poland and how to obtain a permit to operate.

Main categories of businesses requiring a license in Poland

Depending on the type of activity, some businesses require a license or permit to carry out certain operations. This ensures compliance with safety standards, control, and service quality assurance. Below are the main categories of businesses that require a license in Poland:

• Construction sector: Construction is one of the most regulated sectors. All companies involved in construction, reconstruction, design, or engineering work must obtain a license to carry out this activity.
• Passenger and freight transportation: Businesses involved in transportation require licenses to ensure the safety of transportation and to control the compliance of vehicles and drivers.
• Alcohol sales: A license for selling alcoholic beverages is mandatory for all outlets selling alcohol, whether they are stores or restaurants. This is necessary to ensure control over this type of product.
• Energy sector: Businesses involved in energy supply or extraction must have a license to ensure safety and comply with environmental standards.
• Medical services: Doctors, medical clinics, and other healthcare institutions must have licenses to provide treatment, consultation, or surgical services to guarantee quality and patient safety.

A few examples of businesses that do not require a license

Not all businesses in Poland require a license. There are certain categories of activities for which a license is not mandatory, and they can operate without additional permits. This may include:

• IT startups: Technology businesses, such as software development, IT consulting, or providing services online, usually do not require a license to operate.
• Online retail: If your business is based on selling products through the Internet (e.g., stores or sales platforms), you do not need to obtain a license, provided you follow standard e-commerce rules.
• Creative professions: Businesses related to art, design, music, or other creative fields usually do not require licensing.
• Legal consultations: If you provide legal services as a lawyer or attorney, you may need a specialized license or qualification for conducting activities in the judicial field, but a license is not required for providing consultations.

How to obtain a license or permit in Poland?

The process of obtaining a license or permit for conducting business in Poland may vary depending on the specific type of activity. Usually, this involves submitting relevant applications and documents to the authorities. Here are the main steps to obtain a license:

1. Preparation of necessary documents: Before applying, you need to gather documents that confirm your qualifications and compliance with the requirements for your activity. These may include diplomas, certificates, or other documents that certify your professional level.
2. Submitting the application: The application is submitted to the authority responsible for licensing or issuing permits for your type of activity. This may be local administration or specialized government institutions.
3. Document verification and decision-making: After submitting the application, the authorities verify the submitted documents and make a decision. If necessary, additional checks or requirements for the provided documents may be conducted.

Can foreigners do business in Poland without a license?

Foreigners can do business in Poland provided they have a Pole's Card or residence permit. They can also apply for a license to operate in sectors where a license is mandatory. In some cases, foreigners may have additional requirements, such as the need to create a company with a minimum capital or hire employees for certain positions.

Questions and Answers

Construction. Licenses for construction companies ensure compliance with safety and quality standards for construction works.

Transportation. A license for passenger and freight transport companies ensures compliance with safety standards.

Alcohol sales. A license is required for alcohol sales, regulating this activity.

Energy sector. Licenses for energy companies ensure control over energy usage and compliance with environmental standards.

Medical services. Licenses for medical institutions ensure the quality and safety of medical services.