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Opening an Aesthetic Medicine Practice in Poland: Case Study of Medical License Registration
Medical practice in Poland is strictly regulated by the state. To open a cosmetology or nurse-led aesthetic medicine office, one must not only register a business entity but also obtain a medical services license through the Rejestr Podmiotów Wykonujących Działalność Leczniczą (RPWDL). In this case, legal advisor Olena Hlukha provided comprehensive support to a Ukrainian nurse with a diploma recognized in Poland. Thanks to her efforts, the clinic was officially launched and all permits were obtained within just three weeks.
Case Context
A Ukrainian nurse who had officially validated her medical diploma in Poland aimed to open an aesthetic medicine practice. This required choosing the appropriate legal form of practice, preparing documentation, and ensuring the clinic and its equipment met sanitary requirements. The client sought full legal assistance from Olena Hlukha to complete the process professionally, efficiently, and with guaranteed results.
Legal Support Stages
1. Choosing the Legal Form of Practice
- Assessed legal options: individual medical practice vs. Sp. z o.o. with the nurse as a co-owner
- Analyzed tax and accounting implications for each model
- Chose individual medical practice as the most efficient solution for the launch phase
2. Preparing Documents for RPWDL
- Prepared a complete application for registration in the RPWDL (Register of Medical Activity Entities)
- Included diploma recognition, professional oath, and Polish registration confirmation
- Submitted valid professional liability insurance (OC) with required coverage limits
3. Facility Verification and SANEPID Compliance
- Verified lease agreement to ensure the premises were legally permitted for medical activity
- Obtained a positive opinion from the SANEPID (sanitary inspection authority)
- Ensured compliance with hygiene, lighting, ventilation, and furniture standards for medical services
4. Document Submission and Ongoing Correspondence
- Submitted the complete documentation to RPWDL and SANEPID
- Monitored the application timeline (maximum of 30 days)
- Handled correspondence and clarifications requested by the authorities
Result
- The client received official authorization for medical services within 3 weeks
- The aesthetic medicine office was successfully registered in the RPWDL
- The practice legally opened and began receiving its first clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Is it necessary to have a diploma recognized by Polish authorities?
Answer
Yes. Without official recognition (nostryfikacja), practicing medicine in Poland is prohibited.
Question
How long does it take to obtain the medical activity license?
Answer
The official processing time is up to 30 calendar days, but on average it takes about 3 weeks.
Question
Is it necessary to form a Sp. z o.o. if I want to start an individual practice?
Answer
No. Individual medical practice is a standalone legal form. A Sp. z o.o. is only necessary for more complex business models.
This case highlights Olena Hlukha’s expertise in Polish medical law. Her legal assistance went far beyond registering a company — covering diploma recognition, insurance compliance, and sanitary regulations. As a result, the client obtained full legal authorization and successfully launched an aesthetic medical practice in Poland, confidently navigating a highly regulated industry.