Date published: 30.06.2025
Purchasing a ready-made company in Poland is a popular solution for entrepreneurs who want to start a business quickly, without the bureaucracy and waiting times associated with registering a new entity. This option allows you to begin commercial operations almost immediately—signing contracts, opening bank accounts, applying for tenders, or even using the company as a basis for obtaining a residence permit in Poland.
A ready-made company is a legal entity that has already been registered (most often a Sp. z o.o. — a limited liability company), which either hasn’t conducted any business activity or did so on a very limited scale. It comes with a full set of documents: an entry in the KRS (National Court Register), NIP (Tax Identification Number), REGON (National Business Registry Number), sometimes VAT (Value Added Tax) payer status, share capital, and a registered office address. The buyer receives a “ready-to-use tool” for doing business.
First Step: Choosing the Company
There are many firms on the market that specialize in selling such companies. When choosing one, it’s important to pay attention to several key aspects: absence of debts, a clean tax history, VAT payer status (especially relevant when dealing with European partners), legal address and the business classification code (PKD – Polish Classification of Activities), which should match your intended business activities.
Due Diligence – A Must Before Purchase
After selecting a company, it’s essential to perform due diligence — a full legal audit of the firm. This includes checking entries in the national registry (KRS), tax reports filed with the tax office (US – Urząd Skarbowy), social insurance compliance with ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych), court cases, existing contracts or licenses. Even if a company is advertised as “clean,” it is highly recommended to involve a lawyer or accountant for a complete review. This minimizes the risk of hidden issues arising after the ownership transfer.
Finalizing the Sale at a Notary
The next stage is signing the purchase agreement at a notary’s office. In the presence of a Polish notary, a contract for the transfer of company shares is signed. At the same time, changes to the articles of association may be made, a new managing director (prezes zarządu) may be appointed, and the company's address, name, or business activities may be updated. After signing, the updated information is submitted to the KRS. This process usually takes a few days.
Foreign Investors Can Also Buy Companies
Polish law allows not only Polish citizens but also foreign individuals or legal entities to purchase companies. Citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and other countries are fully entitled to buy and operate companies in Poland, regardless of their residence status. In most cases, physical presence in Poland is not required — the procedure can be handled via a proxy or power of attorney.
Legalizing Stay Through Business Activity
For foreigners, buying a ready-made company can also serve as a path to legalizing their stay in Poland. On the basis of business activity, one can apply for a temporary residence permit (karta pobytu). However, it’s important to note that simply owning a company does not guarantee approval — you must prove active business operations and the existence of income and expenses.
Responsibilities and Caution for New Owners
Once the purchase is complete, the new owner assumes full legal responsibility for the company. This makes it vital to ensure, before buying, that there are no hidden legal or financial issues. In some cases, setting up a new company from scratch might be easier, but if speed is essential, a ready-made company is an excellent choice.
Advantages and Risks of Buying a Ready-Made Company
Key advantages include: saving time, Immediate ability to start business operations, existing VAT status, positive company history (if applicable). However, potential risks include: hidden debts, legal obligations, undisclosed liabilities from previous operations.
Recommendations Before Purchase:
- Work with trusted company sellers
- Conduct a full legal due diligence before the purchase
- Finalize the deal only through a licensed notary
- Update all registration information immediately after purchase
- Do not leave old shareholder or management details in the company’s articles
In conclusion, buying a ready-made company in Poland is a convenient and effective way to quickly enter the local market and start your business. However, the process requires attention to detail and a professional approach. To avoid risks and ensure the legal integrity of the transaction, it is advisable to seek expert assistance.The legal marketplace Consultant provides comprehensive support when buying ready-made companies in Poland — from selecting a reliable company to document verification, contract execution, and updating registry information. With us, the process is fast, transparent, and hassle-free — regardless of your location or citizenship.
