Poland Visa or Permit Based on Economic Activities
Poland business visa is a kind of visa that allows you to move and settle in Poland, which is one of the European countries. That means it allows you to do your business-related activities in Poland for a specific period of time and get a residence permit. There are certain things that you have to understand when you start your business visa process in Poland.
Sole Proprietorship vs. Running a Company
There are two models included in economic activities. One is sole proprietorship, and the other is running a company. Whether you’re a sole proprietor or running a company, you need to understand certain requirements related to the type of business you are running. The requirements are almost the same with a minor difference, which we discuss here with you in a simple way.
1. Required Documents (In case of Sole Proprietorship)
If you’re operating as a sole proprietor, you’ll need to submit some key documents e.g. a document that show a stable and consistent income stream from your business activities, plus health insurance, a house contract, etc.
There are also other documents as well which we discuss one by one for your convenience:
Tax Returns (PIT-36 or PIT-28)
Submit tax returns for the previous tax year, along with confirmation of submission to the tax office or a certificate verifying the income earned.
Certificates from ZUS or Tax Office
The certificates from ZUS confirm that there are no unpaid contributions or unpaid taxes for your company. So basically, it confirms that there is no payment from your side.
Proof of the Future Success of Your Business
You have to provide certain documents related to your business that help the immigration office determine whether your business is likely to succeed and continue operating in the future, e.g., a revenue ledger, business plan, bank statements, investment records, lease agreements, employee contracts, and other documents that show your business’s financial stability and future potential.
Important Note Regarding the Sole Proprietorship Visa
The immigration office will also check and confirm that your required income must be 12 times the average monthly gross salary in Poland. This income amount is based on the rate from the previous year and applies to the area where you live. E.g., if you live in Warsaw or your business is running within Warsaw, then it will count according to the rules that govern in Warsaw, and in other areas, it may be different and according to that area, which we also call voivodeship in Polish.
2. Running a Company in Poland
For individuals running a company or holding positions within a company, the following documents are necessary to submit at immigration office:
Contract and Shareholder Letter
This document should explain your pay for being a member of the management board or any other important role in the company. It should also include details about your work permit for that specific role and company. Just like a sole proprietorship, you also submit health or travel insurance and a house contract.
CIT-8 & PIT
Submit CIT-8 and PIT; these are the tax documents from the previous tax year, and you have to submit them with confirmation from the ZUS office.
Certificates from the Tax Office
This is a kind of certificate that the tax office issues you to confirm that you have paid all the taxes, including those related to you and your company.
Note: You can obtain both documents from your local tax office, known as Urząd Skarbowy.
Employment Requirements for Both Models
Whether you are running a company or a sole proprietorship, the employee requirements are the same. These are the requirements.
a). You have at least two Polish people working in your company. If they are foreigners, then they must have an EU long-term residence or another kind of PR. Even if they are given refugee status, they will also consider it. They can also be other citizen of other EU countries.
b). Another rule is that they have been properly employed in your company for one year. If your company or business meets these two employee requirements, you can start applying for this business visa or permit.
What to do If apply form abroad:
In case you apply from abroad, you have to submit your documents the same as those you submit in Poland, but when you are in Poland, you submit your application and documents at the Polish immigration office after getting online appointment, while if you are abroad, you submit them through the embassy or consulate in your home country to start your Poland business visa application process. If you don’t know the process and steps involved, then you have to read another article on the application process, both in Poland and abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long the business visa residence card?
Temporary residence permits are typically granted for a duration of up to three years.
What if you get a negative decision?
If you get a negative decision, you can still file an appeal only when you are sure that you submitted your documents properly or that you missed something that you can attach to your appeal. Learn more about the appeals process.
Who is eligible to get a Polish Business Visa?
Everyone can apply for a Poland Business Visa beyond any specific nationality, but you need to fulfill the requirements in order to get this visa on the basis of any economic activity in Poland.
How long does it take to get a Business Visa in Poland?
The advantage of a Poland Business Visa is that you can obtain it within 15 days if all requirements are met and immigration is satisfied with your documents. However, in certain cases, processing may take longer, typically around 30 days or more, depending on the complexity of your application. In urgent and well-documented situations, a decision may even be made within three working days.
Can I apply for a business visa in Poland from my home country?
Yes, you can apply from your embassy and consulate if you complete the requirement that you already have business in Poland, that you have a company where you are owner or partner or the shareholder of the company or working in board member of the company.
How can I apply if I am not in Poland?
You can first open your business or company in Poland, even if you are not in Poland, and many international companies can help you open your company or sole proprietorship business. You can also work for someone else’s company as a shareholder, partner, etc. In this case, your business partner in Poland will arrange everything.
How do I prepare documents related to a business or company in Poland?
You can hire an accountant who will deal with all the processes and documents that you need, both for immigration and for yourself. They make everything for you, whether it’s a PIT, a CIT, etc. The accountant will charge a fee only on the monthly basis that you both set during the agreement, which is common practice.
Can I apply for a visa or a permit if I am not holding any shares in the company?
If you do not hold a share of the company but still want to apply, then you should be at least a member of the board and meet the specific income requirements. You can apply for an individual or single residence permit.
Disclaimer: The purpose of the blog is to guide you. The information provided in this blog is based on our knowledge and information, which may not be accurate hundred percent. So we suggest you confirm from an official source.
If you have any questions to ask, you are welcome to leave a comment below, and you will see our response very soon.
