Starting a Business in Poland: What Licenses and Permits Ukrainians Need to Know

Registering a JDG in Poland and obtaining an NIP does not automatically grant the right to work in every sector. Some services and trades require separate permits, licenses, concessions or entry into a special register. This should be checked before the first contract or opening of a facility. This is reported by In Poland.

Licenses and Permits for Business in Poland: What to Check Before Launching

An entrepreneur should first clarify whether their activity is regulated. In that case, simply registering in the CEIDG is not sufficient: the law may require a separate decision from the authority or entry into the relevant register.

For example, different conditions apply to passenger transport, alcohol sales, pharmaceutical business, gambling, security services, and waste management. The requirements, document packages, and the authority that makes the decision vary depending on the sector.

Do not confuse the PKD code with a work permit. PKD only describes the type of activity of the business in the register, while a license or permit actually grants the right to provide specific services or sell certain goods.

Ukrainians in Poland Should Consider Their Residency Status and Documents

Foreigners can run a business in Poland if they have legal grounds provided by legislation. For Ukrainians, it is important to check whether their residency status allows them to register a JDG and carry out their chosen type of activity.

During the permitting process, documents confirming qualifications, financial viability, right to use premises or compliance with technical requirements may be required. Some foreign documents will need to be translated into Polish by a sworn translator, and in some cases, an apostille may be necessary.

At the same time, not every popular area has a licensing regime. For example, real estate brokerage is included in the Polish PKD classification as an activity type but does not by itself mean the obligation to obtain a realtor's license. The official PKD list 2025 assigns this activity to code 68.31.Z.

If you are interested in working in Poland, we suggest checking 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.

«The most common mistake at the start of a business in Poland is to perceive the registration of a JDG as a universal permit for any work. In fact, in transport, alcohol trade, security sector, and other regulated fields, rules must be checked before the first client. For Ukrainians, it is also crucial to clarify the requirements for documents and residency status in advance. This usually takes less time than correcting errors after an inspection or penalty», - states employment expert Vitaliy Serhiyovych Belents.

How to Avoid Problems When Starting a Business in Poland

Before starting, it's worth taking three steps:

• choose the correct PKD code for the actual type of services or trade;

• check on Biznes.gov.pl whether a permit, license, concession or registration in the register is needed;

• gather the documents and submit the application before starting work.

Starting regulated activity without the required documents is risky: it may result in fines, a ban on conducting business, or problems during inspections. If an entrepreneur changes the profile of work, the PKD code in the CEIDG must also be updated within seven days. The rules for selecting and changing PKD were last updated in March 2026.

It is noteworthy that in Poland there are plans to impose 30 years imprisonment for violations in the army.