February 11, 2025

Establishing a Transport Company in Poland: Steps and Benefits

Poland has developed into an attractive location for entrepreneurs looking to establish a transport company in recent years. If you are considering starting or expanding a business in the transport or logistics sector, Poland is certainly a country worth considering. In this article, we will discuss the steps required to establish a transport company or logistics service provider in Poland, as well as the benefits this entails. At ITL Attorneys, we are happy to guide you from A to Z in setting up your business so you can get started quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of Establishing a Company in Poland

Poland offers various advantages for entrepreneurs looking to start a transport or logistics company:

  • Strategic Location: Poland is centrally located in Europe, making it a key logistics hub for transport companies and logistics service providers operating in the European market.
  • Lower Operational Costs: Compared to many Western European countries, labor and real estate costs in Poland are significantly lower, making your business more competitive.
  • Access to the European Union: As an EU member, Poland provides access to the European internal market, allowing you to trade freely within the EU without customs restrictions.
  • Support for International Trade: Poland has access to various EU funds and subsidies for entrepreneurs, which can help expand your business operations.
  • Skilled Workforce: Poland has a well-educated and growing labor market, which benefits companies looking to hire staff in the logistics sector.
  • Simplified Employment of Non-EU Drivers: A major advantage in the Polish transport sector is the ability to easily employ drivers from outside the European Union. This process is smoother in Poland than in many other EU countries, making it easier to attract qualified foreign workers. Poland offers specific work permits and faster procedures for recruiting these employees.
  • Improved Infrastructure: Continuous improvements in Poland’s transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, and logistics hubs, make the country increasingly attractive for businesses focused on logistics and transport.

Steps to Establish a Transport or Logistics Company in Poland

Setting up a transport company in Poland requires several key steps:

  1. Choosing the Legal Form: The first step is to decide which legal form best suits your business. In Poland, the most common form is a Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (Sp. z o.o.), which is similar to a private limited company (BV) in the Netherlands.
  2. Registration with the National Court Register (KRS): Once you have chosen the appropriate legal form, you must register your company with the Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy (KRS). This is a mandatory step to officially register your business.
  3. Opening a Bank Account: To establish a company, it is necessary to open a corporate bank account. This allows you to deposit the initial capital and manage your company’s financial affairs.
  4. Tax Registration: Your company must be registered with the Polish Tax Office (Urząd Skarbowy). This also includes obtaining a Tax Identification Number (NIP) and a VAT number.
  5. Obtaining the Required Permits: The transport sector requires specific permits depending on the nature of your activities. We are happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary licenses, such as the Euro License for international transport.
  6. Hiring and Employing Staff: A crucial step in establishing your transport company is hiring qualified personnel. We handle the complete documentation for hiring employees, including employment contracts and insurance. Additionally, we can help you recruit foreign drivers, including arranging their CODE 95 certification and necessary work permits.

Other Opportunities in the Logistics Sector

In addition to establishing a transport company, there are other logistics sectors experiencing strong growth in Poland, such as setting up a staffing agency or a freight forwarding company.

  • Staffing Agencies: The demand for logistics personnel, such as drivers and warehouse workers, is rapidly growing in Poland. Establishing a staffing agency can be a lucrative way to capitalize on the increasing need for temporary and flexible staff in the logistics sector.
  • Freight Forwarding Companies: Freight forwarders play a crucial role in international trade and supply chains. By setting up a freight forwarding company in Poland, you can take advantage of the country’s strategic location and improved infrastructure to transport goods efficiently across Europe.

Our Comprehensive Support from A to Z

At ITL Attorneys, we understand that setting up a business abroad can be complex. That is why we offer a complete service, guiding you through every step of the process. From choosing the right legal form to obtaining all necessary permits, hiring staff (including foreign drivers), and establishing a fully operational transport company in Poland – we take care of everything for you.

Are you ready to start your transport or logistics company in Poland? Contact us today and discover how we can help you establish your business quickly and efficiently.

 

Authors

Andrzej Plutynski
Partner
Poland

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