Blog
Polish law system for business, what to have in mind when starting new ventures?
Wrocław 09.05.2023 r.
Establishing a new business venture in Poland involves adhering to a set of regulations and requirements under Polish law. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Business Structures: Determine which business structure suits your needs best. Common forms include sole proprietorship, civil law partnerships, registered partnerships, professional partnerships, limited partnerships, limited joint-stock partnerships, limited liability companies, and joint-stock companies. Each form has its specificities concerning liability, taxation, and management, so it's vital to choose wisely.
Registration: All businesses must be registered in the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy, KRS). You'll also need to obtain a REGON statistical number and a NIP tax identification number.
Data Protection: As a member of the EU, Poland adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If your business collects, processes, or stores personal data, you need to ensure compliance with GDPR. The local data protection authority in Poland is the President of the Personal Data Protection Office (UODO).
Employment Laws: Polish labor law is employee-friendly and includes stringent provisions for termination of employment, working hours, and leaves of absence. Employers also have specific obligations regarding social security and health insurance contributions.
Taxation: The primary taxes are the Personal Income Tax (PIT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Goods and Services Tax (VAT), and Civil Law Transactions Tax (PCC). VAT registration is mandatory if your annual turnover exceeds a certain threshold.
Intellectual Property Rights: Poland follows the EU's IP laws, and it's important to ensure any necessary protections are in place for your IP.
Consumer Protection Laws: If your business deals with consumers, you need to be aware of Polish and EU consumer protection laws. These cover a wide range of issues including product safety, warranties, and consumer rights regarding returns and refunds.
Environmental Regulations: If your business operations have environmental impacts, you'll need to comply with Polish and EU environmental regulations.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws: Polish law has strict regulations against bribery and corruption, so it's crucial to establish a code of conduct and employee training to ensure compliance.
Given the complexities of setting up a business in a new country, it's strongly recommended to seek legal advice to ensure you fully understand the Polish legal system and your obligations. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and help ensure your new venture complies with all relevant regulations.
Tomasz Gibas & OpenAI
SaaS in Poland - why Polish business like SaaS platforms?
Wrocław 08.05.2023 r.
Software as a Service (SaaS) has been gaining popularity across the globe, and Poland is no exception. There are several reasons why Polish businesses are attracted to SaaS platforms:
Cost-Efficiency: SaaS platforms are typically subscription-based, which allows businesses to avoid large upfront costs associated with purchasing software outright. They can also scale their usage up or down based on need, making it a more cost-effective solution, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Ease of Use and Maintenance: SaaS platforms are managed by the service provider, meaning businesses don't need to worry about handling updates, security, and maintenance. This makes them user-friendly and reduces the load on internal IT teams.
Accessibility: SaaS solutions are usually cloud-based, meaning they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially valuable in the current environment where remote work has become more common.
Scalability: As a business grows, its software needs can change. SaaS solutions often offer flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their level of service as needed.
Innovation: SaaS providers typically update their software more frequently than traditional software providers. This allows businesses to benefit from the latest features and innovations without having to purchase new software.
Integration and Compatibility: Many SaaS platforms offer easy integration with other tools and software, helping businesses build a seamless IT ecosystem.
Trial Periods: Many SaaS products offer trial periods, allowing businesses to try out the software before committing to a subscription. This can reduce the perceived risk of trying a new solution.
Sustainability: In the long run, using SaaS can be more environmentally friendly as it reduces the need for physical hardware and associated energy costs. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses everywhere, including Poland.
In summary, the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use of SaaS platforms make them an appealing choice for Polish businesses of all sizes.
Tomasz Gibas & OpenAI
What to expect when entering Polish market with your IT product?
Wrocław 07.05.2023 r.
Expanding your IT product into a new market like Poland can be both exciting and challenging. Here are a few points to consider when entering the Polish market:
Market Potential: Poland is one of the fastest growing economies in the EU, and its IT sector is no exception. It's home to many well-educated, highly skilled tech professionals and a booming startup scene. This can be a double-edged sword: while it indicates a strong potential market for your product, it also means you may face substantial local competition.
Regulatory Environment: As part of the European Union, Poland adheres to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). If your IT product involves handling user data, you'll need to ensure compliance with these privacy regulations. Additionally, familiarize yourself with any specific Polish laws related to your product.
Language and Localization: While many people in Poland speak English, especially within the IT sector, localizing your product to Polish could provide a competitive edge and increase acceptance by the general public.
Cultural Understanding: Business culture in Poland may differ from what you're accustomed to. Relationships are important and it may take time to establish trust. Business meetings tend to be formal, and there's a respect for hierarchy and position. Understanding these nuances can help you navigate business negotiations and partnerships.
Distribution and Marketing Channels: Consider how you will distribute and market your product. Do you need to partner with local firms or can you handle distribution yourself? Researching potential partners, networks, and channels will be important. Online marketing is popular and effective in Poland, and digital literacy is high.
Customer Preferences and Behavior: It's crucial to understand your potential customers' behavior and preferences in Poland. You may need to adapt your product to suit local needs and preferences.
Tech Infrastructure: Poland has good internet connectivity and tech infrastructure. However, there might be differences in terms of preferred platforms, popular devices, and usage habits, which can have implications for your product design and strategy.
Competitive Landscape: Conduct a thorough competitor analysis. Who are your competitors in Poland? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How does your product differentiate from theirs?
Economic Factors: Poland's economy is robust and growing, but it's still prudent to consider any economic factors that might impact your business, such as currency exchange rates, inflation, and general economic stability.
Support and After-sales Service: Consider how you'll provide customer support. Is there a need for local support staff who speak Polish, or can this be handled remotely?
Entering the Polish IT market can be a profitable venture if done correctly. Understanding the local market environment, culture, and customer needs will be crucial to your success.
Tomasz Gibas & OpenAI