PolandBusiness and self-employment

Poland self-employed and company owner residence permit

Temporary residence permit for conducting business activity

In short

Foreigners who run a sole proprietorship registered in CEIDG, or manage a limited or joint-stock company, a limited partnership as general partner, or act as a proxy, can obtain a temporary residence permit for business activity for up to 3 years. The business must meet one of three tests: enough income, two full-time employees, or the means and plans to reach them.

Apply on MOS – Moduł Obsługi Spraw (Office for Foreigners e-application portal) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
More than 3 months up to 3 years
Validity
Up to 3 years; not renewed automatically
Fee
PLN 340Stamp duty, plus PLN 100 for the residence card.
Funds required
PLN 1,010 per monthPersonal income above PLN 1,010 a month (PLN 823 per person with dependants), in addition to the business test.
Processing time
Within 60 days of a complete application; appeals within 90 days
Work
Within your own business; work for another employer needs a work permit
Family
Family reunification after at least 2 years on consecutive temporary residence permits
Path to permanent residence
Counts towards the 5 years for EU long-term residence
Where to apply
In Poland via MOS during a legal stay

Business forms covered

The permit covers business activity entered in CEIDG (the register for sole traders) and roles in commercial companies: board member of a limited liability or joint-stock company, general partner managing a limited partnership or limited joint-stock partnership, or commercial proxy. Board members of a company in which they hold no shares can instead use the single permit.

The three business tests

Test 1: in the tax year before the application the business earned income of at least 12 times the average monthly gross wage in the voivodeship where it is based, as published by the Central Statistical Office.

Test 2: for at least 12 months immediately before the application it employed at least 2 people full-time on indefinite contracts — Polish or EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, holders of Polish protection, or holders of permanent or long-term EU residence.

Test 3: it has the means, or is taking steps, to meet test 1 or 2 in the future, in particular through investment, technology transfer, innovation or job creation; a business plan, invoices for equipment, bank statements and contracts are typical evidence. You must also have personal income above PLN 1,010 a month, health insurance and secured housing.

Application

Apply in MOS during a legal stay in Poland, then deliver the evidence the voivode requests: ZUS and tax certificates of no arrears, PIT-36 or PIT-28 returns, revenue and expense ledgers or company accounts, ZUS DRA declarations, and housing documents. Stamp duty is PLN 340; the decision should come within 60 days.

  1. Register the business in CEIDG or set up the company and your management role, and check which of the three business tests you can prove.
  2. Create a MOS account and log in via login.gov.pl with a trusted profile, e-ID or qualified electronic signature.
  3. Fill in the temporary residence application and attach your photo (JPG), a scan of all passport pages (PDF) and supporting documents.
  4. Pay the stamp duty and the PLN 100 card fee into the voivodeship office's two separate accounts and attach the proofs.
  5. Sign and submit the application during your legal stay in Poland and download the official receipt (UPO); your stay remains legal while the case is pending.
  6. Attend the voivodeship office when summoned (at least 7 days' notice) to show your passport, give fingerprints and a signature specimen, and supply any documents requested within the deadline (at least 14 days).
  7. After a positive decision, collect your residence card at the office.

Rights and duties

You may work within the scope of your business. Working for another employer, or in another role, needs a work permit. You must inform the voivode within 15 working days about changes listed in the decision, such as ending the activity.

Refusal and appeal

A voivode's refusal can be appealed to the Head of the Office for Foreigners within 14 days of delivery, in writing through the voivode (not via MOS). The appeal should be decided within 90 days. Without an appeal or another basis of stay, you must leave Poland within 30 days of the decision becoming final.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Temporary residence application filled in and signed in MOS via login.gov.pl
  • Current digital photo (JPG) and a scan of all pages of a valid passport (PDF); original passport shown at the visit

Money

  • Proof of payment of the stamp duty and of the PLN 100 residence card fee
  • Evidence for one business test: PIT-36/PIT-28 for the previous year, or employment contracts and ZUS records for 2 staff, or business plan, investments, bank statements and contracts
  • ZUS and tax office certificates of no arrears
  • Proof of personal income (ledger, ZUS DRA for the last 6 months, dividend resolutions or board remuneration)

Work

  • CEIDG entry, or company documents and the resolution appointing you to the board, as proxy or as general partner

Insurance

  • Health insurance: ZUS certificate or private policy

Other

  • Sworn Polish translations of any foreign-language documents
  • Right to a flat: lease, registration confirmation or owner's declaration

Frequently asked questions

Does Poland have a start-up or investor visa?

There is no separate start-up or investor visa. Foreign entrepreneurs use this residence permit for business activity, which accepts a credible plan with investment or job creation as one of the tests.

Can I apply right after opening my company?

Yes, under the third test, if you show means and concrete steps — investment, contracts, a business plan — that will lead to the income or employment levels.

How much must the company earn?

At least 12 times the average monthly gross wage of the voivodeship in the previous tax year, unless you meet the employment or future-potential test instead.

Can I also work for another company?

Only with a work permit; the business permit covers work within your own activity.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Poland

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: D visa up to 1 year; residence permit 15 months at first, then the length of studies plus 3 months (max. 3 years)
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: As stated on the D visa, at most 1 year; 90 days in any 180 in other Schengen states
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Permit for the duration of the research, from more than 3 months up to 3 years
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Intern permit: from more than 3 up to 6 months; D visa up to 1 year

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: D visa up to 1 year; single permit from more than 3 months up to 3 years
  • EU Blue Card Maximum stay: 3 months longer than the work contract, from more than 6 months up to 3 years
  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: 9 months, granted once
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists; up to 1 year for trainee employees
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: At most 9 months per calendar year, counted from the first entry into Schengen that year

Family

Residence

Protection

Poland visa guide