Starting a company in Poland, registering a branch of a foreign company or signing a contract with a Polish counterparty? The business register (KRS), banks, landlords and partners often require documents in Polish or with sworn translation. Company statute, contracts, registry extracts — anything issued in a language other than Polish must be translated by a Polish sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). Without such a translation registration or the deal may stall.
In this article we cover: which documents are most often needed to start and run a business in Poland, what to translate for KRS and the bank, how to submit the translation and what mistakes to avoid. The information will be useful for entrepreneurs and company founders.
Regular translation without a sworn translator's seal is usually not accepted.
QuoteBefore ordering, confirm with the recipient: sworn translation required, full document or excerpts, and how many copies are needed.
LEGIX team
When is translation needed for business in Poland
Sworn translation of documents for business is needed in various situations: company registration in the KRS register (statute of the foreign parent company, resolutions on establishing a branch); opening a bank account (statute, registry extract, contracts); concluding a lease or partnership agreement (company documents, powers of attorney); taking part in a tender or submitting documents to authorities. Banks, the KRS register and Polish counterparties accept only translations with the seal and signature of a sworn translator.
Sworn translation of documents for business is needed in various situations: company registration in the KRS register (statute of the foreign parent company, resolutions on establishing a branch)
opening a bank account (statute, registry extract, contracts)
concluding a lease or partnership agreement (company documents, powers of attorney)
taking part in a tender or submitting documents to authorities. Banks, the KRS register and Polish counterparties accept only translations with the seal and signature of a sworn translator.
The translator must be entered in the Polish Ministry of Justice register. An ordinary or notarial translation without the sworn translator's seal will not suffice. For translation of statutes, contracts and documents for business registration you can contact a translation bureau with sworn translators.
For KRS and the bank: When registering a branch or subsidiary in Poland the KRS register may require sworn translation of the parent company's
Which documents are most often translated for business
For starting and running a business in Poland the following are usually translated: company statute (statut) — for KRS registration or for the bank; resolution on company formation, meeting minutes; extracts from the business register (KRS, foreign register); contracts — lease, sale, services; powers of attorney; certificates and licences; documents for tenders. The exact set depends on the type of activity and requirements of the authority or counterparty.
Documents: company statute (statut) — for KRS registration or for the bank
Certificates: formation, meeting minutes
Contracts: foreign register)
Decisions: — lease, sale, services
Extracts: for tenders. The exact set depends on the type of activity and requirements of the authority or counterparty.
For KRS and the bank: When registering a branch or subsidiary in Poland the KRS register may require sworn translation of the parent company's statute, resolution on establ
Translation requirements
The translation is made from the original document or certified copy. Each page is stamped and signed by the sworn translator. To KRS and the bank you usually submit a copy of the translation together with a copy of the original; keep the original translation in the company files.
Full translation of all pages with seals and signatures.
Data accuracy: names, dates and amounts must match.
Translator from the MS register for the required language pair.
Mistake 1: Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to KRS or the bank. It will not be accepted. For registration and opening an account only sworn translation is needed.
What if the translation is wrong?
Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to KRS or the bank. It will not be accepted. For registration and opening an account only sworn translation is needed.
Translating the wrong documents or not in full. KRS may require translation of the entire statute or only certain sections — check with the register or a lawyer.
Errors in company name, NIP, KRS, amounts. In business documents this is critical. After receiving the translation verify key data against the original.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1. Confirm document list and translation type.
Step 2. Prepare quality scans of all pages.
Step 3. Send scans to the bureau for a quote.
Step 4. Receive sworn translation with seal.
Step 5. Verify names, dates and amounts before submitting.
Cost, turnaround and pre-submission checklist
Cost depends on volume and language. Exact price after reviewing scans — see price list.
Standard turnaround 24–48 hours for typical documents.
Checklist: (1) sworn translation with MS register seal; (2) all pages translated; (3) names and dates match; (4) apostille if required; (5) recipient requirements confirmed.
FAQ
If you are registering a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company, the KRS register usually requires sworn translation of the parent company's statute and other founding documents. The translation must be made by a Polish sworn translator.