Document translation for starting a business in Poland: complete guide
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.
What we'll tell you in this article
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.
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.
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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.
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 establishing the branch, extract from the foreign register. The bank when opening an account often requests translation of the statute, KRS extract or founders' documents. For translation of contracts and legal documents you can contact a bureau with experience in company matters.
Sole proprietorship (JDG) or company (sp. z o.o.)
To register as a sole proprietor (działalność gospodarcza) you usually need a passport or residence card — and their translation if necessary. To register a limited liability company (sp. z o.o.) a statute in Polish is required; if the founder is a foreign company, the register may require translation of that company's founding documents. For translation of documents for the bank and company registration you can contact a translation bureau.
How to arrange and submit the translation
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.
Submission deadlines are set by the register or bank. KRS registration and opening an account often go in parallel — order the translation in advance so as not to delay the business start. For translation of documents for starting a business, the bank and counterparties contact a translation bureau with sworn translators.
Common mistakes and useful tips
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.
Mistake 2: 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.
Mistake 3: Errors in company name, NIP, KRS, amounts. In business documents this is critical. After receiving the translation verify key data against the original.
Tip: Keep copies of all translations — they may be needed for another bank, landlord or during inspections. For translation of statutes, contracts and documents for business contact a translation bureau with sworn translators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is sworn translation required for company registration in Poland?
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.
Which documents are most often translated for starting a business?
Usually translated are the company statute, registry extracts, contracts (lease, with counterparties), powers of attorney. For the bank — statute and KRS extract or founders' documents. The list depends on the type of business and authority requirements.
Will the bank accept an ordinary translation of the statute without the translator's seal?
Generally no. Banks in Poland require sworn translation with seal and signature of a Polish sworn translator for company documents in a foreign language.
How long does document translation for business take?
Turnaround depends on volume. A statute of 10–20 pages — from a few days to a week. A short contract — a few working days. For urgent registration many bureaus offer express translation.
Can documents for KRS be translated in another country?
KRS and Polish banks accept translations by Polish sworn translators. A translation made abroad without the seal of a Polish translator will generally not be accepted.