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In Legal issues for non EU citizens

Transit Airport Visa

3 Mins Read

If Poland is not your final destination and during your travel you just have to spend a bit of time in the territory of Poland or another Schengen state, what you need is an A-type transit Visa. For example, let’s say you have a layover in Poland and waiting for your plane to take you to your final destination you are officially in transit within the European Union. If this is the case it is useful to read this information and this formality is extremely important to you.

Of course, you might want to try to obtain the Schengen Visa or National Visa instead of a Transit one, however – if you know that you visit the transit country just for a second, there is no need in doing so.

Do I need it a transit airport visa?

You have to obtain a transit Visa if your situation is one of the following:
– you do not intend to leave the transit area of the airport
– you are a citizen of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan or Sri Lanka

How to apply for a transit Visa?

Basically, you have to go to the diplomatic outpost of the country where your transit will take place and ask for the A-type airport transit VISA. Then you will be asked to fill out some forms and to deliver some documents.

Required documents

For adults:
1. One application form for a Schengen-Visa (duly completed and signed by the applicant in person). Visa application forms of minors (below the age of 18) need to be signed by at least one of their parents or the person exercising legal guardianship.)
2. Passport which must be valid for at least three months after the date of travel or the return to your home country, containing at least two empty pages and issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Two identical, recent passport photographs, meeting Schengen requirement
If applicable, documents related to the onward journey to the final destination, like for example visa or other entry permit for a third country of destination and a copy of tickets for the onward journey.

If a child is less than 18 years old you also have to provide some additional documentation:
1. Copy of the birth certificate and translation (into German, French, Italian or English)
2. If a child travels alone or is not accompanied by at least one of his/her parents, an authorization translated into English/Polish and signed by the parents in front of a notary is required (original and copy).

For children registered in parents’ passport:
1. One application form duly completed and signed by the parent in whose passport the child is registered
2. Two identical, recent passport photographs, meeting Schengen requirements (one stuck to the application form, the other attached).
3. Copy of the birth certificate and translation.

And this is it. If you have any other questions, let us know!

If you are still unsure what kind of Visa to apply for, check out our legalities for non-eu citizens page to ensure you get all the legalities in place before travelling to Poland.

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In Legal issues for non EU citizens

National D-type Visa

2 Mins Read
National Visa

You need a D-type Visa if you decided to stay in the territory of Poland for a total of more than 90 days during one or multiple visits within a half-year period starting from the date of the first entry. As a holder, you will be entitled to stay in the territory of Poland throughout the entire period of the Visa validity and move within the territory of other states of Schengen zone but not for more than three months within a half-year period. Obtaining this Visa is not difficult and in most cases the application is successful.

Keep reading and find out which procedure to follow to apply for your D-type Visa.

Where to apply?

If you’re already in Poland you can apply for the D-type Visa in your local voivodship, otherwise you need to visit a diplomatic outpost of the Republic of Poland in your country.

Required documents

1. Travel document
2. Completed and signed visa application form. – click here to obtain an application form
3. Four biometric photos. – click here for the photo requirements
4. Visa fee
5. Health insurance
6. Supplementary documents confirming:
– the purpose of the visit;
– possession of sufficient funds to cover the cost of entry, stay and departure from the territory of Poland;
– the reason for staying in the territory of Poland for more than 90 days within a half-year period.

If you require any further legal advise for your work permit / VISA application you can contact us via our legal advise form.

Good Luck!

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In Legal issues for non EU citizens

Schengen C-type Visa

3 Mins Read

As a member of the European Union, Poland is also a member of the Schengen Area, which brought to us the abolition of internal border controls and a common visa policy. Nearly all of the EU countries share the common visa policy except for Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria, who are legally obliged to join, and the UK and Ireland who have opted out. Despite not being in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are also members of the Schengen Area.

What does it mean for you? It depends on the type of Schengen C-type Visa you have. But one thing does not change – you can stay in the Schengen territory for no more than 90 days during a 6 month period.

Two types of Schengen Visa

Unified Schengen Visa

If you are in possession of a unified Schengen visa (C-type visa valid in Schengen states) you are entitled to stay in the territory of any Schengen states.

Limited territorial validity Visa

The Schengen visa with limited territorial validity (C-type visa valid only in Poland or with validity excluded for a specified Schengen state/states) only entitles the holder to stay in the territory of the state/states for which it is valid.

Where to apply?

There are three ways to obtain the Schengen C-typa Visa:

1. If you decide to stay in the territory of just one country (which is Poland of course) you need to go to a diplomatic outpost of the Republic of Poland in your country of origin.

2. If you decide to travel around the Schengen Zone but there is also a country which is your main destination (which will be Poland as we both know) you need to go to the diplomatic outpost of the Republic of Poland in your country of origin.

3. If you decide to travel around the Schegen Zone but you are still not sure where you’re going to stay (why not try Poland?) you need to go to the diplomatic outpost of the country where you will be entering the Schengen territory.

Required documents

1. Travel document: – valid at least three months after your planned departure from Poland/Schengen territory;
– with at least 2 blank pages;
– issued within the last ten years.
2. Completed and signed visa application form. – click here for the form
3. Biometric photo – click here for the photo requirements
4. Visa fee. – 60 EUR
5. Health insurance of at least EUR 30000, valid in the entire Schengen territory.
6. Supplementary documents, confirming:
– the purpose of the visit,
– possession of accommodation;
– possession of sufficient funds to cover the cost of entry, stay and departure from the Schengen territory or Poland;
– willingness to leave Schengen territory after expiry of the visa.

The types and number of supplementary documents may differ depending on the consular office. In this, we advise you to contact the relevant consulate to obtain full information concerning the documents needed when submitting a visa application.

If you require any further legal advise for your work permit / VISA application you can contact us via our legal advise form.

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In Video Lessons

How to make a great first impression in Polish

1 Min Read

Making a great first impression in Polish – Lesson 2

In this lesson, we will talk about Polish customs of greeting people and why Polish people shake hands every time they see each other (so you won’t be surprised by it!). As well you will learn how to introduce yourself and how to say “How are you?” in Polish. Having this knowledge will definitely help you with making friends over here!

Vocabulary

My name is… – Mam na imię…
Nice to meet you – Miło mi Cię* poznać
You too – Ciebie* również
How are you – Jak się masz
What’s up – Co słychać

* In Polish ‘you’ is always spelt with a capital letter. The reason for it is to show respect to the other person.

Click here to learn more Polish and to watch other videos!

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In Learn Polish

How to say ‘hello’ in Polish

1 Min Read

How to say ‘hello’ in Polish – Lesson 1

Hello is the first and the most important word to learn in every language. If you know how to say hello you know how to get peoples’ attention and straight away come across as friendly and likeable.

Vocabulary

  • Hi – Cześć
  • Hey – Hej
  • Good Morning – Dzień Dobry
  • Good afternoon – Dobry wieczór
  • See you later – Do widzenia
  • Bye – pa
  • I’m sorry/excuse me – Przepraszam
  • I don’t speak polish – Nie mówię po polsku

Click here to learn more Polish and to watch other videos!

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In Trip Ideas

Trip ideas outside Krakow

5 Mins Read

There is no doubt that Krakow is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Poland. Its unique history and beauty encourage people from all over the world to visit this city and spend there at least a few days, sightseeing and enjoying the food & drink that Krakow has to offer (to plan your trip in Krakow read Things to do and see in Krakow). What many people don’t know is that the surroundings of Krakow are as interesting as the city itself.
Of course, if you are in Krakow just for a day or two you should definitely stay in Krakow (and you will probably still feel like you haven’t seen everything you wanted). However, if you have more time or you have visited Krakow before we highly recommend a day trip outside Krakow.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka
Wieliczka Salt Mine

One of the most visited places outside Krakow is “Wieliczka” salt mine. In 1978 the mine was placed on the original UNESCO list of the World Heritage Sites. It has a very long history – being built in the 13th century, it produced salt until 2007 – making it one of the oldest salt mines in operation in Europe. On this tour, you will go underground and explore the saline chambers. There are few routes divided into special main themes e.g. Mysteries of the Wieliczka Mine, “God Bless” Pilgrims’ and challenging Miners’ Route.
Wieliczka salt mine is a breath-taking experience for everyone. You should note it down on your list “Must do” in Poland!

Open:

1 April – 31 October: 7.30am – 7.30 pm
2 November – 31 March: 8 am – 5 pm
It is a good idea to always check whether Wieliczka is open or not as it sometimes closes for a variety of reasons.

How to get there:

  • By train – from the Main Railway Station in Krakow to the Rynek Kopalnia train station;
  • By bus – number 304 departs from mall Galeria Krakowska at the stop called Wieliczka Koplania Soli;
  • By minivan – departing from Main Railway Station in Krakow. Your stop is called Wieliczka Rynek.

Prices:
Polish tour – regular 52zl per person, discount* 38zl per person
Foreign tour – regular 75zl per person, discount* 60zl per person

Sanctuary of the Passion and of the Madonna in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
Monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Placed on the UNESCO-list, it is a place where pilgrims worship the Passion of the Christ. Established in 1600 by Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, it was created for Franciscan Monks. Its unique beauty is caused both by landscape and architectural style (mannerism style). The sanctuary is not only a place to admire but also to worship God. Mass is celebrated every day. However, the best time for a pilgrimage to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is the Holy Week, when the Passion Celebrations are performed.

If you would like to visit the Sanctuary, there are four tourist routes: the history of the sanctuary (9am-5pm daily), a way of the cross-ways from Pilat (9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm), the paths of Christ or Virgin Mary (reservation only).

How to get there:
By bus – depart from Main Bus Station in Krakow to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.

Ojców National Park

Ojców
Ojców National Park

Ojców National Park, even though it is the smallest National Park in Poland, it is a unique place. First, it is situated in the Jurassic Krakow-Częstochowa Upland, which is famous for its beauty and ideal conditions to take up climbing as there are a lot of cliffs, ravines, and caves. Secondly, Ojców National Park has great biodiversity, so if you love nature – it is the ideal place for you! Last but not least, believe it or not, it is a historical and culture place! You can find here Łokietek’s Cave, ruins of the castle in Ojców or the castle at Pieskowa Skała.

You can go to the Ojców National Park every day from April to November. The entrance is free, however, the entrances to exhibitions or caves require a payment.

How to get there:
Generally, you go to the Ojców National Park by bus. If you want to go by MPK Krakow, choose the bus number 210. Also, there is a company called UNIBAS which will take you from 2 bus-stops: Worcella street and Nowy Kleparz.

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz Camp
Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Auschwitz Museum is a Polish memorial to the Holocaust and people who died as victims of the Nazis during the Second World War. The largest of the death camps were established in 1942 as a concentration camp for Poles and Jews. The museum consists of two parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The shortest tour lasts 90 minutes and the longest about 4 hours. Long as it may seem, it’s worth your attention to learn something more about the tragic history of the place and to honour those who were killed there.

Open:
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM December – February
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM March, November
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM April, October
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM May, September
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM June – August
Always check whether it is open or not before travelling.

How to get there:
The easiest way to get to Oświęcim is to go by train. You can reach the museum by a local bus from the train station.

Prices:
Admission to the Museum is free but a guided tour must be paid for.
Polish language tour: Regular 25zl per person, discount*20zl per person.
Other languages: Regular 40zl per person, discount*30zl per person.

*pupils and students up to 26 years of age upon presenting a valid ID.

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In Exceptional Places

The Skull Chapel in Poland

1 Min Read

Welcome to the Skull Chapel in Czermna, near Kudawa Zdrój in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship (województwo dolnośląskie). It was built in 1776 by the local priest who wanted to make this particular chapel different from the others. And he did it! The chapel itself is nothing other than a mass grave of all the people who gave their lives during the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1648), the Silesian Wars (1740 – 1763) and also of people who died because of various diseases such as cholera.

Father Tomaszek (the priest we’ve already mentioned) collected all the casualties’ remains and put them inside the chapel forming this unique sight. The walls and the ceiling are covered with over three thousand skulls and bones – including the remains of the creators of the chapel (their remains are placed on the main altar). Keep in mind that the Skull Chapel is the only such monument in Poland and one of three in Europe so you might want to see it with your own eyes.

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In Own business

Types of business entities in Poland

6 Mins Read

In Poland, probably similar to your country, there are a few different types of businesses. Depending on the number of people involved, the amount of invested money and the business risk, you need to make a decision on which type of company is the most suitable for you and your idea.

Everything you need to know about different types of business entities in Poland

Self-employment

Most of the expats living in Poland (as similarly to Polish people) choose this type of one person company. If you are planning to teach your native language, for example, this is the right business for you. It is very basic and easy to maintain.

Purpose: operation of a small business by an individual
Founder: individual
Minimum capital: N/A
Legal personality: None. An individual is referred to as an entrepreneur.
Liability: The entrepreneur is liable for his or her debts and obligations with his or her entire property.
Taxation: PIT Declaration – Personal Income Tax.

Civil partnership

Purpose: Operation of a small business.
Founders: Must be established by at least two people.
Minimum capital: N/A
Legal personality: None. It is the partners, not the partnership itself, who are the operator. A partnership is set up according to the general principles of the Civil Law.
Liability: Each partner is jointly liable for the debts and obligations of the partnership without limit to the extent of his or her entire property.
Taxation: PIT Declaration – Personal Income Tax
Establishment process: In order to be effective, a deed of the partnership must be executed in writing; each partner is obliged to register as an entrepreneur in the Business Activity Register.

Registered Partnership

Purpose: Established for the purpose of operating business on a larger scale.
Founders: A minimum of two individuals or legal people.
Minimum capital: N/A
Legal personality: None. Personal partnership.
Liability: Each partner is liable without limitation, for the debts and obligations of the partnership, jointly with other partners and the partnership, to the extent of his or her entire property.
Taxation: PIT Declaration – Personal Income Tax; or CIT – Corporate Income Tax; each partner pays tax separately.
Establishment process: In order to be effective, a deed of the partnership must be executed in writing, whereupon the partnership should be entered into the National Court Register.

Limited Partnership

Purpose: Established for the purpose of conducting business under its own business name.
Founders: Must be established and conducted by at least two individuals or legal persons.
Minimum capital: N/A
Legal personality: None. Personal partnership.
Liability: At least one partner is liable to the creditors for the debts and obligations of the partnership without limitation (the general partner) and at least one partner has a limited liability. However, if a business name of a limited partnership includes a name or a business name of a limited partner, this partner is liable for obligations of a partnership without any limitation.
Taxation: PIT Declaration – Personal Income Tax, or CIT – Corporate Income Tax; each of the partners is paying taxes separately.
Establishment process: The statutes of the partnership should be executed in a notarised form and signed by all general partners, whereupon the partnership should be entered into the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy).

Limited join stock partnership

Purpose: Established for the purpose of conducting a larger-scale business (eg large family enterprises).
Founders: Must be established and conducted by at least two individuals or legal persons.
Minimum capital: 50,000 PLN
Legal personality: None. Personal partnership
Liability: At least one partner is liable to the creditors for the debts and obligations of the partnership without limitation (the general partner) and at least one shareholder is not liable for debts and obligations of a partnership. However, if a business name of a limited joint-stock partnership includes a name or a business name of a shareholder, this shareholder is liable for obligations of a partnership without any limitation.
Taxation: PIT declaration – Personal Income Tax, or CIT – Corporate Income Tax; each partner is paying taxes separately.
Establishment process: The deeds of the partnership should be executed in a notarised form and signed by all general partners, whereupon the partnership should be entered into the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy).

Professional Partnership

Purpose: Established for the purpose of pursuing a profession in the form of a partnership, which conducts business under its own business name.
Founders: Must be established by at least two individuals qualified to pursue the given profession.
Minimum capital: N/A
Legal personality: None. Personal partnership.
Liability: A partner is not liable for the debts and obligations of the partnership incurred by the pursuit of a profession by other partners, or resulting from the actions or omissions of the partnership’s employees who at the time of providing a service related to the company’s business were commissioned by and answerable to another partner. The deed of the partnership may provide that one or more partners are liable for the debts and obligations of the partnership to the same extent as that of a partner in a registered partnership.
Taxation: PIT Declaration – Personal Income Tax
Establishment process: The deed of partnership should be executed in a notarised form, whereupon the partnership should be entered into the National Court Register.

Limited liability company

Purpose: Established for the purpose of conducting a business and any other purpose allowed by law.
Founders: Maybe established by one or more individuals or legal persons. However, it may not be established solely by another single-member limited liability company.
Minimum capital: 5000 PLN
Legal personality: A limited liability company is a legal entity.
Company liability: The Company is liable for its debts and obligations with its whole property without any limitations.
Partner liability: The shareholders are not liable for the company’s obligations, they bear a risk up to the value of shares contributed.
Taxation: CIT Declaration – Corporate Income Tax

Joint stock company

Purpose: Established for the purpose of operating business on a large scale. Capital may be obtained through the issuance of shares. 
Founders: Maybe established by one or more persons; exception: it may not be established solely by a single-member limited liability company.
Minimum capital: 100,000 PLN
Legal personality: A joint-stock company is a legal entity.
Company liability: The Company is liable for its debts and obligations with its whole property without any limitations. The shareholders are not liable for the company’s obligations, they bear a risk up to the value of shares taken up.
Taxation: CIT Declaration – Corporate Income Tax
Establishment process: In the same manner as a limited liability Company (click for details). However, due to the complexity of this process, you are recommended to seek legal assistance.



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In Self-employment

Tax guide for small business in Poland

4 Mins Read

Small businesses face a number of taxes that they – and their directors – must pay. Here’s our guide to the small business taxes you should understand.

Type of taxes

As a consequence of registering your own company in Poland you will get your brand new NIP number. From now on this number will be used for your tax identification. But before that happens you need to decide which tax suits you the best. Once you choose one form of taxing it is quite tricky to change it and as well it may influence your profits in a big way.

General tax

In this case, there are two main tax scales and you automatically get classified under one when you set-up a company. The classification depends on the annual income of your business. If you get less than 85 528 PLN you will have to pay 18% tax, and when you exceed this amount you have to pay 32%. If your business is not getting on well and you just earned not more than 3091 PLN you don’t have to pay tax but you still have to fill out and deliver your tax declaration to the tax office. The big advantage of the general tax is that you can use tax benefits and pay less.

Linear tax

This type of tax means you always pay 19% no matter what the level of your annual income is. In other words no matter how much you get the tax stays the same. In this case, you are not allowed to use the tax benefits

Flat rate

Flat rate means that you pay for the income no matter how high the costs of it were. What is more, it is available only for a specified range of business activities. The good thing is that you don’t have to bother yourself with all the accounting stuff as you only have to run the magic book of income which is much easier to do and much cheaper if you hire an accountant to take care of your tax. The bad thing is that even if the costs of income surpass the income itself – you still have to pay the flat rate.

Here are the exemplary flat rates and the types of business activities that are allowed to choose this form of tax.
20% – income from the provision of free or specialized professions like doctors, legal translators, dentists
17,5% – income from the provision of specified immaterial services like car renting, parking service
8,5% – income from the provision of specified services like running a kindergarten (we know you want to do it!)
5,5% – manufacturing and construction activities
For the full list of flat rates and the types of business entitled to this form of tax, you should contact your local Revenue Office.

Tax card

Ability to account on the basis of the tax card is designed for taxpayers engaged in very specific types of business. To qualify for this group have yet to meet certain conditions:
1. You can not use third-party services (with the exception of professional services such as an accounting office)
2. You can not employ people on casual work contracts (umowa zlecenie) or a contract (umowa o dzieło) for work activities that are work-related to the activities conducted by you (you can hire people on a contract of employment but to the limits attributable for your activity)
3. Your spouse can not run a business in the same range as you (you can hire them though if they’re still within the employment limit for your activity)

The rate of the flat tax rate depends on:
1. The nature and scope of the operation
2. Number of employees
3. The number of inhabitants of the place, in which you decide to open the business

PIT Declaration

Choosing the tax form is not the last thing to do. While running a business, even when you’re self-employed, you need to pay the regular contributions to the tax office. Don’t forget about that as the revenue office won’t do it for you and they won’t set the amount of such contributions. You need to do it all by yourself! You have to options to choose from right now:
1. Calculate the amount of the contribution by yourself by summing the level of income and costs and then calculating the profit which is the base of the amount of this contribution.
2. Leave it to the well-trained and professional accountant who will do all the job for you leaving your mind free of all the tax problems…

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In Work&Business

Employment contracts in Poland

3 Mins Read

In Poland, there are several types of the contracts between an employer and an employee. It is crucial to know what are the benefits and downsides of each of the contracts so you know your rights and obligations when you decide to work in Poland.

Regular employment contracts (umowa o pracę)

Those contracts are regulated by the Labour Code. When you sign one of them you are entitled to paid holidays, maternity and childcare leave, severance pay in the event of collective redundancies and the dole lasting 6 months after leaving your work. Additionally, if you are planning to take a mortgage you would be considered a person with a stable income. However, for employers, this is the most expensive contract so it is not so easy to get it.

There are a few types of regular contracts:
1. For a trial period (contract for a trial period of no more than three months).
2. For a fixed period (a third subsequent fixed-term contract is signed, it is deemed to have become an indefinite term contract).
3. For the time of completion of a specified task.
4. For an indefinite period
5. To replace an employee – in the event of his or her justified absence from work the employer can hire another worker under a fixed-term employment contract for the period of absence.

Civil law contracts

Those contracts are regulated by the Civil Code, which differs from the above mainly in that they specify a piece of work to be done within a defined period of time, quite often without setting working hours; the most popular ones, among many others, are the following two:

1. Umowa zlecenie concluded for a performance of a specified activity
This type of contract does not impose daily or weekly time limits for performing the work, do not necessitate the payment of overtime, do not require the creation of internal rules of employment, and do not give the mandatory social protection.

2. Umowa o dzieło concluded for the achievement of a specific result
Contracts to perform a specified task or work are frequently concluded because they are not subject to social security contributions. However, if a firm concludes a contract to perform a specific task or work with an employee, it is obliged to pay social security contributions just as in the case of a contract of employment.

Ways of ending a work relationship

An employment contract can be dissolved:
1. With the agreement of the parties.
2. By one of the parties giving notice (employer or employee) with a notice period.
3. By one of the parties giving notice without a notice period.

A contract concluded for a fixed term or for the time it takes to complete a specific task is dissolved at the end of the term or when the task is completed (although it can, in certain circumstances, be dissolved earlier).

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