Coronavirus in Poland - entrepreneur's guide
The state of epidemic threat was announced in Poland because of Coronavirus disease. As of 14 March 2020, restrictions on conducting business activity in Poland came into force. The restrictions will be applicable until further notice.
Restricted business activity in Poland because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Polish entrepreneurs until further notice may not perform following business activity:
- the preparation and serving of meals and drinks to guests sitting at tables or guests making their own choice of dishes from the displayed menu (PKD 56.10.A). The ban does not apply to the provision of preparation services and serving take-out food or its preparation and delivery and restaurant or bar activities carried out on means of transport carried out by separate units.
- related to the organization, promotion or management of events, such as fairs, exhibitions, congresses, conferences, meetings, including activities consisting in managing and providing employees to service the areas and facilities in which these events take place (PKD 82.30.Z),
- connected with all collective forms of culture and entertainment (PKD 90.0),
- related to sport, entertainment and recreation (PKD 93.0), in particular consisting in running meeting places, clubs, including dance clubs and nightclubs as well as swimming pools, gyms, fitness clubs,
- associated with the projection of films or video recordings in cinemas, in the open air or in other places and activities of film clubs (PKD 59.14.Z),
- related to the consumption and serving of beverages (PKD 56.30),
- connected with operating tourist accommodation facilities and short-term accommodation facilities (PKD 55.20),
- associated with operating casinos, excluding online casinos;
- libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities (PKD 91.0);
Restrictions on retail
It is strictly forbidden to operate in commercial facilities in shopping malls with a sales area of over 2,000 m2. The forbidden business is connected with:
- retail trade conducted by tenants of commercial space, whose prevail activity consists of trade:
- textile products,
- clothing products,
- footwear and leather goods,
- furniture and lighting equipment,
- radio and television equipment or household appliances,
- writing and book articles;
- conducting catering and entertainment activities.
The ban does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, drugstores, laundries, banks and financial institutions which operates in shopping malls.
Fully allowed is also performing business activity in all stores except shopping malls, regardless of products type.
Restrictions on the work of public offices and courts in Poland
Performance of tasks by the public administration offices or an organizational unit performing public tasks may be limited to performing:
- only tasks necessary to provide assistance to citizens;
- tasks specified by this office or unit, in a way excluding direct customer service.
The decision on the type and form of restrictions introduced is taken by the head of the public administration notifying these restrictions by means of an announcement, usually on web page.
Courts in Poland are still working. However, all court hearings in civil cases were cancelled until 31 March 2020. The access to courts buildings is also restricted. In most of the courthouses there is no possibility to submit any pleadings.
Post Offices in Poland are also working. However, most of Post Offices limit hours of opening.
Public aid for entrepreneurs in Poland upon Coronavirus
Polish government is currently working on proposals for amendments in the law that will help entrepreneurs suffering negative effects associated with the spread of Coronavirus. This aid can be divided in 3 general groups:
- Deferment of public liabilities payments;
- Improving financial liquidity of companies;
- Labor market protection and support.
Government support regulations have not yet entered into force.
Restrictions on entry the territory of Poland
Polish government suspended international passenger air and rail connections. Restriction on entry Polish territory does not apply to:
- Polish citizens;
- Foreigners who are spouses or children of Polish citizens or remain under the constant care of Polish citizens;
- People who have a Pole’s Card (“Karta Polaka”);
- Diplomats;
- People who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in Poland or a work permit;
- In particularly justified cases not included above, the commander of the Border Guard may allow a foreigner to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland ;
- Foreigners who operate a means of transport for carrying goods.
The goods and freight transport will leave and enter Poland without interference.
Company incorporation in Poland
Because of restriction on entry to Poland, foreigners may have difficulties with company formation in Poland. However, incorporation of Polish company may take place not only by visiting Poland in person. There is still possibility to open company in Poland remotely. National Court Register is working and making entries new companies into register.
Our law firm also negotiates with one of the main Polish banks possibility of opening bank accounts remotely.
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