How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Poland as a Foreign Entrepreneur

Opening a corporate bank account is one of the most critical steps after registering a company in Poland. Without a functioning bank account, your company cannot receive payments, pay suppliers, or fulfill tax obligations. For foreign entrepreneurs, the process requires careful preparation and an understanding of Polish banking requirements.

This guide covers everything you need to know about opening a corporate bank account in Poland as a non-resident or foreign-owned company.

Best Polish Banks for Foreign-Owned Companies

Not all Polish banks are equally receptive to foreign clients. Based on our experience, here are the major banks and their suitability for international entrepreneurs:

Required Documents

While requirements vary by bank, the standard documentation package for opening a corporate account for a foreign-owned sp. z o.o. includes:

Company Documents

• KRS extract (odpis z KRS) — recent, typically not older than 3 months
• Articles of association (umowa spółki) — notarized copy
• NIP certificate — tax identification number confirmation
• REGON certificate — statistical number confirmation
• Shareholder resolution on management board appointment
• Company stamp — while not legally required, many banks still request it

Personal Documents (for board members and beneficial owners)

• Valid passport or ID card — for all persons signing the account agreement
• Proof of address — utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing residential address (for non-Polish residents)
• PESEL number — Polish personal identification number (if applicable)

Additional Documents (commonly requested)

• Business plan or activity description — brief description of intended business activities, expected transaction volumes, and key business partners
• Source of funds documentation — proof of the origin of funds for the company’s activities (especially for larger initial deposits)
• Beneficial ownership declaration — identifying all persons who ultimately own or control more than 25% of the company
• Tax residency certificate — for non-Polish tax residents, some banks request a certificate of tax residency from the shareholder’s home country

The Account Opening Process

1. Bank selection: Choose a bank based on your needs — international transfers, multicurrency, online banking language, branch proximity, and fee structure.
2. Initial contact: Submit an account opening inquiry. Many banks have dedicated teams for corporate clients and foreign-owned companies.
3. Document submission: Provide the full documentation package. Banks typically review documents within 5-10 business days.
4. KYC interview: The bank will conduct a Know Your Customer interview — either in-person at a branch or via video conference. Questions cover business activities, expected transaction patterns, source of funds, and ownership structure.
5. Compliance review: The bank’s compliance team reviews the application. This is where foreign-owned companies may face extended timelines if the ownership structure is complex or involves high-risk jurisdictions.
6. Account activation: Once approved, the account is opened and you receive online banking credentials. Initial transfers can usually be made within 1-2 business days after activation.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Common Reasons for Account Opening Rejection

• Incomplete documentation: Missing or expired documents are the most common cause of delays and rejections. Ensure all documents are current, properly apostilled, and translated.
• High-risk jurisdictions: Beneficial owners from countries on EU/FATF high-risk lists face enhanced scrutiny. Some banks decline such applications entirely.
• Unclear business model: If the bank cannot understand how the company will generate revenue, who its clients are, and what the expected transaction volumes will be, the application is likely to be rejected.
• No Polish substance: Banks are increasingly wary of “letterbox” companies with no real operational presence in Poland. Having employees, an office, or demonstrable Polish business activity strengthens your application.
• Previous banking issues: If any of the beneficial owners or directors have a history of banking compliance issues, account closures, or negative references in banking databases, this will affect the application.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Prepare a brief business description: 1-2 pages explaining what the company does, who its clients are, expected monthly transaction volumes, and source of initial capital.
2. Be transparent about ownership: Banks conduct thorough UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) checks. Proactively providing a clear ownership chart with all levels of the structure speeds up the process.
3. Apply to multiple banks simultaneously: Don’t wait for one bank to reject you before trying another. Submit applications to 2-3 banks in parallel.
4. Use a professional introduction: Having a corporate service provider or legal advisor introduce you to the bank’s corporate team can significantly improve your chances and speed.
5. Have all documents ready before applying: Submitting a complete package from day one avoids the back-and-forth of requests for additional documents, which can delay the process by weeks.

Remote Account Opening

Can you open a Polish corporate bank account without traveling to Poland? The answer is: partially. Most banks still require at least one in-person visit by a board member authorized to sign the account agreement. However, there are workarounds:

• Power of Attorney: Some banks accept a notarized and apostilled PoA allowing a representative in Poland to sign on your behalf
• Video verification: A few banks (notably mBank and Bank Millennium) offer video KYC for certain client profiles
• Representative visit: Your corporate service provider or legal advisor can attend the bank meeting on your behalf with appropriate authorization

Multicurrency Accounts

If your business involves international transactions, a multicurrency account is essential. Most major Polish banks offer corporate accounts in PLN, EUR, USD, and GBP. Some also offer CHF and other currencies. Multicurrency accounts allow you to receive and send payments in foreign currencies without automatic conversion, saving on FX spreads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account before registering the company?

Yes. Polish law allows a “company in formation” (spółka z o.o. w organizacji) to open a bank account. This is useful for depositing the share capital before KRS registration is completed. The account is then converted to a regular corporate account after registration.

What are the typical monthly fees?

Corporate account maintenance fees range from PLN 0-150 per month depending on the bank and account type. Many banks offer free or discounted accounts for the first year. International transfer fees are typically PLN 10-50 per SWIFT transfer and EUR 0-5 for SEPA transfers.

Do I need a PESEL number to open a corporate account?

Not necessarily. While a PESEL number simplifies the process, non-resident board members can open corporate accounts using passport identification. However, some banks’ systems work better with PESEL numbers, so obtaining one (which is free and available to any foreigner) is recommended.

Content prepared by the Zalewski Consulting banking services team. Reviewed for accuracy as of March 2026.

Need help opening a corporate bank account in Poland? Learn about our banking introduction services or contact us for assistance.