Ministry Wants Full Retail Ban on Sundays

In a recent press conference, the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Technology confirmed the authorities are going to stick to the plan of extending the retail ban. Despite some media reports according to which the government had the intension of holding the progression on shopping-free Sundays, there are no plans to stop mid-way, even though it appears the public may have different opinion on shopping restrictions than the lawmakers.

It has been over a year since the introduction on the ban on sales due to which the majority of stores, shops and supermarkets in Poland close on most Sundays. The Ministry decided to present their current findings on the effects of the restrictive legal provisions. Despite the concerns voiced by the critics of the ban, it turns out it do not have negative effect on retail sales. In fact, the previous year was best in several years in terms of sales numbers. The job market was not affected either.

Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz noted that the change in regulations had a positive impact on the tourism industry. Apparently, Poles have more time to spend with their families and are willing to spend more money on travelling and tourist attractions instead of staying home. At the same time, the government official stressed the need to keep monitoring the situation on the retail market, especially in the sector of small shops.

Meanwhile, the public support for the government initiative appears to be in decline. According to recent polls, more and more people have negative opinion on the Sunday shopping restrictions. Approximately only a third of the survey takers are in favour of closing stores on every Sunday (currently the ban is lifted on the last Sunday of the month, but this is to change next year).

The opponents of the ban stress that even though the provisions were designed with independent shopkeepers in mind, the ones who benefit from the restriction are large discount stores and service stations.

Investment Outlook and Business Perspective

Poland remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the European Union. With GDP exceeding EUR 650 billion, Poland is the sixth largest economy in the EU and the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. The country has maintained positive economic growth for over three decades, including through multiple global crises.

Foreign direct investment in Poland continues to grow, driven by the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, EU membership, competitive costs, and improving infrastructure. Key sectors attracting investment include manufacturing, technology, business services, logistics, and financial services.

For investors considering entry into the Polish market, proper structuring of the investment vehicle is crucial. The choice between a sp. z o.o. (LLC), S.A. (joint-stock company), branch office, or joint venture depends on the investment size, sector, tax considerations, and long-term strategic objectives. Professional advisory can help optimize the structure from both operational and tax perspectives.

If you are doing business in Poland or considering entering the Polish market, Zalewski Consulting can help. Learn more about our personal income tax advisory, or contact us for a free consultation.