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Why trade or invest in Poland? 

Poland is a country of economic and political stability, a large market and educated and competent human capital.  In times of global economic crisis (2008) Poland managed to strengthen its position, not only in the region of Central and Eastern Europe but also all over the continent.

Foreign investors from Western Europe as well as from other parts of the world, such as the United States and Asia, willingly invest their capital in Poland treating it as a safe haven in times of economic instability.  Growing interest of foreign investors can be observed through a number of projects currently supported by the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency.

With almost 40 million inhabitants, Poland is one of the biggest consumer markets in Europe.  The number and variety of FDI projects located in Poland represent a wide range of industries. Poland has been attracting companies whose core businesses are electronics, BPO (business process outsourcing), R&D (research and development), domestic appliances, metal, biotechnology, automotive, aviation, machinery and IT.

Polish economy turned out to be especially friendly to sectors developing in those areas where Poland has already had or stands a good chance of achieving strategic success on international stage.  Polish exports concentrate on machinery & equipment, intermediate manufactured goods, food and live animals and services related to construction and logistics.  Most Polish imports are not destined for consumer consumption, but capital goods needed for manufacturing and industrial appliances such as machinery and transport equipment, intermediate manufactured goods, chemicals, minerals, fuels, lubricants and related materials and also miscellaneous manufactured articles.  The country's main import partners are European Union members, Russia and China.

After 25 years of peace and stability, Poland is on a path to great success, ascending more rapidly than any other country in Central or Eastern Europe, with no signs of slowing.

Some particularities of the Polish legals system you should know

The country offers a wide range of investment incentives. Investors are invited to locate their projects in 14 Special Economic Zones (SEZ). i.e. special zones where economic activity may be run in favorable conditions.  Polish SEZs offer attractive tax exemptions, employment incentives and well-prepared investment lots.  A comparative assessment depending of the sector is part of A-Law expertise.

Polish succession law contains a particular institution of law, called Zachowek or forced share.  Zachowek is a portion of the estate from which the descendant in his will cannot disinherit his children and other members of the closest family by designating a member of the closest family or other person as sole beneficiary without a sufficient legal cause.  Zachowek or forced share is a form of protection for the closest heirs.  The matter is of significant importance for small as well as for large estates important but at the same time might be problematic, taking into consideration the lack of harmonization of succession law at the level of the European Union.  The interface of succession law with corporate law might not be overlooked. A-Law M&A department will point out the legal mechanisms when confronted with family estates.

The right of perpetual usufruct (Uzytkowanie wieczyste) is the Polish version of public ground lease. It is a sort of perpetual usufruct which may last from 40 to 99 years, and enables the lessee to make use of publicly owned land, in most cases located in urban areas.  Although it does not give the lessee rights of ownership, buildings located on such land can be owned directly by private parties. It is a long-term land lease that grants the lessee the right to keep benefits derived from the land. The RPU (right of perpetual usufruct) can be granted only by the State Treasury or by communes or their unions.  A notarial deed determines the period of the RPU and the manner in which the property is to be used. The perpetual lessee is obliged to pay annual rent.

Whom we work for

A-Law experienced lawyers welcome all clients in need of legal advice including legal defense with regard to the investment and trade projects in or from Poland.  Guiding foreign investors into the Polish corporate and bank regulations, license requests and public procurement policies may constitute a challenge on its own.

A-Law has built up this expertise as well as provided multiple legal services to Polish companies providing engineering, IT, construction, logistics services in other EU and non EU countries involving i.a. tax, labor, migration and IP issues.