How much does it cost to register a Sp. z o.o. in 2026?

Introduction: Do you know the real cost of incorporating?

Setting up a limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.) is a natural growth step for many entrepreneurs. But before signing anything, you should know exactly what to budget. The difference between online registration and a traditional notary visit can exceed 1,000 PLN (≈230 EUR / 250 USD).

The 2026 cost landscape has shifted slightly — in November 2025 Poland abolished the fee for the Court and Commercial Monitor (Monitor Sądowy i Gospodarczy) announcement, which is real savings for new founders. Below is the detailed breakdown of every expense involved in company registration.

Quick summary — total costs at a glance

Before we dive into details, here's the bottom line:

Cost components of Sp. z o.o. registration

The total cost consists of several distinct items. Understanding each one helps you plan your budget.

1. KRS court fee (National Court Register)

This is the mandatory fee paid when registering any company with the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy — KRS).

• S24 online registration: 350 PLN
• Notarial registration: 600 PLN

The higher notarial fee reflects the notary's responsibility for document correctness before the court. Going online saves you 250 PLN here.

2. PCC tax (Civil-Law Transactions Tax)

This tax is levied on the company agreement and paid to the tax office. The rate is 0.5% of share capital.

PCC examples by capital size:

3. Notarial services (only for traditional registration)

If you go the notarial route, the notary prepares the deed of incorporation and handles formalities. Costs:

• Basic notarial services: 800-1,200 PLN
• Complex agreement (multiple shareholders): 1,200-1,500 PLN
• Extended provisions: 1,500-2,000+ PLN

The cost depends on agreement complexity and number of shareholders. For a single-member Sp. z o.o. expect about 800-1,000 PLN.

4. 2026 update: No more Court Monitor fee

Important news: Since November 2025, the Court and Commercial Monitor announcement fee has been abolished. Previously this cost about 70-100 PLN. Real savings for new founders.

Online S24 registration — the cheapest path

The S24 system (Strona 24, run by the Ministry of Justice) is the electronic company registration platform. It's the fastest and cheapest way to start.

Pros of S24 registration:

• Lowest cost (375 PLN minimum)
• Fast turnaround (3-5 days)
• Whole process from home, online
• No need to visit a notary
• Simple flow for single-member companies

Cons of S24 registration:

• You prepare documents yourself
• No personal notary consultation
• Harder for complex agreements (many shareholders, custom clauses)
• Requires comfort with electronic systems and Profil Zaufany / qualified e-signature

Notarial registration — the traditional path

Going through a notary is more expensive but gives you professional oversight at every step.

Pros of notarial registration:

• Professional help drafting the agreement
• Notary verifies document correctness
• Better protection in shareholder disputes
• Ideal for companies with multiple shareholders
• Support if you have legal questions

Cons of notarial registration:

• Higher cost (1,425 PLN minimum vs 375 PLN online)
• Longer process (7-14 days vs 3-5 days)
• You arrange the notary appointment yourself
• Higher court fee (600 PLN vs 350 PLN)

Additional costs to factor in

Beyond standard fees, several additional expenses may apply:

Proxy or tax advisor

If you want someone to handle the entire process for you, a proxy or tax advisor will charge for their service:

• Full support (documents to registration): 500-1,500 PLN
• Consultation on company structure: 200-500 PLN
• Drafting articles of association: 300-800 PLN

Bank account fees

The company must have a Polish bank account. Some banks charge an opening fee, others don't. Average: 0-200 PLN.

Electronic certificate (for digital signing)

Registering through S24 may require a qualified electronic signature:

• Time-limited certificate (1 year): 0-150 PLN
• Strong certificate: 150-500 PLN

Comparison: how much do you save online?

The difference between S24 and notarial routes is substantial. Concrete comparison:

If you also hire a proxy on top, the gap can reach 1,500-2,000 PLN.

Steps: How to register at the lowest cost

Option 1: Self-registration via S24 (cheapest)

1. Prepare the company agreement (a template works)
2. Create an account on s24.mf.gov.pl
3. Submit documents and PCC declaration
4. Wait for KRS registration (3-5 days)
5. Open the bank account and deposit share capital
6. Done — Sp. z o.o. registered for ~375 PLN

Option 2: Notarial registration (more secure)

1. Book an appointment with a notary
2. Discuss the company structure
3. Notary drafts the agreement
4. Sign documents at the notary's office
5. Notary files the KRS application
6. Wait 7-14 days for registration
7. Done — company registered for ~1,425 PLN

Option 3: With a proxy (most convenient)

1. Contact a tax advisor or licensed proxy
2. Discuss your business and structure
3. Proxy prepares all documents
4. You sign (usually online)
5. Proxy handles entire registration
6. You receive complete documentation
7. Done — company registered for ~1,500-2,000 PLN plus fees

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

Does the registration cost change with capital size?

Court fees and notary costs stay the same regardless of capital. Only the PCC tax (0.5%) scales. For minimum 5,000 PLN capital you pay 25 PLN PCC; for 100,000 PLN — 500 PLN.

Is there a maximum PCC fee?

No cap. PCC is 0.5% of capital, no matter how large.

How long does company registration take?

S24 online: 3-5 business days. Notary route: 7-14 days, depending on court workload.

Can I register without a bank account?

No. Every company must have a Polish bank account. Share capital must be deposited there before KRS submission.

Are fees the same across Poland?

Yes — court fees and PCC are uniform nationwide. Notary fees can differ by 10-15% depending on the office.

What if I register with another shareholder?

Costs don't change significantly. Notary may charge a bit more for a multi-shareholder agreement, but court fees and PCC stay the same.

Can I change share capital after registration?

Yes, but it requires a KRS amendment and proportional PCC payment on the increase.