Many agencies advertise “Sp. z o.o. registration in Poland” for €1,000-1,500, even though you can do it yourself, almost free, through the government’s S24 portal. Here’s what that service actually covers, what it truly costs in 2026, and when it’s still worth hiring professionals.

What is the S24 portal

S24 is a government IT system run by Poland’s Ministry of Justice for online company registration using a standardized template articles of association; no notary visit required. Through S24 you can register a Sp. z o.o. (limited liability company) and several other forms: a limited partnership (spółka komandytowa), a general partnership (spółka jawna), and a professional partnership.

What DIY registration actually costs

“Free registration” is a marketing simplification: preparing the documents and filling in the S24 forms is free, but the mandatory state fees still apply when you submit:

  • 250 zł: court fee for KRS registration;
  • the extra 100 zł fee for the Court and Business Gazette (MSiG) notice was abolished on 29 November 2025, so you now pay only the 250 zł fee.
In 2026, S24 registration costs 250 zł in state fees, against the €1,000-1,500 that intermediary agencies often charge, or roughly 1,400-2,000 zł for a notarial deed.

If everything is filled in correctly, S24 registration usually takes 1-3 business days, noticeably faster than a notary appointment.

How to register a company yourself

Step 1. Create an account on the S24 portal (ekrs.ms.gov.pl); sign in with a qualified electronic signature, a trusted profile (Profil Zaufany), or an e-ID.

Step 2. Fill in the system’s standard articles of association template. This is a fixed template, you can only adjust certain parameters (share capital, share allocation, board composition).

Step 3. Pay in the share capital (minimum 5,000 zł for a Sp. z o.o.) and have every founder sign the documents electronically.

Step 4. Submit the application and pay the 250 zł fee. KRS registration usually happens within 1-3 business days.
S24 e-signatureS24 e-signature

Keep in mind: registering a company always requires a Polish registered address; there’s no way around this.

When DIY registration isn’t a good idea

A company isn’t the right solution for everyone. If you’re not sure why you’re registering a business in Poland right now, it’s worth testing your idea another way first, for example through a business incubator or a virtual representation. If you’re an IT specialist without plans for a 10-20 person team and want to work on your own, a JDG (sole trader) is often a better fit; see our comparison with pros and cons in “Running a Business in Poland Without Opening an Sp. z o.o.”, and about business incubators for freelancers in our dedicated article.

Self-registration is also risky if you have a non-standard share structure, plan in-kind contributions (aport, which S24 doesn’t support; a notary is required for that), or simply aren’t ready to spend 2-3 hours navigating an unfamiliar Polish-language interface.

Company registration and the PIP 2026 reform

Note that your choice of registration method (S24 or notary) has no bearing on the risk of your future B2B contracts being reclassified under the 2026 PIP reform (since 8 July 2026, the Labour Inspectorate can rule a contract to be employment by administrative decision, without a court). That risk depends on how a contract is actually performed, not how the company itself was set up. More in our PIP 2026 series.

FAQ

Is registering through S24 really completely free?
No, only filling in the forms and the standard template are free. You still pay the 250 zł state fee.

Can I register a JDG (sole trader) through S24?
No, S24 is for registering an Sp. z o.o. and other companies. A JDG is registered for free and without a court fee through a separate portal, CEIDG.

Legal status as of: September 27, 2026.

Author: Walery Kusznirski, in-house legal practitioner at MojaFirma.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation depends on individual circumstances. If something isn’t quite clear, feel free to book a free consultation with our team.