Commercial & Corporate Law · Poland
Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers in Poland
Company formation, shareholder agreements, M&A, board governance and contractual disputes all follow Poland’s codified civil-law framework. We match you with a vetted lawyer who focuses on Polish commercial and corporate practice and understands your business goals.
- Free, no-obligation lawyer matching within 24–48 hours
- Lawyers verified for Polish adwokat or radca prawny status
- Support in English for company, contract and governance matters
No cost to get matched · No obligation
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Why it matters
Commercial & Corporate Law in Poland
Running a business in Poland means operating within the continental civil-law tradition: the Commercial Companies Code, the Civil Code and EU regulations set the ground rules for company formation, board duties, share transfers, commercial contracts and restructuring. Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers in Poland help you handle these rules without unnecessary friction. From a Warsaw start-up to a cross-border acquisition, you need someone who understands the Polish court structure, the three-tier ordinary courts, the role of the notary, and the six-year general limitation period for contractual claims. We match you with an adwokat or radca prawny who advises on Polish company law and represents you before courts and administrative bodies. No call centres, no hidden fees — just a direct introduction to a lawyer who handles your matter.
Poland in focus
How commercial & corporate law works in Poland
Poland’s legal system is based on codified statutes: the Civil Code, the Commercial Companies Code and the Code of Civil Procedure. Ordinary courts handle commercial disputes in three tiers — district, regional and appellate — while EU law takes precedence over conflicting national rules. Legal representation is provided by two professions, adwokat and radca prawny, both with equal rights of audience since 1 July 2015.
Codified company law
Polish company law is set out in the Commercial Companies Code, part of the continental civil-law tradition. Your lawyer can explain how the statute applies to your chosen corporate form, from formation through share transfers and restructuring. EU law applies directly and takes precedence over conflicting national legislation.
Two legal professions
Since 1 July 2015, adwokat and radca prawny enjoy identical rights of audience before all Polish courts, including the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court. Both are compulsory members of their self-governing bodies, Naczelna Rada Adwokacka and Krajowa Rada Radców Prawnych, and complete three-year professional training and an examination.
Court structure for commercial disputes
Ordinary courts are organised in three tiers: district courts, regional courts and appellate courts. Commercial, civil and bankruptcy cases fall within these ordinary courts, while the Supreme Court exercises cassation jurisdiction and unifies case law. Your lawyer will know which court is competent for your matter.
Limitation periods
Verified statutory deadlines include six years for general contractual claims and three years for claims arising from business activity. Periodic payments and tort damages are also subject to a three-year period. Your lawyer can assess which limitation period applies to your case and how to protect your position.
Notarial and registry formalities
Many real-estate and corporate transactions require a notarial deed. For example, a contract transferring ownership of real property must be concluded before a notary, otherwise it is null and void. The Land and Mortgage Register records property rights and is searchable online by its KW number.
Key time limits — Commercial & Corporate Law
| Matter | Time limit | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Debt recovery (general contractual claims) | 6 years | Unless a specific provision provides otherwise, the general limitation period for claims is six years (Article 118 of the Civil Code); claims confirmed by a final judgment are likewise barred after six years (Article 125 Civil Code). |
| Tort (non-contractual) damages | 3 years (maximum 10 years from the event) | A claim for damage caused by a tortious act is barred after three years from the day the injured party learned of the damage and of the person liable to repair it, but in no event later than ten years from the event causing the damage (Article 442¹ §1 of the Civil Code); the period is extended to twenty years where the damage results from a crime or misdemeanour. |
The information above is drawn from official Polish sources and e-Justice, accessed March 2025.
Common challenges
Business law issues we help you solve
From formation to dispute resolution, a Polish commercial lawyer can keep your company on track.
Unclear company formation
You are not sure which corporate form fits your business and what notarial or registry steps Polish law requires. A misstep can delay your launch or expose you to personal liability.
Cross-border contracts and disputes
A supplier or partner in another EU country defaults, or a Polish court ruling needs enforcement abroad. You need a lawyer familiar with EU rules and Polish civil procedure.
Board and shareholder deadlock
Disputes among shareholders or directors can freeze decisions and put the company at risk. You need advice on your duties and the legal ways to resolve a deadlock.
Why use our matching service
What you get with a matched Polish commercial lawyer
We help you find the right legal adviser for your business, without the guesswork.
Vetted local expertise
We introduce you to an adwokat or radca prawny who practises Polish company law and understands court structure, limitation periods and notarial formalities.
Free, no-obligation matching
Submit your matter and receive a shortlist of suitable lawyers within 24–48 hours. You pay nothing to be matched and decide whether to proceed.
Confidential and direct
Your case details go only to the lawyers we select for you. There is no call centre and no intermediary fee.
Support in English
Communicate in English while your lawyer works with Polish courts, registries and counterparties. Clear explanations of Polish legal terms.
Serving clients across Europe
Where your legal matter may have links
Our matching service connects clients with lawyers in Poland and across neighbouring and major European jurisdictions.
Frequently asked questions
Commercial & Corporate Law in Poland – FAQs
What do Commercial & Corporate Law lawyers in Poland handle?
They advise on company formation, shareholder agreements, commercial contracts, board duties, restructuring and M&A. In Poland they work within the civil-law framework of the Civil Code and the Commercial Companies Code, and may also represent you before ordinary courts or administrative bodies.
Can a foreign company hire a lawyer in Poland?
Yes. You can instruct an adwokat or radca prawny from abroad. Both professions have equal rights of audience since 1 July 2015 and can represent you in Polish courts, including the Supreme Court, provided formal requirements for document service are met.
What is the difference between adwokat and radca prawny?
Since 1 July 2015 the two professions enjoy identical rights of audience before all Polish courts. One practical difference is that a radca prawny may practise under an employment contract, while an adwokat typically practises as a sole practitioner or in a partnership. Both are regulated by their professional bodies.
How long do I have to sue on a business contract in Poland?
General contractual claims are subject to a six-year limitation period, but claims arising from business activity are limited to three years. Periodic payments and tort claims also have a three-year period. You should ask your lawyer to confirm which period applies to your case.
Do I need a notary for corporate or real-estate transactions?
Certain transactions require a notarial deed. For example, a contract transferring ownership of real property must be concluded before a notary, otherwise it is null and void. Corporate documents often also need notarial form, and your lawyer can coordinate this.
What does it cost to match with a lawyer?
Our matching service is free. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed between you and the lawyer, and court fees in civil cases are generally 5% of the amount in dispute, subject to statutory caps and exemptions. We do not add any mark-up.
Ready to move forward?
Find your Commercial & Corporate Law lawyer in Poland
Tell us briefly about your matter. We will match you with a vetted adwokat or radca prawny within 24–48 hours, free of charge and without obligation.