Business Loan in Poland

A Business Loan in Poland can be the key to launching or expanding your company. Whether you’re starting fresh, hiring staff, or covering cash flow gaps, there are financing options available – even for foreign entrepreneurs.

Polish banks and online lenders offer a wide range of business loans suited for sole traders, freelancers, and registered companies. Application processes are often fast and digital, with flexible terms tailored to your business goals.

How to Apply for a Business Loan in Poland

Applying for a business loan in Poland can be done entirely online with many lenders, especially for amounts under 200,000 PLN. The process is straightforward if your business is legally registered and you have basic financial documentation ready.

Step-by-step overview

• Compare lenders and loan types
• Prepare required documents
• Fill out the online application
• Submit identity and company verification
• Wait for assessment and approval
• Review and sign the contract
• Receive the funds

Compare lenders and loan types

Start by reviewing which loan types match your business needs – working capital, investment, or microloans – and compare offers from banks, fintech platforms, and government-backed programs. Pay attention to APR, repayment terms, and documentation requirements.

Some platforms specialize in fast loans for small businesses and freelancers, while others target registered companies with larger financing needs.

Prepare required documents

Most lenders require these basic documents:

• Company registration (KRS or CEIDG)
• Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
• Tax declarations or financial report
• Passport or ID of the business owner
• Proof of revenue (e.g. invoices or contracts)

If applying for a start-up loan, a business plan and budget forecast are often needed.

Fill out the online application

You’ll need to enter business details (NIP, REGON), contact information, loan amount, purpose, and desired term. For sole proprietors, this may be combined with personal data entry.

Ensure accuracy, especially around company name and revenue – mismatches or inconsistencies can trigger delays or automatic rejection.

Submit identity and company verification

Lenders will verify both the business entity and the applicant. This often involves uploading scanned documents, doing a 1 PLN bank transfer, or using open banking for instant verification.

Some lenders may also request a phone or video call for confirmation before approval.

Wait for assessment and approval

Loan assessment usually takes 1–3 business days. Automated platforms may give a decision within hours, especially for smaller loan amounts.

During this stage, the lender may request clarification or additional documents.

Review and sign the contract

If approved, you’ll receive a digital loan agreement with full terms – including monthly payments, repayment schedule, and all costs.

Sign electronically using SMS verification or a secure digital signature method.

Receive the funds

Once the contract is signed, funds are typically transferred within 24–48 hours. Some fintech lenders disburse the loan on the same day.

Repayments usually start the following month, though some loans offer a short grace period before the first payment is due.

Eligibility Criteria for a Business Loan

To qualify for a business loan in Poland, your company must meet certain minimum requirements. These vary by lender, but most focus on business registration, financial stability, and the applicant’s role in the company. Some lenders also accept sole traders and freelancers under simplified terms.

Typical eligibility criteria

• Legally registered business in Poland (CEIDG or KRS)
• Minimum business age (3–12 months)
• Active Polish business bank account
• Sufficient and verifiable revenue
• No significant unpaid debts
• Business owner or director as applicant
• Valid ID or passport

Most lenders require your business to be registered in Poland, either as a sole proprietorship (jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza) or a company (Sp. z o.o. or other legal form). Foreign-owned companies are eligible as long as they are officially registered and operating in Poland.

The minimum business age is usually 3–6 months for microloans and 12+ months for larger loans. Start-ups with no revenue history may need to apply through special programs or submit a business plan.

An active business bank account is essential, as lenders use it to verify income and manage repayments. In many cases, they request bank statements or connect directly to your account using secure open banking systems.

Your business must also show consistent revenue, although exact thresholds vary. Some lenders require at least 5,000–10,000 PLN monthly turnover. If your business has unpaid debts, legal disputes, or prior defaults, this can reduce your chances significantly.

Finally, the loan application must typically be submitted by the legal owner or company director, who will need to verify their identity using a passport or national ID.

Types of Business Loans in Poland

Business financing in Poland comes in many forms, depending on your company’s size, goals, and financial profile. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, there’s likely a loan type that fits your situation. Below are the most common forms of business loans available to both Polish and foreign entrepreneurs.

Common business loan types

• Working capital loan
• Investment loan
• Microloan
• Start-up loan
• Line of credit
• Invoice financing
• Leasing

Working Capital Loan

A working capital loan helps cover day-to-day business expenses like rent, salaries, utilities, or inventory. It’s ideal for businesses with temporary cash flow gaps or seasonal income fluctuations.

These loans are usually short to medium term (3–24 months) and can be secured or unsecured depending on your business history and revenue. Approval is often based on monthly turnover, and some online lenders use automated systems to assess eligibility quickly.

Investment Loan

An investment loan is designed for long-term business growth. This includes purchasing property, machinery, or expanding production capacity. The repayment period is typically longer – between 3 and 10 years.

These loans often require a detailed business plan, financial projections, and sometimes collateral. Larger banks may offer lower interest rates if you can show strong profitability and long-term viability.

Microloan

A microloan is a small loan, usually under 100,000 PLN, targeted at sole proprietors, freelancers, or small businesses. These loans are easier to qualify for and often require minimal documentation.

They are useful for launching a service-based business, purchasing basic equipment, or bridging small funding gaps. Some programs are backed by government or EU funds, offering reduced interest or grace periods for repayment.

Start-up Loan

A start-up loan is for new businesses with little or no trading history. While traditional banks rarely approve such loans, several fintech platforms and public programs (like from Polish Agency for Enterprise Development) offer tailored financing to new entrepreneurs.

Applicants usually need a solid business plan and basic financial projections. Some programs prioritize innovation, youth entrepreneurship, or regional development, and may offer favorable terms to qualifying applicants.

Line of Credit

A line of credit gives your business flexible access to funds up to a set limit. You only pay interest on the amount used, not the full credit line. It works similarly to an overdraft but is issued specifically for business use.

This is useful for managing short-term expenses or taking advantage of business opportunities on short notice. Approval is usually based on business income, and some providers offer revolving credit that renews automatically after repayment.

Invoice Financing

Invoice financing allows businesses to borrow against unpaid invoices. You receive immediate funds (typically 80–90% of the invoice value), and the lender collects payment directly from the client.

It’s a fast way to unlock cash flow, especially in B2B sectors where payment terms are long. It requires that your clients are creditworthy, and fees are deducted from the collected amount.

Leasing

Leasing is not a traditional loan, but it’s a common way to finance business equipment, vehicles, or machinery. The lender owns the asset, and you pay fixed monthly installments to use it.

At the end of the lease, you may have the option to buy the asset. Leasing is especially attractive for businesses that want to avoid large upfront costs or keep equipment off the balance sheet.

Understanding Business Loans

Business loans in Poland function similarly to personal loans but are tailored to commercial needs. The key difference is that approval is based on your business’s financial health rather than personal credit alone. Lenders evaluate revenue, expenses, operational history, and in some cases, the business plan or sector risk.

Most business loans are installment-based, meaning you borrow a fixed amount and repay it over time in equal monthly payments that include interest and fees. Some loans are secured by business assets (like equipment or property), while others are unsecured but may come with higher interest rates or stricter eligibility requirements.

Interest rates vary based on several factors:

• Loan size and term
• Whether the loan is secured
• Business age and revenue
• Credit history (both personal and business, if applicable)

Once approved, funds are usually transferred to the business’s bank account, and repayments start the following month. Some lenders offer grace periods of 1–3 months before repayments begin, especially for investment or start-up loans.

It’s important to understand the total cost of borrowing, including APR (Annual Percentage Rate), setup fees, and potential penalties for late payment or early repayment. Always read the loan agreement carefully and compare offers from multiple providers before signing.

Example of a Business Loan in Poland

To illustrate how a typical business loan might look, here’s a full example based on a common financing case for a small company needing capital for equipment and operational expansion.

Business Loan Example – 80,000 PLN

Detail	Information
Loan Type	Unsecured business installment loan
Loan Amount	80,000 PLN
Purpose	Equipment purchase + working capital
Borrower Type	Small registered company (Sp. z o.o.)
Company Age	2.5 years
Annual Revenue	320,000 PLN
Loan Term	36 months
Monthly Payment	2,820 PLN
Monthly Interest Rate	1.5%
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)	20.3%
Total Repayment	101,520 PLN
Total Interest & Fees	21,520 PLN
Collateral Required	No
Personal Guarantee	Yes (from company director)
Approval Time	1–2 business days
Payout Time	Within 48 hours after signing
Application Method	Online + document upload
Documents Required	Company registration, bank statements, ID
Repayment Start Delay	1-month grace period

This example reflects a typical loan for an established small business with steady revenue and no existing debt. While no collateral is required, a personal guarantee is often standard for unsecured business loans in Poland.

Online application and document upload make the process fast, and once approved, funds are generally available within 1–2 days.