Ukrainians in Poland can get financing for starting a business: what are the conditions and amount

Ukrainians in Poland can count on financial assistance from the government to start their own business. Find out how to apply, what requirements you need to fulfil, and what you can spend the funds on

Legal advice on business issues

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Ukrainians living in Poland can take advantage of the opportunity to receive funding to start their own business. In 2025, unemployed people registered with the City Employment Centre will be able to apply for a grant to help them start their own business. Here are the terms of the programme.

Remember that registering a company abroad can be a challenge without experience and knowledge of the law. Our lawyers will help you launch your business quickly and safely, taking into account all the legal nuances of foreign laws.

Grants for the unemployed in Poland

Funds for starting a business are allocated through competitions that take place almost every month. Employment offices publish information about current competitions, and participants must meet certain requirements to have a chance to receive a grant. To become a participant, you need to have the appropriate education, qualifications or work experience in the chosen field.

For example, if you want to open a coffee shop but don't have the relevant education, you can first work as a bartender or waiter to gain experience. The more you meet the criteria, the higher your chances of winning the competition.

How much is the grant and what can I use it for?

The maximum amount of money you can receive to start your own business is PLN 42 thousand. These funds can be used for various needs related to starting a business. In particular, the grant can be spent on:

- Legal assistance, consultations and advice.

- Machinery and equipment for business.

- Software, website development and advertising materials (banners, signs, flyers).

- Materials for production.

- Purchase of a car for business.

- Equipment and devices required for business activities (furniture, small appliances).

It is important to note that the City Employment Centre reserves the right to limit the amount of planned expenses.

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What is not included in the list of eligible expenses?

Not all business activities can be financed with a grant. There are restrictions that prohibit the use of funds for:

❌ Freight and passenger transport.

❌ Mining.

❌ Acquisition of shares or companies.

❌ Construction or repair of premises.

❌ Breeding and purchase of animals.

❌ Trading in scrap metal.

❌ Online trading of food and dietary supplements.

❌ Medical care without a relevant education.

❌ Services of permanent make-up, laser hair removal, tattooing without qualifications.

❌ Processing and marketing of agricultural products.

❌ Fishing and aquaculture.

❌ Purchase of land and real estate.

❌ Gambling parlours.

❌ Operating outside of Poland.

These restrictions should be taken into account when planning your business.

Proper business registration is the key to its successful operation. Mistakes at the stage of registration or choice of taxation can lead to fines and restrictions in the future. To avoid unnecessary risks, it is worth contacting professional lawyers who will help you choose the best form of business, prepare all the documents and advise you on how to work within the law.

Eligibility requirements

Both Polish citizens and foreigners, including Ukrainians, can apply for a grant. However, several requirements must be met:

1. Be registered as unemployed at the City Employment Centre.

2. Have an ‘Individual Activity Plan’ (Indywidualny Plan Działania) drawn up at the Labour Office.

3. Not to have had any rejected offers from the labour exchange in 2023-2024 without valid reasons.

4. Have education, qualifications or work experience in the field of business to be opened.

What documents are required?

To apply, you need to prepare several documents:

▪️ Grant application form.

▪️ Application for ownership or lease of business premises.

▪️ Individual action plan for the unemployed.

▪️ An application stating that you have not previously received de minimis benefits or have received them.

▪️ Copies of supporting documents are also required:

▪️ Education (certificate, diploma, certificates).

▪️ Qualifications (certificates of completion of courses, licences).

▪️ Work experience (employment contracts, certificates from the employer).

▪️ Ownership or lease of business premises.

▪️ Commitment to start a business (preliminary agreements with contractors).

▪️ All copies of documents must be in Polish or translated by a sworn translator.

How to apply for funding?

In person - at the City Employment Centre at ul. Wąwozowa 34, room. 119 (Dziennik Podawczy) or in a mailbox in front of the entrance to the Labour Office marked ‘Dziennik Podawczy’.

By post or courier - to Grodzki Urząd Pracy w Krakowie, ul. Wwozowa 34, 31-72 Krakow.

The response to the application will be provided in writing within 30 days after submission. If the application is approved, the participants will be informed about the next stages of the process.

We remind you! Ukrainian business in Poland is growing by 34% annually, and more than 10 thousand companies are already registered in the country. At the same time, several thousand Polish companies operate in Ukraine. We told you about the areas in which both sides are most active in business and what underlies this bilateral economic dynamic.

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