Overview: Opening a restaurant business in Poland
Poland is located at the center of Europe, which makes it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs looking for a profitable location to set up their business in Europe. However, while setting up a business, one thing that entrepreneurs must consider is the profitability of the business. One of the most profitable businesses that entrepreneurs can open in Poland is a restaurant.
Opening a restaurant in Poland is a very promising business opportunity, since the nation is well-known for its extensive culinary history and expanding desire for eating out. However, while opening a restaurant, an entrepreneur has to consider various elements such as the costs for setting up the business, licenses, and permits required, documentation required, and so on.
Through this article, we will be discussing the procedure for opening a restaurant business in Poland and other related aspects.
Significance of opening a restaurant business in Poland
Polish cuisine was influenced by Central European countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine. They all share a common trait: hearty dishes made with traditional ingredients. A Polish restaurant will operate as any other business in Poland.
The investors will need to create a company (usually a limited liability one) and complete all necessary paperwork to register the company with the Polish authorities. Wroclaw, Krakow, and Gdansk are three important Polish cities. Restaurant owners have easy access to many visitors.
For foreign investors, smaller towns can be appealing to tourists. restaurants can also be attractive as an investment opportunity. The new restaurant must be open in a prime location once the incorporation process is completed.
Depending on what type of restaurant they are in, the owners may choose to buy a new location or renovate an existing one. Our Polish experts can offer a variety of services such as real estate due diligence to ensure that the location is a good investment.
Procedure to open a restaurant in Poland
If you are looking to start a restaurant business in Poland, then you must follow the steps given below:
Select the business form
One of the first stages to open a restaurant in Poland is to select the business form. The limited liability company is the most commonly used business structure to open a restaurant in Poland.
Register your business
Once you have selected the business form, the next step for starting a restaurant business in Poland is to register your business with the National Court Register.
Register with the tax authorities
After the business is registered, you must register it with the Polish tax authorities as a VAT payer.
Acquire Permits
In order to operate the business, you must acquire the various licenses as well as permits that are required for operating your restaurant lawfully in Poland.
How do you open a Polish restaurant?
Step 1: Select the location
What are the requirements and conditions for opening a restaurant business in Poland?
First, the premises must be compliant with the legal requirements in the fields of business activity, construction law, and safety requests.
- The building surrounds – Give attention to roads and commercial spaces & at most to the paved areas.
- Water – The premises must have both hot and cold water.
- Two separate entrances– All rooms should have sufficient ventilation.
- An area waste – It is best to keep garbage at least 15 meters from your home.
- A changing room – Check to see if you are allowed to provide a place for employees where they can change, eat, and rest.
- Toilet for staff – If you only offer take-out, a toilet with a vestibule for customers is not necessary.
- Washing Station – You must ensure there is enough space for dishwashing if you plan to open a restaurant that serves reusable plates.
- Size of Room – The rooms should have a minimum of high build meters in production and 2.5 meters in storage, utility, and sanitary areas.
Step 2: After you have registered your company:
Sign a rental contract
Get involved with the State Sanitary Inspection Department (SANEPID).
Many people forget that they won’t get a decision from SANEPID overnight.
You can apply to SANEPID if you are a registered company. You must apply to build, at least 14 days before opening. All required documents must be submitted, including the establishment registration certificate.
It is important to plan for all steps, as the process can take up to 30 days. However, this does not necessarily mean it will take that long.
Looking to relocate to Poland? Read our complete guide on Poland business immigration.
Documents for the State Sanitary Inspection visit
Rental agreement – A rental agreement or ownership certificate must be signed by the landlord. The sanitary and epidemiological judgments take time. It is not possible to do this on the spot. First, collect tool samples over three days.
Next, use a clear container to store each sample in a container. Next, you will need to take the stool samples to the laboratory and wait for the results. The results will be delivered to you by a doctor’s appointment.
It can take some time and is mandatory. Don’t wait until the last minute to do it!
Water testing is an important step in any HACCP program. It is best to perform it after all renovations have been completed.
Residential Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Collection & Disposal agreement
Contract to dispose of cooking oil waste – (if it’s going to be used)
Documentation GMP(Good Manufacturing Practices for Gastronomy) – We can also create it for your use. You can also use our documentation wizard.
The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Handbook – We can make it for you, or you can use our software/ template to create it quickly.
Technological Project
Safety Training
Some special considerations regarding Polish restaurants
Restaurants are required to comply with special regulations when they store, produce, and market food products. They also need special permits to commercialize food products. Like other European countries, Poland must comply with the EU rules for food safety.
The Polish food safety authorities include the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health (which deals with food safety and health policy) and the National Institute of Public Health. You are likely planning to open a restaurant soon if you are reading this.
You have probably already thought of a business idea and done extensive research about the benefits and potential opportunities for your company. This guide will help you make the process easier and more enjoyable. I will guide you through the entire sanitary process.
There are common rules that you should follow, regardless of whether you’re looking to open a pizzeria, kebab shop, kebab truck, food truck, or coffeehouse.
Things to Consider when opening a restaurant business in Poland
A profitable investment is opening a restaurant business in Poland. This type of business involves handling and selling to the public.
The Polish legislation must be complied with by the European Union. A foreign investor who is involved in food manufacturing or marketing must register with the regional inspector to get approval.
After an inspection of the premises, this type of approval is given. Then, thorough hygienic standards must be checked.
Local legislation also has strict regulations regarding:
- Food safety relates to the use and design of equipment to eliminate the possibility of contamination.
- Some plant procedures are based on HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point).
- All food-handling staff must meet certain standards for fighting and preventing infections.
Our Polish company formation specialists are available to provide more information about other important aspects and requirements when opening a restaurant business in Poland.
Licenses and permits for opening a restaurant business in Poland
A restaurant business produces, trades, and stores food that will be consumed by people. They must follow special health regulations, and obtain special licenses to do this.
Poland is a member of the European Union and must comply with EU regulations regarding food safety. The Chief Sanitary Inspector and the National Institute of Public Health are the representatives of the food safety bodies of Poland.
Conclusion
Opening a restaurant business in Poland presents a promising opportunity within the vibrant culinary landscape of the country. Poland’s burgeoning economy, coupled with its rich culinary heritage and growing appetite for diverse dining experiences, offers a fertile ground for entrepreneurs seeking to embark on this journey. However, in order to successfully open a restaurant in Poland, you need to consider numerous factors such as location, cost, license requirements, and so on.
At OnDemand International, our experts can assist you in opening a restaurant business in Poland. Additionally, we can provide assistance with other related aspects of registering a business in Poland. Contact us today to open a restaurant business in Poland.
FAQ’s
The current reality dictates that the initial capital should be minimum of 30.000. PLN (it’s worth having several thousand extras to allow you to operate for the first month). The majority of fees will cover renting the area and paying all bills.
Investors from abroad who want to open a Polish restaurant may do so without any restrictions. However, they will need special permits and licenses. Wroclaw, the largest city in western Poland, is an ideal place to start a business. It is also a popular tourist destination.
It is easy to start a food business in Poland. However, you will need special permits or licenses. Not only Warsaw offers a favorable business environment for setting up a Polish food business, but also other cities in the country.
It usually takes around 30 days but it is possible to do it in a shorter time. It all depends on how kind and busy the State Sanitary Inspection employees are.
