invest in wielkopolska · wielkopolska region is located in west and central poland. poznań, the...

INVEST IN WIELKOPOLSKAEN

The project is co-founded by the European Regional Development Fund, 6.2.1 Innovative Economy Operational Programme for years 2007-2013.

Wielkopolska is an attractive space for the entrepreneurship. The region is dominated a favourable climate for a business development. More than 25 years of functioning of the free market has allowed many companies to develop and achieve the financial success. Such success was determined above all by the citizens who had always extre-mely appreciated the work ethos and pursued to develop their own initiatives. This natural need to act has also met the appreciation from foreign investors who had recognized involvement and qualifications of inhabitants of the Wielkopolska.

According to research, more than 90% of the investors who have appeared in our region with their capital would make such decision again and would recommend Wiel-kopolska as the safe haven for a business development. Suitable investment conditions supported by a favourable location and a relative vicinity of the European sales market is a recipe for a success for almost every branch.

We warmly welcome any entrepreneur who wishes to develop the activity and achieve ambitious goals. We all agree that Wielkopolska is the region of success as well as broad prospects and unlimited possibilities for all those who have not discovered its huge potential yet.

I. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE REGION OF SUCCESS

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Marek Woźniak, Marshall of Wielkopolska Region

Making business decisions is always connected with a risk of financial loss. Concerns are growing together with a will to appear on a foreign market, often unknown, requiring special efforts which do not guarantee any success. Cultural differences or lack of knowledge about legal provisons concer-ning conducting economic activity can be a barrier. However, there are regions in Europe, especially local authorities which truly understand those concerns and are able to eliminate those doubts using activity and professional involvement. It is here, in Wielkopolska where dominates a favourable climate for foreign business support and a clear strategy which makes an implementation of investment process easier at its every stage. Self-govern-ments at their all levels play an essential and effective role and without them appearance of foreign companies would not be possible.

Thanks to such support our company has also appeared many years ago in Wielkopolska, precisely in Tarnowo Podgórne and its prosperity is still proceeding. Presence in Wielkopolska guarantees an access to qualified, loyal and involved employees, proven contractors and also more often an eager market for the sales of offered goods. Development of the market economy in Poland and Wielkopolska has created an area predictible for business prosperity which is not inferior to high European standards. Choosing Wielkopolska in order to develop a business is a good decision in a current global competition reality. It gives a sense of security and prospects, about which the entrepreneurs care the most.

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Mirosław Wolski, Member of the Board of Schattdecor

How to use the investor’s Guidebook?

The investor’s guidebook “Invest in Wielkopolska” was elaborated in a form of guidebook which enables an orientation and gaining information connected with all stages of the investment process.

The Guidebook includes six independent parts where information was grouped by its thematic area. Each part contains sources of more detailed information, references to enactments, websites and institutions involved in the investment processes.

Last part is an address guide which is a set of contacts to the most important state and self-government institutions as well as the business environ-ment institutions. To make searching a topic easier, the table of contents was placed at the end of the Guidebook.

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II. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE REGION OF BUSINESS Statistics

Statistics (Główny Urząd Statystyczny [The Polish Central Statistical Office], as of June 2015):

Population: 3,473,579 people

Area: 29,826 km2

Capital city: Poznań (545,680 inhabitants – as of 31st December 2014)

Larger cities: Kalisz, Konin, Piła, Ostrów Wielkopolski , Leszno, Gniezno

Average gross remuneration in the sector of enterprises: PLN 3,587.56 (as of 30th June 2015)

Number of business entities: 406,753 (including 7060 with the foreign capital) (as of 30th 2015)

GDP in 2013: PLN 161,485 (9.7% of Polish GDP)

Long-term national rating: AA+

Unemployment rate: 6.9% (as of 30th June 2015)

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Location, historical and cultural background

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1. Location, historical and cultural background

Wielkopolska Region is located in west and central Poland. Poznań, the largest city in the region has been located at a distance of 230 kilometres from Berlin and almost 280 kilometres from Warsaw. Wielkopolska is the cradle of the Polish state. First capitals of the state in 10th and 11th century were Gniezno and Poznań. In 19th century Wielkopolska came under the German rule and its impact until today is apparent in the culture in Wielkopolska. One of the aspects of struggle of the Polish people to keep their national identity became known as the organic work, based on economic development and supporting polish enterprises. That’s why Wielkopolska became one of the most economically advanced Polish regions, and inhabitants of Wielkopolska are famous because of their thriftiness and work ethos.

The Region is administratively divided into 35 districts and 226 communes. There are 109 cities in Wielkopolska including Poznań, where live 1,913,900 inhabitants (55% of whole population). Poznań which is the capital city of the region is a large urban centre where live about 550,000 inhabitants and which brings together an agglomeration where about 1 million inhabitants is living.

The Wielkopolska Region is located in temperate climate zone, tempered by oceanic air masses. The average annual temperature is 8.2°C. The relief of Wielkopolska Region has been formed during the old-time glaciations. In the northern and central part, where lowlands or rolling areas occur, there are numerous lakes, while in the south part there is a less varied relief.

II. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE REGION OF BUSINESS

Transport

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2. Transport

Location of Wielkopolska has allowed building a profitable national and international transport connections. The region is crossed by the A2 highway which connects Warsaw and Berlin. The capital of the region has road connections in highway, expressways and national roads standard.

Wielkopolska has a well developed rail network with a total length of 1884 kilometres. Apart from a large number of small and local lines with railway sidings, the region is crossed by routs of national and international importance. The capital city of the region has a direct railway connection with most of Polish capitals of regions and also with Berlin and the Ruhr district.

In Poznań, there is the international Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ) which services approximately 1,5 million passengers every year. The airport has modern terminals and cargo. Scheduled air services are performed among other with Warsaw, London, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Rome and Frankfurt.


Population and economy

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3. Population and economy

In Wielkopolska live 3,472,579 inhabitants (more than Latvia and Estonia put together) where more than a half live in cities.

In 2014 19% of inhabitants were in the pre-working age, 63% were in the working age and 18% of inhabitants of Wielkopolska were in the post-working age.

Population in Wielkopolska ( GUS 31 XII 2014r. )


POZNAŃ16%

OTHERCITIES39%

VILLAGE45%

OTHER55%

POZNAŃ16%

OTHERCITIES39%

VILLAGE45%

OTHER55%

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63%19%

18%

Population of the Greater Poland in relation to age ( GUS, 31st December 2014 )

WORKING AGE

PRE-WORKING AGE

POST-WORKING AGE

64%36%

Structure of persons in the working age ( GUS, 31st December 2014 )

MOBILE AGE

IMMOBILE AGE (ABOVE 45 YEARS OLD)

Population and economyII. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE REGION OF BUSINESS

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Structure of the age in the sub-regions in Wielkopolska ( GUS, 31st December 2014)

100 %

0 %

20 %

40 %

60 %

80 %

Poznań District of Kalisz District of Konin District of Leszno District of Piła District of Poznań

post-working age 120,345 122,028 116,086 92,355 68,744 93,689

working age 339,667 422,160 417,382 350,391 262,752 399,804

pre-working age 85,668 128,264 126,954 111,837 81,896 132,557

In Wielkopolska, for a total number of people able to work 6,9% are unemployed persons.

Unemployment rate ( GUS, 2015 )WIELKOPOLSKA6,9 POLAND10,3


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Wielkopolska is one of the most economically developed regions in the country and characterizes with a high concentration of involved foreign capital. Economical situation in the region is a consequence of balanced development with a significant industrialization level and a high technology level. Investment attractiveness of the Region is confirmed by other large investments located in the region. Factors like high level of special educa-tion at universities in Wielkopolska and a number of potential co-operating parties and suppliers have an influence on this effect.

In Wielkopolska there are operating higher education institutions, which educate qualified employees. In Poznań, which is one of the largest academic centres in the country, 38 higher education institutions have their registered offices. It is necessary to enumerate among them the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, where more than 43,000 students are studying, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań University of Economics, Poznań University of Life Sciences and Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Approximately 143,000 students are studying in entire Wielkopolska. Beyond Poznań, there are also higher education institutions in Gniezno, Jarocin, Kalisz, Konin, Leszno and Piła.

Universities in Poznań offer an attractive programmes of studies, among others: Production Management and Engineering, Computer Sciences or Bioinformatics, Economy, Accounting and Finance, Biotechnology, Neurobiology, Pharmacy, Electronics and Communication, Electrical Engineering, Mechanics and Machinery Construction, Mechanics and Machine Design, Automation and Robotics, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Commodity Science and many more.

In 2013 Wielkopolska Region was on a 3rd position in Poland in relation to amount of invested foreign capital – it was 8.3% (above PLN 17 billions). Currently in Wielkopolska operate 406,753 business entities (as of 30th June 2015), including 7060 business entities with foreign capital.


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Business entities in the Region according to the scope of activity ( GUS, 2013 )

Financial and insurance activity

Transport and warehouse management

35%

17%12%

12%

7%

5%

4%8%

Professional, scientific and technical activity

Real estate market services

Processing industry

Health care and social welfare

Passenger car trade and repair

Construction sector


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Among the largest companies which have invested in Wielkopolska are among others representatives of following industries:

- Automotive (Volkswagen, MAN, Bridgestone, Solaris Bus&Coach, Inter Groclin),

- Food (Kompania Piwowarska, Imperial Tobbaco Polska, Dino, WrigleyPoland Sp. z o.o., Nestle),

- Transport and logistics (Amazon, Raben Group, Kuehne + Nagel),

- Electronics (Samsung Electronics),

- BPO/SSC (Arvato Services, Contact Center, Holicon, Franklin Templeton),

- Pharmaceutics and Beauty (GK GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Nivea),

- Airlines (Pratt&Whitney Kalisz Sp. z o.o.).

Wielkopolska imposes a strong emphasis on a co-operation between the scientific and research institutes and the business. In the Regional Innova-tion Strategy for Wielkopolska 2010-2020 it was written that support for the science sector should lead to a real increase of a quality of conducted research, extend areas of research which correspond with real needs of economy and also to create an efficient co-operation mechanisms with the entrepreneurships.

The Wielkopolska Region has determined its own economical and social priorities within so-called intelligent specializations, areas which thanks to the scientific and the business potential support can generate goods and services and also compete on the international markets. As a result of analy-tical works and ongoing enterprising discovery process, 6 areas of intelligent specializations have been identified, such as: bio-resources and food for informed consumers, future interiors, industry of tomorrow, logistic specialized processes, development based on ICT, modern medical technologies.

Poznań is a large BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) and SSC (Shared Services Centers) services centre. At the same time the priority sectors for the capital of the region are: production technologically advanced, research and development (R+D), convention and exhibition activity and recreational and entertainment infrastructure. Most of the foreign capital which has been invested in Poznań had come from Germany, Great Britain, USA, France, Japan and Sweden, Spain, Netherlands and Republic of South Africa.


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Fitch Ratings, the international rating agency has confirmed ratings for Wielkopolska as for the debt in the foreign currency at the “A-“ level, for the debt in the national currency at the “A” level and a long-term national rating at the “AA+(pol)” level. All ratings have a stable prospect. In 2013 Wielkopolska generated 9.7% of polish GDP. This gives to it 3rd position among other regions in the country. In comparison to 2012, the value of the GDP generated in the region had increased by 4.8% (2.9% for the whole country).

Data concerning Gross Domestic Product in 2013 (source by GUS)

GDP in Poland GDP in Wielkopolska

PLN 1 662 052 million PLN 161 485 million

100 % 9,7 %

GDP per capita in Poland GDP per capita in Wielkopolska

PLN 43 168 PLN 46 626

100 % 108 %


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4. Poznań International Fair

One of the most important institutions which support economical development in the country is the Poznań International Fair. By owing approxima-tely 55% share in the fair market in Poland, they are the leader in the Polish exhibition industry and also the first arranger of such events in the Central Europe. In 2014, 69 exhibition events were organized where more than 11,000 exhibitors have been participating, including 2,500 from abroad. 650,000 visitors have come from 67 countries. Poznań International Fair has the largest in Poland exhibition and conference infrastructure.

Poznań International FairII. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE REGION OF BUSINESS

III. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR INVESTMENT Special Economic Zones – incentives for investors

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1. Special Economic Zones – incentives for investors

Special Economic Zone is an administratively separated part of the territory of Poland intended for conduct an economic activity on preferential terms. Entrepreneur in the SEZ can become the beneficiary of tax reliefs and also can conduct the economic activity on specially prepared, developed area.

In the SEZ, the entrepreneur can gain following privileges:

- tax exemption (CIT or PIT),

- plot fully prepared for investments for a competitive price,

- free assistance while completing the formalities concerning the investment,

- tax exemption in relation to the real estate tax (on the area of some communes).

Subzones in the Special Economic Zones located in Wielkopolska effectively attract those investors who qualify to obtain the state aid. Costs which qualify to be covered by the regional aid in SEZ can be costs of a new investment or new employed employees.

- Minimal costs of a new investment which entitles to obtain the state aid in the SEZ is 100,000 euro.

- Labour costs for new employed employees are gross payroll costs, increased by compulsory payments connected with the employment, which the entrepreneur has incurred since the first day of employment.

- The state aid depends on a location of the investment in a specified region and also size of the entrepreneurship which applies for a tax exemption.

More information about this topic are available in Part VI, Chapter 1: The State aid

SEZ in Wielkopolska

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2. SEZ in Wielkopolska

In Poland 14 Special Economic Zones are operating. Six of them are located in Wielkopolska:

Kostrzyn-Słubice Special Economic Zone S.A. – subzones: Kwilcz, Poznań, Swarzędz, Przemęt, Stęszew, Śmigiel. Area available in Wielkopolska – 152.59 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: Volkswagen Poznań Sp. z o.o.,

Europol Meble S.A.

More information at: www.kssse.com,www.kwilcz.pl,www.poznan.pl, www.clip-group.com, www.przemet.com.pl, www.steszew.pl,

www.smigiel.pl

Lodz Special Economic Zone – subzones: Ostrzeszów, Przykona, Turek.

Area available in Wielkopolska – 31.40 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: Ambro Logistics Sp. z o.o., Aquila

Radomsko Sp. z o.o., Meyer Tool IGT Sp. z o.o. .

More information at: www.sse.lodz.pl/en/, www.ostrzeszow.pl, www.miastoturek.pl

Pomeranian Special Economic Zone – subzone: Piła.

Area available in Wielkopolska – 9.42 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: Albatros Aluminium Sp. z o.o.,

NORDGLASS Sp. z o.o.

Area available in Wielkopolska – 14.30 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: Airon Investment S.A.,

Graal S.A., Steico sp. z o.o.

Słupsk Special Economic Zone – areas under the patronage: Mieścisko.

Area available in Wielkopolska – 9.42 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: Albatros Aluminium Sp. z o.o.,

NORDGLASS Sp. z o.o.

More information at: www.sse.slupsk.pl/index.php/en

III. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

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Special Economic Zone for Medium Business Plc – subzone: Ostrów Wielkopolski.

Area available in Wielkopolska — 7.45 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: DR. SCHNEIDER AUTOMOTIVE POLSKA

Sp. z o.o., TAKATA PARTS POLSKA Sp. z o.o.

More information at: www.en.ssemp.pl,www.przedsiebiorczyostrow.eu

Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone „INVEST-PARK” Sp. z o.o. – subzones: Jarocin, Kalisz, Kościan, Krotoszyn, Leszno, Rawicz, Śrem, Września.

Area available in Wielkopolska – 64.92 ha (as of 31st July 2015). In this zone have invested among others: Gestamp Polska sp. z o.o., Volkswagen Poznań

sp. z o.o., BASF Polska sp. z o.o., REHAU sp. z o.o., Mahle Polska sp. z o.o.

More information at: www.invest-park.com.pl/en, www.inwestor.jarocin.pl/en, www.kalisz.pl, www.koscian.pl, www.leszno.pl,

www.rawicz.pl, www.nieruchomosci.srem.pl, www.wrzesnia.pl.

Detailed information concerning lands available in SEZ subzones in Wielkopolska provide self-governments where these are located.

Information about terms of investment in Special Economic Zones are available at the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency website: www.paiz.gov.pl.

SEZ in WielkopolskaIII. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

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Kamienna Góra SEZ for Medium Business

Wałbrzych SEZ Invest Park Sp. z o.o.

Pomeranian SEZ

Słupsk SEZ

Kostrzyn-Słubice SEZ

Lodz SEZ

SEZ in WielkopolskaIII. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

POZNAŃ

ŚREM

KOŚCIAN

LESZNORAWICZ KROTOSZYN

KALISZ

JAROCIN

WRZEŚNIA

SWARZĘDZ

STĘSZEW

ŚMIGIELPRZEMĘT

KWILCZ

OSTRZESZÓW

PRZYKONA

TUREK

PIŁA

MIEŚCISKO

OSTRÓW WIELKOPOLSKI

Incubators, industrial and technological parks

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3. Incubators, industrial and technological parks

The main purpose of those entities is to support newly established and developing companies by offering institutional support and often

comprehensively prepared investment areas with strong emphasis imposed on supporting an innovative activities.

KALISZ

Kalisz Business Incubator Foundation

Fundacja Kaliski Inkubator Przedsiębiorczości

ul. Częstochowska 25

62-800 Kalisz

www.kip.kalisz.pl

LESZNO

Inkubator Przedsiębiorczości w Lesznie

Leszczyńskie Centrum Biznesu Sp. z o.o.

ul. Geodetów 1

64-100 Leszno

www.inkubator.leszno.pl

LESZNO

Investment Zone I.D.E.A.

Wydział Promocji i Rozwoju

Urząd Miasta Leszna

al. Jana Pawła II 21a

64-100 Leszno

www.leszno.pl

OSTRÓW WIELKOPOLSKI

Ostrowski Park Przemysłowy Sp. z o.o.

ul. Partyzancka 27

63-400 Ostrów Wielkopolski

www.opp-ostrow.pl


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POZNAŃ I OKOLICE

Poznański Park Naukowo-Technologiczny

Poznan Science and Technology Park Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation

ul. Rubież 46

61-612 Poznań

www.pptn.poznan.pl

PIŁA

INWEST-PARK PIŁA Sp. z o.o.

ul. Dąbrowskiego 8

64-920 Piła

www.inwestpark.pila.pl

POZNAŃ I OKOLICE

Poznański Park Technologiczno-Przemysłowy

ul. 28 Czerwca 1956r. nr 400

61-441 Poznań

www.pptp.pl

POZNAŃ I OKOLICE

Park Naukowo-Technologiczny Eureka Technology Park Sp. z o.o.

ul. Innowatorów 8

Dąbrowa k/Poznania

62-070 Dopiewo

www.eureka-tp.pl

Incubators, industrial and technological parksIII. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

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POZNAŃ I OKOLICE

Park Przemysłowy LUVENA Sp. z o.o.

ul. Romana Maya 1,

62-030 Luboń

www.luvena.pl

POZNAŃ I OKOLICE

Nickel Technology Park Poznań Sp. z o. o.

ul. Krzemowa 1, Złotniki

62-002 Suchy Las

www.younick.pl

ŚREM

Śrem Investment Park

Urząd Miejski w Śremie

Pl. 20 Października 1,

63-100 Śrem

www.nieruchomosci.srem.pl

TUREK

Turek Investment Zone and Turek Entrepreneurship Incubator

ul. Jedwabnicza 4,

62-700 Turek

www.inkubator.turek.pl

Incubators, industrial and technological parksIII. WIELKOPOLSKA – THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

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4. Wielkopolska – The best place for your investment

Entrepreneurs interested in allocating their economic activity in Wielkopolska can use more than 3,000 ha of well prepared investment areas,

including almost 300 ha located in the Special Economic Zones. Information about investment offers can be found on websites: www.eboi.umww.pl, www.investinwielkopolska.pl.

Wielkopolskie Region is building its investors support system basing on dynamically operating the Investors and Exporters’ Service Center and the Investor Assistance Centre which offer aid on every stage of investment, updated annually base of investment offers and co-operation with the Polish Information and Foreign Investments Agency. The base of efficiently functioning system are good relations with local self-governments in Wielkopol-ska which prepare investment offers, collect information concerning local market and create packages of investment incentives which attract foreign and domestic investors.

Service for foreign investors is provided by:

The Investors and Exporters’ Service Center of the Wielkopolska Region

al. Niepodległości 34

61-714 Poznań

Tel. +48 61 62 66 240

E-mail: [email protected]

www.wielkopolskie.coie.gov.pl

Investor’s Service Center The Association of Wielkopolska Municipalities and Counties

al. Niepodległości 16/18

61-713 Poznań

Tel. +48 61 854 19 73

E-mail: [email protected]

www.investinwielkopolska.pl


IV. 10 STEPS FOR THE INVESTOR

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1. Market and legal-administrative conditions of conducting an economic activity in Poland

In Poland it is possible to conduct the economic activity in forms similar to those occurring in the European countries. Among available forms it is possible to enumerate the following:

Commercial companies

i.e. co-operation forms in a profit-making purpose of at least two persons, with the exception of a limited liability company and a joint-stock company, which can be established by one entity. The company is established as a result of conclusion of a contract, in which partners or shareholders shall be obliged to pursue a common goal by making contributions and alternatively by other joint action. Functioning of commercial companies is governed by provisions of law and the contract or statutes of the company which are concluded by partners or shareholders.

Commercial companies are divided into:

- capital companies (limited liability company and joint-stock company);

- partnerships (registered partnership, professional partnership, limited partnership, limited joint-stock partnership).

Branch of the foreign entrepreneur

through the branch, the foreign entrepreneur can conduct the economic activity in Poland in the extent as conducts it in the country of its registered office.

Representative office of the foreign entrepreneur

representative offices which the entrepreneur has in Poland allow him to conduct activity limited exclusively to the extent of its advertising and promotion.

Sole proprietorship

(including civil-law partnerships).

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Income taxation

Significant difference between conducting economical activity in form of a partnership and a capital company makes a manner of their taxation.

- In a partnership (excluding limited joint-stock partnership) taxpayers are exclusively partners of those partnerships but not the partnership itself. Thus only income earned by the partner is subjected to the taxation. Depending on whether the partner is a natural person or legal person, he will be subjected to the personal income tax (PIT) or corporate income tax (CIT).

- Income of the capital company (and the limited joint-stock partnership) is subjected to taxation twice – first time at the level of the company as the taxpayer of the corporate income tax and then – at the level of partner who earns a dividend.

2. Searching for a place for the investment.

The investor who considers to start an investment activity in the region does not have to search individually for an area of economic activation in particular communes. Strictly profiled inquiry which will specify a general expectations (for example a type of searched real estate, size, distance from transport nodes, utility demand, expectations regarding the labour market etc.), should be passed to specialized institutions which have an access to data bases from investment areas in the region. Contact with them guarantees an access and verification of offers. More information about this topic as available in Part III, Chapter 4: Wielkopolska – the best location for your investment.

3. Company set up and registration

In 2011 the Central Registration and Information on Business (CRIB) was implemented. Application for entry into this register is the primary duty of a new entrepreneur and without this conducting the economic activity is impossible. The application shall be submitted through the Internet, personally in a proper commune office or sent by the registered letter.


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Generally speaking, starting the economic activity is possible at the moment of submission an application for entry into the register. The entry shall be made not later than on the next working day after receive by the register a correctly completed application. The print from the CEIDG website (www.ceidg.gov.pl) is the certificate of entry. This print is the primary document which confirms owing the status of the entrepreneur and which is suitable for everyday use in relations with institutions and external entities. It takes 1 day to set up a company in Poland, to obtain NIP number (if we haven’t it yet) we wait up to 3 days, but the company can conduct actions earlier.

- an application for assignment the REGON [National Business Registry Number],

- an application for assignment the NIP [Taxpayer Identification Number],

- a declaration regarding form of taxation (general principles, flat tax, flat fee, fixed amount tax),

- a report to ZUS [Social Insurance Company] as a social insurance contributor.

4. Land purchase

To acquire a real estate in Poland, the foreigner (a person who does not have Polish citizenship), who is not a citizen of the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein nor the Swiss Confederation has to obtain a permission issued by the Minister of the Interior and Administration. The permission is required particularly to acquire a real estate by the foreigner and also the right of perpetual usufruct. The perpetual usufruct is a specific right, similar to the right of ownership but it is limited due to time (entitlement lasts for a term not longer than 99 years). Acquisition of an agricultural and forestry real estate is an exemption from this principle. In order to acquire such real estates, by 30th April 2016, citizens of member states of the European Union have to obtain a permission from the Minister of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) - https://msw.gov.pl

Documents connected with acquisition of the real estate:

- deed of ownership of a plot or up-to-date certified copy from the land and mortgage register of the real estate,

- up-to-date excerpt and a map extract from the land and property register, determining location and indication of the real property,

- excerpt and a map extract from the local area development plan, determining a current status of a plot and intended use of the land.

The CEIDG-1 application form for a natural person who is conducting the economic activity also means:


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Costs and fees:

- zoning fee,

- obtaining the up-to-date certified copy from the land and mortgage register (obtained in a relevant District Court, Land and Mortgage Division),

- costs of drawing up the notarial act,

- obtaining excerpts and map extracts from the land and property register and the local area development plan (obtained in a relevant commune office).

5. Investment preparation – permits

Acquisition of a real estate with intent to intend it for planned investment requires a prior check for a few essential information, most of all it is necessary to:

1 check if the real estate is included in the local area development plan, hereinafter referred to as the “local plan”,

2 settle if the real property where the investment has to be established is intended for:

- agricultural use,- industrial use,- construction use,

3 settle if the transferor of the real estate has the title to it and if other entities, especially state or self-government has not got a right of pre-emption or other entitlements or claims in relation to the real estate which is being acquired.

Assuming that the real estate has a clear legal status and according to provisions it can be intended for the envisaged type of investment, the |construction process can be started.

Within this progress it is required to obtain a final decision on construction permit, issued pursuant to the provisions of the construction law |and administrative proceedings.


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Decision on construction permit can be issued:

1 directly, basing on provisions of a local plan,

2 if such plan is not applicable then pursuant to the decision on development conditions in the term of its validity.

An essential element determining obtaining the construction permit is getting the decision on environmental conditions of an approval of an undertaking (in short, environmental decision). It is a mandatory administrative decision issued by the relevant commune office and can be the element of further process of obtaining administrative permits to complete the undertakings which can have a significant impact on the environ-ment, i.e. Environment Impact Assessments.

If there is no local plan, until a competent body will adopt it, investors have to obtain a decision on land development conditions (“DC”) which is a necessary condition to apply for the construction permit decision. The investor submits a proper application for the decision on land development conditions to a body competent in relation to a location of the land:

- commune head, mayor [of a commune] or mayor [of the city],

- Region governor – in relation to confined space as defined in provisions of the Construction Law,

- commune head, mayor [of a commune] or mayor [of the city] – within which jurisdiction most of the investment area is located – in the event of investments exceeding an area of one commune.

Construction works can be started generally only pursuant to a final, non-appealable decision on construction permit issued by a competent body – district governor (mayor [of the city] or a Region governor.

In order to complete the construction process successfully it is also required in the events envisaged in the construction law to obtain an occupancy permit. Sometimes because of the investment character, its untypical location or other specific features, an additional decisions which precede a proper start or completion of the investment can also be required.


29

6. Registered office/enterprise construction

Starting a building of an enterprise takes place pursuant to a final permit issued by a competent body and is the end of all efforts connected with obtaining proper permits, which takes, depending on a character of investment, from 6 to 12 months. According to the law the participants in the construction process are: investor, construction site inspector, project engineer, project manager or site manager. Seven days before start of the construction, the district governor (District Construction Supervision Inspector) and the project engineer (supervising the compatibility between the project and construction process) have to be noticed about the term of the construction.

7. Employees recruitment

While planning the investment we know what demand concerning employees performing specified tasks will be. Recruitment activities should have been undertaken during the enterprise construction. Contact and support from the Regional Employment Office and district employment offices is essential. They have information concerning labour market potential and available employees with specified education and occupational expe-rience. Those institutions carry out different programs concentrated on promotion of the employment, in which can be useful for employers. If the entrepreneur does not know the local labour market, the recruitment companies can be very helpful in facing above challenges, providing verification and recruitment services. Specification of the expectations towards new employees, thanks to hiring recruitment companies will allow to select the best candidates both on manager positions and at the lower levels.

8. Employment

The Labour Code is the primary and the most important enactment which governs relations between the employers and employees, describes terms under which the work can be provided on the territory of the Republic of Poland.

Employment contract can be concluded:

- for an indefinite period of time,

- for a definite period of time,

- for a completion of a specific task,

- in order to substitute another employee during his/her absence – during his or her excused absence at work; the employer can employ another employee on the base of an employment contract for a definite period of time which includes period of this absence.


30

The employment contract has to be concluded in a written form. The employment contract should be signed not later than on the day when the employee starts working.The employment contract can be terminated in several ways:

- by mutual consent of parties,

- by declaration of one party to the employment contract (employer or employee) with observance of the notice period,

- by declaration of one party without observance of the notice period.

The contract concluded for the definite period of time or for a completion of specified task (specific work contract, mandate contract) terminates after sufficient period of time or completion of work (but in some cases it can be terminated earlier without the notice).

According to the Labour Code working time is 8 hours per day and average 40 hours per week. Possible changes concern continuous working day and overtime work acceptable in amount of 150 hours annually per each employee. Weekly working time together with overtime cannot exceed average 48 hours in accepted settlement period.

9. Communications and information technology infrastructure

Thanks to support given by EU funds the backbone network in the Region has been created which is the base for further computerization of the region. Entities conducting economic activity willing to be connected to the network have to submit relevant documents:

- company registration documents,

- document what confirms its legal status and the registered office,

- confirmation of the title to the premises where the network termination shall be installed,

- original certified copy from the National Court Register.


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The largest communication and Internet services providers are: Netia SA, Orange, Plus GSM,T-mobile, Play.

10. Outsourcing

In the world of global business relations, role of companies which provide outsourcing growths stronger. Also Wielkopolska, because of a number of business entities has become an attractive market for such actions. It is possible to find here without any problems companies representing BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), SCC (Shared Services Centres), R&D (Research and Development) or HR industries which perfectly perform delegated tasks, at the same time decreasing operating costs of the companies.


V. WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW?

32

1. Poland – administrative division

Since 1998 in Poland exists three-tier territorial administrative division of the country – the basic unit is the commune, district is the larger unit and Region is the largest. Wielkopolska is one of 16 self-governmental regions. Each level of self-government plays an essential role for entrepreneurs by issuing administrative decisions, permits and also by promoting areas intended to economic activation. Wielkopolska has 226 communes which authorities among other register economical entities, 35 districts which among others issue construction permits.

- health insurance,

- submit documents which certify owned sources of a stable and regular income, efficient to cover costs of maintenance for himself/herself and family members,

- documents confirming having an assured place of residence,

- employment contract or civil-law contract concluded with the employer,

- tax return, for example: PIT, submitted to the tax office,

- certificate of no tax arrears.

2. Stay and work permit

Foreigners who would like to legalise their stay in Poland on the base of commencement or continuation of work in Poland should apply for a temporary stay and work permit.

In the event of a temporary stay and work permit, the foreigner has to submit the following documents:

Issued temporary stay and work permit is valid for maximum 3 years. Usually this period depends on documents submitted by the foreigner.

Citizens of member states of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, members of their families and persons having permanent resident permit are not subjected to the obligation concerning having work permit in Poland.

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3. Tax system and avoidance of double taxation

Tax system in Poland has been evolving for years and currently in our country we distinguish 13 types of taxes.

Direct taxes:

- Personal income tax (PIT) - the taxation base in the personal income tax is generally a sum of incomes coming from different sources of revenues. Income was defined by the legislator as a difference between sum of revenues and costs of their earning in a tax year. Currently the first tax threshold is 18% from income (which exceeds a tax credit amount, i.e. PLN 3,091.00) up to PLN 85,528.00 annually and the second tax threshold is 32% (calculated from the surplus of this amount);

- Corporate income tax (CIT) - tax rate for legal entities in Poland currently is 19%. The act envisages also 50% punitive rate in the event of underestimation of the tax obligation amount by the affiliated entities;

- tax on inheritance and donations;

- tax on civil law transactions;

- agricultural tax;

- forest tax;

- real estate tax;

- transport vehicle tax;

- tonnage tax;

- mineral extraction tax.


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Indirect taxes:

- value added tax (VAT) - basic rate is 23%; other rates are: 8%, 5% and 0% for export and intra-Community supply of goods;

- excise tax;

- gambling and lottery tax.

Natural persons conducting an economic activity (registered in the commune office or city hall office) can choose their taxation form according to the two-level tax rate or 19% flat tax. Personal income tax involves entire income of persons who have their place of residence on the territory of the Republic of Poland or stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland for more than 183 days during the tax year.

Taxation principles are governed by provisions of the Act from 26th July 1991 on the personal income tax. More information at: www.mf.gov.pl, where also information and enactments concerning rules of double taxation avoidance can be found.

During conducting the economic activity the local taxes play essential role. Their amount is determined by the commune council. According to applicable law, rate of tax on lands allocated to conduct economic activity cannot exceed amount of PLN 0.77 per 1m2 annually; rate of profes-sional tax on the buildings (or their parts) cannot exceed PLN 20.51 per 1m2 floor space annually.

4. Social security system

In Poland there exist mandatory social security for employees. Income is the basis for calculating the contributions and employees are subjected to insurance on a following assessment:

- old-age insurance – 19.53% of the assessment base,

- annuity insurance – 6.00% of the assessment base,

- sickness insurance – 2.45% of the assessment base,


35

- accident and health insurance – depending on a type of performed work from 0.67 to 3.60% of the contribution assessment base.

5. Custom rules

Poland as the member of the European Union is involved in the customs union with other European countries – goods imported and exported wi-thin the Community does not include duty. Contemporaneously pursuant to the community law our country was obliged to accept the Common Customs Tariff (TARIC). Rules, rates and other information are available at: www.isztar.mf.gov.pl.

6. Public procurements

The manner of acquisition of the area or structurs for the investment depends on who is its owner. If the owner is the public institution, for instance local self-government then the process of conveyance is carried out according to the public procurement procedure. Principles of carrying out those procedures are governed by the Procurement Law involving public finances, construction works, services, supplies and other orders, where order value exceeds EUR 30,000.00. Public Procurement Office is liable for coordination and regulation of all matters concerning the public procurements, which at its website: http://www.uzp.gov.pl/ clarifies many important questions.


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1. Public aid

Right of public aid determines rules of the state’s participation within entrepreneurs’ activities. State’s aid can be provided to specified sectors, regions of economic entities as well as is connected with undertaking specified economic goals.

The most typical forms of public aid are:

Public aid

- financial and in-kind grants, loans and credits (for example lending credits with lower interests rates, where the difference is covered from state’s funds),

- guarantees and sureties given by State Treasury with budget effects,

- tax preferences (tax exemptions and reliefs, tax rates reductions, deferment of the payment term or remittance),

- equity instruments (for example acquisition of shares in the enterprise capital using state’s funds),

- decreasing of fees on account of environment protection or public procurements receivables, etc.

Member states of the EU can provide such kind of public aid to those regions where occurs low standard of living or where occurs serious underemployment. About its amount decides the regional aid map which has been created for all regions of the European Union. Entire territory of Poland has been qualified to obtain such kind of aid but with a different intensity for different regions of the country. The maximum intensity of regional aid, calculated as relation of regional aid value, expressed as donation gross equivalence to costs which are qualified to be targeted for assistance is 25% in Wielkopolska. Maximum intensity of the regional aid given to small and medium enterprises (excluding new investments with eligible costs exceeding EUR 50 millions), is increased by 20% for small-size and 10% for medium-size enterprises in relation to maximum intensity for the region.

More information available at:

www.parp.gov.pl www.mg.gov.pl www.mrr.gov.pl www.paiz.gov.pl

VI. EXTERNAL FINANCING – POSSIBILITIES FOR ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT

37

2. Poland in the European Union and EU Funds 2014-2020

Since 2004 Poland is the member of European Union which means numerous possibilities to access funds also by enterprises for their activities. EU funds available in 2014-2020 are coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF) and Cohesion Fund (CF). An essential role in funds distribution plays Self-government of the Wielkopolskie Region which through the Regional Operational Programme subsidizes numerous projects having a positive influence on an economical development of the region. in the country there are available following operational programs:

Poland in the European Union and EU Funds 2014-2020

- Infrastructure and Environment Programme,

- Intelligent Development Programme,

- Knowledge Education Development Programme,

- Digital Poland Programme,

- Eastern Poland Programme,

- Technical Assistance Programme,

- European Territorial Cooperation Programme,

- Rural Development Programme,

- Programme concerning fishery and sea,


www.wrpo.wielkopolskie.pl www.mg.gov.pl www.mrr.gov.pl www.funduszeeuropejskie.gov.pl


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3. Institutions providing support within the EU funds

EU funds can be a significant support for entrepreneurs which will make it easier to develop and achieve defined goals. But the key is the ability to find through the various programs those most suitable that can be used while performing specific actions. For this purpose European Funds Information Points(http://www.wrpo.wielkopolskie.pl/punkty-informacyjne), functioning in the Wielkopolska are very helpful and provide advice from which sources and programmes current actions can be supported and what to pay special attention while preparing an application.

Institutions providing support withinthe EU funds


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4. Credits, loans, leasing – another source of financing

Credits and loans are popular instruments for financing ongoing concern business. Though both formulas are similar, they differ most of all a source and legal form connected with their lending and service.

Credits, governed by the Banking Law can be divided among others into:

Credits, loans, leasing – another source of financing

- working capital facility - designed to finance an ongoing concern business,

- investment loan - lent to finance the investment,

- mortgage - mostly used to finance company’s activity, for example for purchase, renovation and modernization of the building.

Loans which are governed by provisions of the Civil Code can have a revolving (supporting an ongoing concern business) and investment character (having as a purpose a long-term development of the enterprise). In Wielkopolska, the Wielkopolska Agency for Enterprise Develop-ment Ltd. is a very good source of lending loan, where financial instruments coming from the Agency’s own funds and the JEREMIE European Commission Initiative have already supported many enterprises. Another form of support is leasing. In leasing, one party to the contract transfers to the other party a right to use a particular thing for a period of time agreed in the contract in exchange for settled leasing instalments. In Polish law this formula is regulated by the Civil Code. There are two basic types of leasing – financial (capital) leasing and operational (service) leasing. Product of this type is commonly available in our region, offered by specialized companies and banks.


www.mf.gov.pl.


5. Institutions supporting entrepreneurs in Wielkopolska

Support for entrepreneurs at each stage of the investment process is being carried out by many professional institutions:

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Institutions supporting entrepreneurs in Wielkopolska

- at stage of searching for an area for investment – the Marshall’s Office of the Wielkopolskie Region (The Investors and Exporters’ Service Center), the Association of Wielkopolska Municipalities and Counties (Investor’s Service Center) – these institutions aim to inform, promote region and provide services for the foreign entities which are interested in investing in Wielkopolska;

- at the stage of constructing and development of the company and financial support – Wielkopolska Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd. (credits, grants), Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (financial instruments), European Funds Information Points (advisory concerning EU funds) – those institutions offer optimal financial solutions for entrepreneurships and indicate sources and way of acquiring EU funds.

Commune and district self-governments play a significant role in abovementioned processes as well as numerous commercial entities (legal firms, HR compa-nies, banking institutions) which provide professional services to their customers. There also important industrial clusters, i.e. groups of enterprises and institutions which support and promote development of each sector, aiming to achieve a good position in the market are. There are several clusters in Wielkopolska:

POZNAŃ

The Inteligence Technology Cluster, The Wielkopolska Information and Communication Technologies Cluster, The Western Cluster of Plastics PLASTOPOLIS, The Wielkopolska Chemical Cluster, The Wielkopolskie voivodeship Furniture Cluster, The Wielkopolska Cluster of Renewable Energy, The Wielkopolskie voivodeship of Advanced Automation Techniques Cluster ELPROTECH, The Wielkopolska Automotive Cluster, BIOREGION Wielkopolska, The Poznań Educational Cluster.

LESZNO

The Printing-Advertising Cluster


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PLESZEW

The Boiler-making Cluster Association

KALISZ

The Southern Wielkopolska Food Cluster, The Southern Wielkopolska IT Cluster, The Wielkopolska Aerospace Cluster


www.umww.pl www.wielkopolskie.wrpo.pl/punkty-informacyjne www.investinwielkopolska.pl www.warp.org.pl www.bgk.com.pl/en www.parp.gov.pl

Institutions supporting entrepreneurs in Wielkopolska


National institutions

VII. ADDRESS GUIDE

42

National institutions

MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

pl. Trzech Krzyży 3/5, 00-507 Warszawa

+48 22 250 01 30

www.mg.gov.pl

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

ul. Świętokrzyska 12, 00-916 Warszawa

+48 22 69 45 555

www.mf.gov.pl

POLISH INFORMATION AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT AGENCY

ul. Bagatela 12, 00-585 Warszawa

+48 22 334 98 00

www.paiz.gov.pl

POLISH AGENCY FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

ul. Pańska 81/83, 00-834 Warszawa

+48 22 432 80 80

www.parp.gov.pl

CENTRAL STATISTICAL OFFICE

al. Niepodległości 208, 00-925 Warszawa

+48 22 60 83 000

www.stat.gov.pl

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OFFICE

ul. Postępu 17a, 02-676 Warszawa

+48 22 45 87 701

www.uzp.gov.pl

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SOCIAL INSURANCE COMPANY

Centrala Zakładu Ubezpieczeń Społecznych

ul. Szamocka 3, 5, 01-748 Warszawa

+48 22 667 10 00

www.zus.pl

NATIONAL COURT REGISTER

Ministerstwo Sprawiedliwości

Departament Informatyzacji i Rejestrów Sądowych

ul. Czerniakowska 100, 00-454 Warszawa

+48 22 39 76 515

www.ms.gov.pl

THE OFFICE FOR FOREIGNERS

ul. Koszykowa 16, 00-564 Warszawa

+48 22 60 17 402

www.udsc.gov.pl

VII. ADDRESS GUIDE National institutions

Regional institutions - Wielkopolska

44

Regional institutions - Wielkopolska

MARSHALL’S OFFICE OF THE WIELKOPOLSKIE REGION

al. Niepodległości 34, 61-714 Poznań

+48 61 626 66 66

www.umww.pl

REGION GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

al. Niepodległości 16/18, 61-713 Poznań

+48 61 854 10 00

www.poznan.uw.gov.pl

EUROPEAN FUNDS INFORMATION POINT IN POZNAŃ

Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Wielkopolskiego

ul. Szyperska 14, 61-754 Poznań

+48 61 626 61 92

www.wrpo.wielkopolskie.pl

THE ASSOCIATION OF WIELKOPOLSKA MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES INVESTOR’S SERVICE CENTER

al. Niepodległości 16/18 , 61- 713 Poznań

+48 61 85 41 973

www.sgipw.wlkp.pl

www.investinwielkopolska.pl

FUNDUSZ ROZWOJU I PROMOCJI WOJEWÓDZTWA WIELKOPOLSKIEGO S.A.

ul. Szyperska 14, 61-754 Poznań

+48 61 67 10 481

www.fripww.pl

WIELKOPOLSKA AGENCY FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LTD.

ul. Piekary 19, 61-823 Poznań

+48 61 65 63 500

www.warp.org.pl

VII. ADDRESS GUIDE

45

POZNAŃ INTERNATIONAL FAIR

ul. Głogowska 14, 60-734 Poznań

+48 61 86 92 000

www.mtp.pl

THE REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION INSPECTOR FOR THE WIELKOPOLSKIE REGION

al. Niepodległości 16/18, 61-713 Poznań

+48 61 854 11 54

www.pinb.pl

Regional institutions - WielkopolskaVII. ADDRESS GUIDE

WIELKOPOLSKA

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11

5

92

A2

A2

PIŁA

GNIEZNO

KONIN

WRZEŚNIA

POZNAŃ

NOWY TOMYŚL

LESZNOOSTRÓW WIELKOPOLSKI

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BERLIN

WARSZAWA

TABLE OF CONTENTS


1. The invitation to invest2. Foreign investor (Schattdecor)3. How to use the investor’s Guidebook?

3 - 4


Statistics1. Location, historical and cultural background2. Transport3. Population and economy4. Poznań International Fair

5 - 15


1. Special Economic Zones – incentives for investors2. SEZ in Wielkopolska3. Incubators, industrial and technological parks4. Wielkopolska – The best place for your investment

16 - 23


1. Market and legal-administrative conditions of conducting an economic activity in Poland2. Searching for a place for the investment.3. Company set up and registration 4. Land purchase5. Investment preparation – permits6. Registered office/enterprise construction7. Employees recruitment8. Employment9. Communications and information technology infrastructure10. Outsourcing

24 - 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS


1. Poland – administrative division2. Stay and work permit3. Tax system and avoidance of double taxation4. Social security system5. Custom rules6. Public procurements

32 - 35


1. Public aid2. Poland in the European Union and EU Funds 2014-20203. Institutions providing support within the EU funds4. Credits, loans, leasing – another source of financing5. Institutions supporting entrepreneurs in Wielkopolska

36 - 41

VII. ADDRESS GUIDE

National institutionsRegional institutions - Wielkopolska

42 - 45

ISBN 978-83-60782-16-3