Running a handmade business is more than just creating beautiful products. If you’re serious about turning your craft into a scalable source of income, selling across Europe is a natural next step—and Poland is one of the smartest places to start.
Whether you make ceramics, textiles, or custom wooden toys, setting up your e-commerce company in Poland opens the door to the entire EU market. And the good news? It’s easier than you might think.
Why Poland?
Poland has become a popular choice for small international sellers. The country combines low operating costs, decent infrastructure, and a relatively straightforward business environment. You don’t need to live in Poland to start a company there, which makes it especially attractive for creators from outside the EU looking for a base within the bloc.
Forming Your Company
Most e-commerce sellers go for a spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością—the Polish equivalent of a limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.). It’s flexible, safe, and doesn’t require Polish citizenship.
Company registration in Poland is not a difficult process. Here’s the short version of what you’ll need:
- a registered office address in Poland (can be virtual)
- at least one shareholder (can be foreign)
- a minimum share capital of 5,000 PLN (about €1,150)
- a Polish bank account
- entry into the KRS (Polish commercial register)
The process can be done online, although having a local legal or accounting partner helps a lot with paperwork, especially when it comes to the Polish language barrier.
VAT Registration and Cross-Border Sales
To sell legally across the EU, you need a VAT number. After registering your company, you apply for a Polish VAT number (NIP), and then for an EU VAT number (VAT UE). This is essential if you plan to:
- sell goods to consumers in other EU countries
- store goods in warehouses across different member states
- use marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or your own Shopify store
Once you’re set up, the OSS (One-Stop Shop) system lets you report all your EU sales in one quarterly VAT declaration, without needing to register for VAT in each individual country.
Warehousing and Logistics
If you plan to scale, consider fulfillment solutions inside Poland or nearby. Cities like Wrocław, Poznań, or Łódź have great logistics infrastructure and are well connected with the rest of the EU. Many small e-commerce owners use third-party logistics (3PL) services to manage storage, packing, and shipping.
Alternatively, if you’re just starting out, shipping directly from your home studio or using postal services is a valid approach—just make sure your customs declarations and invoices meet EU rules.
Digital Regulations and Compliance
Your website or marketplace store will need to comply with EU digital rules:
- GDPR (for data privacy)
- clear return and refund policies
- transparent pricing and product descriptions
- clear terms & conditions in the local language(s)
For small sellers, this can sound overwhelming—but once your templates are set, the maintenance is minimal.
Ready To Go Beyond Local Markets?
Establishing a company in Poland to sell handmade goods across the EU isn’t just about bureaucracy. It’s a launchpad. You’ll gain access to 27 countries with a single business setup, lower overhead than most Western EU countries, and the confidence of being part of a legal and economic system that encourages cross-border trade.
When your craft is ready for a bigger audience, Poland might just be your best first step.
