- Business in Poland -
National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy)
What is the National Court Register (KRS) in Poland?
The National Court Register (KRS) is one of the most important public databases in Poland, containing essential information about business entities, social organizations, professional organizations, foundations, and insolvent debtors. It is a tool that allows quick access to key information, which can assist both entrepreneurs and citizens in their professional and private lives.
The history and purpose of the National Court Register
The National Court Register was established based on the Act of August 20, 1997, on the National Court Register and has been operational since January 1, 2001. It replaced previous registers, such as the Commercial Register, which had been used in Poland since 1919, as well as other databases related to the activities of state-owned enterprises and non-governmental organizations. The purpose of the KRS is to ensure transparency in economic and social transactions, providing quick access to important information regarding the legal status of various entities.
The KRS is divided into three main registers:
- The Register of Entrepreneurs – Contains data about business entities, such as companies and other organizations conducting business activities in Poland.
- The Register of Associations, Other Social and Professional Organizations, Foundations, and Public Healthcare Institutions – Gathers information about organizations that do not engage in business activities but have legal personality.
- The Register of Insolvent Debtors – Contains data on individuals and entities that have been declared insolvent, which may be important information for various parties.
Entities that are required by law to be entered into the National Court Register include:
- Partnerships (e.g., general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited joint-stock partnerships),
- Capital companies (limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, simple joint-stock companies),
- Budgetary economy institutions,
- Foundations, associations, social and professional organizations,
- Cooperatives,
- Research institutes and other organizations conducting research and development activities.
However, it should be noted that the KRS does not include sole proprietors or partners in civil law partnerships. These entrepreneurs, although conducting business activities, are not required to be registered in the KRS and are not included in this register.
What information can be found in the National Court Register?
Thanks to the National Court Register, a range of valuable information about business entities and other organizations can be obtained. The most important data available in the KRS includes:
- Identification Data – Such as the entity's name, registered office address, KRS number, REGON number, and NIP number.
- Data on Persons Authorized to Represent the Entity – Including data on the management board, proxies, and other persons holding positions in the company.
- Scope of Activity – Information on the specific business activities of the entity.
- Financial Status – Including information on tax arrears, debts to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), or outstanding liabilities.
- Changes in the Entity's Structure – Such as information about the commencement and termination of liquidation or the declaration of bankruptcy.
This information is invaluable for both those seeking business partners and consumers who want to verify the entities they are dealing with. The KRS is particularly useful for entrepreneurs looking for reliable business partners.
How to access the National Court Register online?
Access to the information contained in the KRS is public and free of charge, meaning that anyone interested can check the data of entities registered in this register. To do so, one can visit the Ministry of Justice's website, where the KRS search engine is available. Searches can be conducted by KRS number, REGON number, NIP number, or entity name. Importantly, this information is updated in real-time, ensuring that users have access to reliable and accurate data. The KRS is also available in electronic form, which allows for easy and quick browsing of the register from any location.
Fees for extracts and official focuments from the KRS
Using the KRS is generally free, but if one wishes to obtain extracts, certificates, or copies of documents from the register, a fee is required. Access to copies of documents submitted in either paper or electronic form can also be obtained by submitting an application to the Central Information of the National Court Register.
Why the National Court Register matters for business and society?
The National Court Register is a fundamental tool in Poland's economic and social transactions. Its purpose is to ensure transparency in the activities of legal entities, thereby fostering trust in business and social relationships. It allows entrepreneurs to verify the reliability of business partners, check the legal status of organizations, and ascertain whether an entity has any outstanding tax liabilities or other financial issues. Moreover, the KRS is helpful not only for entrepreneurs but also for citizens who wish to learn about the status of social organizations, foundations, or associations they cooperate with or plan to collaborate with.
Need a help?
Contact me: Attorney Joanna Chmielińska, Partner/Head of Business Law Department
E-mail: j.chmielinska@kkz.com.pl
