- Business in Poland -

Central Register and Information on Business Activity (CEIDG)

What is the Central Register and Information on Business Activity (CEIDG)?

The Central Register and Information on Business Activity (CEIDG) is an important part of the legal system that regulates business activity in Poland. It is a public register that collects information about individuals running businesses and partners in civil law partnerships. Unlike the National Court Register (KRS), which includes commercial companies and other legal entities, CEIDG only covers entrepreneurs who are individuals.

Legal basis and purpose of CEIDG

According to the Act of March 6, 2018, on the Central Register and Information on Business Activity, the purpose of CEIDG is to maintain a record of people running sole proprietorships and partners in civil law partnerships. The register serves as a source of public information, allowing the verification of data about entrepreneurs. It also helps simplify the processes of registering, updating, suspending, and closing businesses, which improves the efficiency of business transactions.

How to register in CEIDG?

To get listed in the CEIDG, an entrepreneur needs to submit an application. This can be done online or in person at the local municipal office. The application must be submitted before starting the business, or if there are any changes to the entrepreneur's details, such as a change of address, tax status, or if the business is being suspended.

By law, the authority managing the CEIDG must complete the registration by the next business day after receiving the application.

Required information for CEIDG registration

When applying for registration in CEIDG, the entrepreneur must provide specific information to fully identify themselves. The required information includes:

1. Personal Information: Name and surname, PESEL number (if applicable), date of birth, citizenship, and identity document details.
2. Contact Details: Address for correspondence, business address.
3. Business Identification: REGON number, NIP number (if applicable).
4. PKD Code (Polish Classification of Activities): This indicates the type of business activity being conducted, with one main activity code.
5. Other Information: This can include suspension, termination of the business, bankruptcy, professional restrictions, and marital property status.

Does CEIDG assign a registration number?

CEIDG does not assign a separate registration number. Instead, entrepreneurs are identified by the details provided in their registration application, and these details can be publicly verified.

Obligation to update CEIDG information

Entrepreneurs have the main responsibility to keep their information in CEIDG up to date. According to the law, they must update their details whenever something changes, such as their contact information, business address, NIP, REGON, or PKD code. They must also report when their business is suspended or closed.

Legal consequences of false information in CEIDG

Failure to update the information, or providing false details during registration or updates, can lead to serious legal consequences, including civil, administrative, and criminal penalties.

Submitting false information to CEIDG can result in criminal charges. According to Polish criminal law, anyone who gives false information in a public register can be held criminally responsible. Entrepreneurs are also liable for damages caused by inaccurate information or failing to make necessary updates. If an entrepreneur provides incorrect information about their legal status (e.g., failing to report bankruptcy), they may face claims from people who were harmed by the wrong information.

CEIDG and business transparency

As a public register, CEIDG helps ensure transparency in business transactions. All the information in the register is available online for anyone to access, making it easy to check the credibility of potential business partners. This transparency is vital for proper business functioning because it allows for the effective verification of entrepreneurs.

CEIDG vs. National Court Register (KRS): key differences

While CEIDG is for individuals running sole proprietorships and partners in civil law partnerships, the National Court Register (KRS) handles the registration of commercial companies (such as limited liability companies and joint-stock companies), foundations, associations, and other legal entities. Entrepreneurs who operate in other business forms, like partnerships, must register in the KRS instead of CEIDG.