The Polish government launched a new feature within the mObywatel app allowing citizens to register a business in minutes directly from their smartphones.
Simplified Business Startup with mObywatel
Previously, establishing a business involved multiple visits to government offices and lengthy waits. The new mObywatel app function aims to completely change this process, allowing for business registration in minutes without leaving home.
The government asserts this service significantly simplifies starting a business.
Digitalization of Business Registration
The change, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski on April 23rd in Katowice, represents a complete shift towards a digital process for establishing a business.
Gawkowski stated during the European Economic Congress that registering a business can now take just a few minutes via smartphone, eliminating the need for in-person visits and unnecessary paperwork.
How mObywatel Simplifies the Process
The core of the process remains the CEIDG-1 form, submitted to the Central Register of Economic Activity. The difference lies in how and where the form is completed – now directly within the mObywatel app.
The app guides users step-by-step, allowing them to save progress and return to the form later without losing data.
Eligibility and Requirements
The new function is initially targeted towards individuals establishing their first business.
Automation and Data Integration
The key benefit isn’t simply transferring the application to a phone; it’s the automation. The system automatically retrieves data from state registers, reducing the need for manual input and minimizing errors.
The app also provides a streamlined, real-time experience similar to mobile banking.
Remaining Requirements After Registration
Despite the app’s broad capabilities, some tasks remain outside its scope. After registration, entrepreneurs must still handle matters related to ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), VAT, and ongoing business obligations.
However, many of these tasks can be completed online through platforms like Biznes.gov.pl.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The registration process involves the following steps:
1. User initiates the “Firma” (Business) service – System retrieves data from registers.
2. User completes missing information – System provides guidance.
3. User selects PKD (Polish Classification of Activities) and tax office – System validates data.
4. User signs the application – System transmits to CEIDG.
5. User waits for a decision – System provides status updates.
Government’s Vision for mObywatel
Expanding the app’s functionality aligns with the broader trend of digitizing public services. Funded in part by the National Recovery Plan, the project aims to simplify citizen interaction with the state.
The goal is to reduce the time it takes to start a business, minimize formal errors, and encourage entrepreneurship, addressing a key barrier for many – bureaucratic hurdles.
Further integrations with other administrative systems are planned, potentially streamlining obligations to ZUS and the tax authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I register a second business through mObywatel? A: No, the function is limited to first-time entrepreneurs.
Q: Is a trusted profile required? A: Yes, an electronic signature is mandatory.
Q: Does the app automatically register with ZUS? A: Not fully; some formalities must be completed separately.
Q: Can I save and return to the application? A: Yes, data is saved, and you can resume the process later.
