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Limited Liability Company

LLC or Simple Joint-Stock Company? A guide for entrepreneurs

Choosing a legal form is one of the first and most important decisions when starting a business. In the Polish legal system, alongside the established limited liability company (LLC, sp. z o.o.) there is the Simple Joint-Stock Company (PSA).

Both aim to limit shareholders’ liability, but internal mechanisms differ. As an accounting firm we settle both types daily – here is a comparison of key differences.

Capital at the start

This is the most often cited difference.

    LLC: Minimum share capital of PLN 5,000. The full amount must be paid in before registration. PSA: A symbolic PLN 1 of share capital suffices. Interestingly, in a PSA the contribution can also be work or services for the company, which is not allowed in a classic LLC.

Flexibility and management

The PSA was designed for startups and innovative projects where structure must be dynamic.

    In an LLC there is a traditional split between the management board and the general meeting (optionally a supervisory board). In a PSA you can appoint a board of directors combining executive and supervisory functions – known from Anglo-Saxon systems and speeding up decisions.

Transfer of shares and stock

    LLC: Transfer of shares requires written form with notarially certified signatures – notary visit and extra costs. PSA: The register of shareholders is electronic (e.g. via an investment firm or notary). Transfer of shares is simpler and can be done by e-mail or digital platforms, which helps attract investors.

Running costs

    LLC: remember fixed costs such as office rent and accounting services. PSA: the same fixed costs, plus you must maintain a register of shareholders – about PLN 1,200 per year.

Comparison at a glance

What should you remember?

From an accounting perspective, both entities keep full books and are CIT taxpayers. The choice does not drastically change day-to-day documentation for the tax office, but it matters greatly for ownership structure and planned growth.

Important: As an accounting firm we provide professional bookkeeping and tax settlements. This article is for information only and does not constitute legal or investment advice.

Want to know more about full accounting in your new company? Contact our team!

Certified Accountant (C.I.K.) no. 78963/2025. President of the Management Board of NWAGNER TAX & ACCOUNTING - FINANCIAL ADVISOR Sp. z o.o. Finance Director at MasterKOR Korepetycje Sp. z o.o. President of the NWAGNER Society & Business Foundation. President of the Management Board of NWAGNER Investments & Technologies Sp. z o.o. Questions for me? Write to: norbert@biuro-rachunkowe-nwagner.eu

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