Transport industry in Poland
The transportation sector in Poland is constantly developing. Although the industry underwent temporary difficulties through the pandemic situation, they were largely overcome – mainly in the inland freight transport branch, which, given Poland’s location and extensive road infrastructure, is the most popular transport route. Passenger and air transport were the hardest hit by the pandemic. However, those companies that managed to survive the worst months of the pandemic now have a good chance of being part of an upward trend, which is what we may see from the first months of 2021. Further announcements to unfreeze the economy, especially tourism, also point to this, although the specter of a fourth and subsequent waves of pandemics still looms over us.
However, if you are planning to start a business in the transport sector, you must – regardless of the development or regression of the pandemic – face, for starters, a series of requirements that carriers face… regulations.
What is a transportation license?
A transportation license is a certificate authorizing an entity to legally transport people or goods. Colloquially, the concept of a transport license is often used interchangeably with a Community license or a permit to engage in the occupation of a road transport operator – but this is a misconception of the subject, since each of these documents is different and is required in different situations.
How to get a transport license
A lot depends on whether we intend to transport only within the country or also outside the country. Let’s start with the domestic transport license.
Domestic transport license
In order to obtain this document, a statement from the person in charge of transportation (for example, at the company where the driver is or is to be employed), a copy of the KRS register, certificates of assignment of tax identification numbers and REGON, Certificate of Professional Competence (as a rule, it is sufficient to show a copy) and proof of financial security.
Important!
A person applying for a domestic transport license must have collateral, the amount of which depends on the number of vehicles: the first car must be secured for €9,000, and each subsequent car for €5,000.
However, that’s not all. A national transportation license can only be issued to those who have provided a list of vehicles they own, and have a good reputation.
What does the good reputation requirement entail? An applicant for a transport license must not have been convicted of fiscal offenses in the past (currently pending proceedings in such a case can also be a hindrance). A prerequisite is also not having a criminal record for crimes against land safety, property, or even document reliability.
International transport license
Obtaining an international license requires a certain amount of experience – a person applying for a license must have practice in performing domestic (minimum 3 years) or international transport (minimum one year). In addition, as in the case of a national license, it should provide a Certificate of Professional Competence, as well as a statement from the transport manager.
All of the above. documents the license applicant sends or delivers to the Office for International Transport.
Costs of obtaining a license
The costs we have to pay to obtain a transport license vary depending on the scope of the business.
A domestic transportation license costs money:
- PLN 800 (for a period of 2 to 15 years),
- PLN 900 (for a period of 15 to 30 years),
- PLN 1,000 (for a period of 30 to 50 years).
In the case of a passenger transport permit , we will pay slightly less:
- PLN 700 (for a period of 2 to 15 years),
- PLN 800 (for a period of 15 to 30 years),
- PLN 900 (for a period of 30 to 50 years).
Important!
Each license excerpt also costs – 1% of the amount of the license grant.
An international transport license costs noticeably more:
- PLN 4,000 for a period of up to 5 years (+ PLN 440 for discharge);
- PLN 8,000 for a period of up to 10 years (+ PLN 880 per discharge).
A permit to practice as a road carrier (necessary to obtain an international license) costs an additional PLN 1,000.
The last cost to keep in mind is the fee for the number of vehicles submitted – each vehicle will cost our company a 10% fee on the amount for licensing.
Important!
It is a good idea to apply for a transport license early – the waiting time for processing an application is a minimum of 5 working days, but can take up to two months. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal for 14 days from the day you receive the denial.
Penalty for not having a license
If for some reason you’re wondering whether getting a transport license is a good idea, the Legislature is rushing with the answer, proposing a fine of PLN 12,000 for practicing as a carrier without the proper authorization.
Moreover, once obtained, the license is not inviolable – there is a risk of losing it or suspending the ability to use it for the period indicated. The reason for revoking a license can be, for example, loss of good name (i.e. falling into conflict with the law).
Transport license renewal
A transportation license is issued for a specific period of time. So what needs to be done when that time is up? The most important thing is to start soon enough – leave yourself some time to complete the formalities and possible appeal, in case the decision turns out to be negative.
What do you need to renew your transportation license?
Prepare a set of documents to submit to the appropriate entity (depending on whether the license will be domestic or international). You will need:
- Application for authorization to practice the occupation of road transport operator and Community license (if applicable),
- A photocopy of the permit to practice the profession of road transport operator or a national license,
- certificate on the number of vehicles,
- proof of payment for the issuance of a license (according to the price list posted above),
- list of vehicles (only in the international license).
Before renewing a license, you must pay for its renewal – the same amount you would pay to issue a new one.
That’s it: now you know how to get a transportation license. You also know that it is a rather complicated but necessary process to do the job. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and get on your way safely!
06.05.2026 
