Transport License in Poland

Transport Company in Poland

Poland offers a strong logistics foundation — ideal conditions for establishing and scaling a transport company.

Poland offers a favorable environment for establishing a transport company due to its strategic location in Central Europe, developed road infrastructure, and access to the European market. Whether you plan to operate locally or expand internationally, Poland provides a wide range of opportunities for logistics and transportation businesses.

The country’s well-organized road network, modern highways, and proximity to major European trade routes make it an ideal hub for efficient transport operations. In addition, Poland’s central position in Europe allows companies to reach neighboring countries quickly, reducing transit times and optimizing supply chains.

Poland also benefits from a highly developed multimodal transport system, including extensive rail connections, modern seaports on the Baltic Sea, and numerous airports, which together facilitate smooth cargo movement both domestically and across Europe. This strong infrastructure supports a variety of transport activities, from local deliveries to long-distance international freight, making it easier for companies to expand their services and compete in the European market.

The regulatory environment in Poland is transparent and business-friendly, with clear rules for establishing and running a transport company. Licensing procedures are well-defined, which helps entrepreneurs navigate the requirements efficiently. This clarity reduces administrative barriers and allows transport companies to focus on growth, customer service, and operational efficiency. Moreover, Poland’s membership in the European Union ensures that transport operators have access to a harmonized regulatory framework, enabling them to operate freely across EU member states while complying with consistent standards.

Poland’s market also offers significant potential for business growth. The country’s economy is dynamic and continuously expanding, creating increasing demand for logistics and transportation services. Companies entering the Polish market can benefit not only from domestic opportunities but also from the country’s role as a gateway to other European countries, providing access to both established and emerging markets. In addition, Poland’s skilled workforce, with expertise in logistics, transport management, and related fields, ensures that businesses can find the talent needed to support efficient operations and long-term development.

What is the certificate of professional competence?

It is a document confirming the qualifications and knowledge required to start and conduct business activity in the field of road transport. At least one of the natural persons managing road transport must hold a certificate of professional competence in order to obtain authorisation for domestic or international road transport.

Examinations take place in selected cities in Poland including Warsaw, Łódź, Katowice and Poznań, and are conducted by examination committees operating under the Motor Transport Institute. The Institute provides written notification of the date, location, and scope of the examination.

A person holding a graduate or postgraduate degree whose study programme covers all topics listed in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 may be exempt from the written examination.

A person whose studies cover only some of the required subjects may be exempt from the relevant part of the written test.

What transport license should i choose?

A company wishing to operate as a professional road transport operator in Poland must obtain one of the following:

Domestic Transport Licence (Licencja Krajowa)

Required for commercial transport of goods within Poland using vehicles or vehicle combinations over 3.5 tonnes.

The domestic authorisation to pursue the occupation of road transport operator is the first and essential step for any entrepreneur planning to transport goods or passengers for profit within Poland. This document is issued by the competent district authority responsible for the company’s registered office.

The authorisation is required when transporting goods using vehicles with a permissible total weight above 3.5 tonnes.

Operations in the field of domestic transport of goods or passengers may be conducted only after meeting all formal requirements, including obtaining the appropriate authorisation.

The obligation to hold a licence applies only to entrepreneurs who actually perform transport activities. It does not apply to entities outsourcing transport to external companies nor to those transporting goods solely for their own internal needs.

EU Community Licence (Licencja Wspólnotowa – LR1)

Required for international transport of goods within the EU, using vehicles:

• over 3.5 tonnes DMC, or
• 2.5–3.5 tonnes DMC if performing international carriage (mandatory since 2022).

Both licences are issued by the Polish General Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD) via the LR1 application form.

The EU community licence is a key document enabling commercial international transport of goods or passengers within the European Union and the European Economic Area. It is issued by the Chief Road Transport Inspector and allows the expansion of transport operations into international markets.

Prior possession of an EU community licence is not required for submitting an application for the occupation of road transport operator. Both applications may, however, be submitted simultaneously.

Freight Forwarding License

This type of licence is required for activities consisting of organising the transport of goods on behalf of clients without the need to possess own vehicles. The entrepreneur does not transport goods personally but acts as an intermediary by commissioning transport services to carriers.

The forwarding licence formally known as the licence for road transport operations in the field of intermediation allows professional planning and coordination of goods transport on behalf of clients. It is suitable for companies wishing to operate in the transport sector without investing in their own fleet.

The from for obtaining the licence is transparent but requires fulfilment of several formal conditions.

The company may conduct forwarding activities only if it meets the requirement of financial standing. The enterprise must have financial resources or assets worth 50000 EUR.

Poland Road Transport & Licensing Statistics 2024

International Road Transport in Poland

Data based on reports from the Chief Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD), Transport & Logistics Poland (TLP) and sector analyses.

International Transport Licence & Financial Standing

Overview of licence penetration and minimum financial standing required for road carriers in Poland (international transport, vehicles >3.5 t and 2.5–3.5 t).