Deregulation for companies – what benefits await entrepreneurs?

Business Deregulation 2025 – key amendments

In 2025, the so-called Deregulation Package was passed, introducing over 40 legislative changes aimed at reducing administrative burdens and simplifying procedures in business transactions. The amendments address some of the most frequently raised issues affecting those running businesses in Poland. Following extensive consultations with businesses, amendments were finally introduced to as many as 35 laws, the most important of which are:

1. New inspection rules – less stress, more predictability

One of the most noticeable changes is the new rules regarding inspections in companies. From 2025**,** an inspection carried out on a micro-enterprise may last for a maximum of 6 days, whereas previously it was 12 days. Furthermore, the new regulation limits inspections to one or two per year – depending on the risk category – for small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, businesses classified as low-risk can expect scheduled visits from inspectors no more frequently than once every five years, and in the case of medium-risk businesses, once every three years. What is more, the authorities can no longer turn up ‘unannounced’. Before an inspection, the business receives a list of required documents. This not only provides peace of mind but also allows for proper preparation. Such measures are a response to long-standing demands from the SME sector, which has suffered most from disproportionate, often paralysing inspections.

2. Transparency in administration – hybrid decisions and ‘soft’ notices

The 2025 Deregulation Package has also introduced significant changes regarding the application of administrative sanctions and the conduct of proceedings. Public administration bodies have been granted the power to write off both current and overdue financial penalties ex officio in situations where there is a reasonable presumption that enforcement would be ineffective – for example, due to the debtor’s lack of assets or source of income. This is intended to prevent situations where the costs of enforcement exceed the potential financial benefits, whilst streamlining the administration’s operations. At the same time, so-called ‘soft’ notices have been introduced – that is, the possibility of contacting the business before initiating formal proceedings – which allows for the early clarification of doubts and the avoidance of unnecessary formalities. In some commercial cases, the option of a single-instance decision has also been introduced, which shortens procedures and speeds up the issuance of a decision. Deadlines have also been shortened. An official now has 21 days to issue a decision – that is 9 days less than before. And if the deadline passes without a response, the principle of tacit consent applies. In practice, this means that in the absence of a decision or objection from the authority within the statutory time limit, the matter is deemed to have been resolved in the applicant’s favour. Under the new regulations, this solution will apply, amongst other things, to proceedings concerning the conclusion of contracts in the fuel sector, permits to conduct efficacy tests on plant protection products, and the registration of identification marks for manufacturers of measuring bottles. This mechanism shortens the time taken to process cases, reduces the burden on authorities and increases certainty in economic transactions.

3. Stable law – vacatio legis and the ‘one in, one out’ principle

The new regulations introduce a minimum vacatio legis of six months for any tax legislation that increases the regulatory burden. This ensures that businesses are not informed of changes overnight, but have time to adapt their procedures, systems and, in some cases, even their business model. As with any rule, there will be exceptions here, but these may only apply in specific cases, for example where required by European Union law or where action is justified in the public interest, such as matters relating to national security or health protection. A new legislative principle has also emerged: ‘one in, one out’ – every new regulation imposing obligations must be balanced by the removal of another burden. Although no enforcement mechanism has been provided for as yet, the very presence of this principle within the legislative system may serve as a benchmark in the debate on the quality of law.

4. Digital solutions and greater flexibility

The deregulation package also includes specific measures to facilitate digitalisation. From July 2025, leasing contracts may be concluded entirely online, without the need for a qualified electronic signature. It is now also possible to run an unregistered business solely on the basis of a PESEL number – which paves the way for legal operation, for example, for craftspeople, freelancers or those combining employment with self-employment. The definition of a craft has also been amended – a craftsperson may now operate as a limited liability company or a public limited company, which was previously impossible. This is crucial for the development of smaller but ambitious firms that wish to grow within a more modern structure than the traditional sole proprietorship.

Deregulation package – but what about the risks?

Although deregulation is a step towards simplification, the potential risks cannot be ignored. The lack of a mechanism to verify the effects of the ‘one in, one out’ principle could render it a dead letter. Some solutions – such as single-instance decisions – may limit the right to appeal in complex or contentious cases. There is also a risk of excessive variation in practice – everything depends on the efficiency of individual authorities.

Deregulation for Businesses 2025 – Summary

The 2025 deregulation is a genuine response to the needs of businesses. The changes introduced – from simplified inspections, through digitalisation, to greater legal predictability – have the potential to improve the business environment in Poland. What is more – their design shows that the legislator is striving to move away from the ‘state as controller’ model towards the ‘state as partner’. This is good news for business. But like any change, this one will also require time, practice and… vigilance. Therefore, if you are an entrepreneur and need assistance in light of all the new (de)regulations or advice on commercial and corporate law, please contact HWW Hewelt Wojnowski Lindner & Partners.