For many Belarusian specialists and entrepreneurs, the IT sector remains one of the most dynamic and promising industries. However, in recent years, more and more developers, startups, and companies have been considering registering their business abroad, particularly in Poland. Poland offers access to the European market, international investments, and simplified conditions for relocating specialists. At the same time, Belarus retains several advantages for conducting IT activities, from flexible tax regimes to lower operating costs.

An entrepreneur faces a practical question: where is it more profitable and convenient to open an IT company in Poland or in Belarus? The answer depends not only on financial and legal factors but also on the strategic goals of the business, for example, whether the company plans to work with European clients, attract investments, relocate its team, or, conversely, maintain its main operations within the country.

In this article, we will examine the key differences between registering an IT company in Poland and Belarus: legal and tax aspects, founder requirements, and the specifics of accounting and employment. The material will be useful both for existing IT entrepreneurs and for those who are only planning to start their own technology business and are looking for the optimal jurisdiction for launch.

Choosing a Jurisdiction: Belarus or Poland?

Choosing between registering an IT company in Belarus or in Poland is one of the key decisions for entrepreneurs who want to scale their business, optimize taxation, and gain access to international markets. Both countries offer competitive conditions for the technology sector, but each has its own characteristics, from tax regimes to bureaucratic procedures and opportunities for international expansion.

Key Criteria for Choosing a Country for IT Business Registration

When selecting a jurisdiction, it is important to consider not only the tax burden but also a range of factors that influence the long-term stability of the business:

Tax Regime and Incentives

Belarus offers special conditions for residents of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP), minimal taxes and simplified currency regulation. Poland, in turn, attracts entrepreneurs with its stable European tax system and optimization opportunities through IP Box or Estonian CIT.

Market Access

Poland provides direct access to the European Union, which is especially important for companies targeting European clients. Belarus, meanwhile, is more convenient for businesses working with customers from the CIS region.

Banking System and Currency Transactions

Polish banks are integrated with the European financial system (SEPA, IBAN), while in Belarus, currency operations are more tightly regulated. However, opening accounts and making payments with foreign partners remain possible.

Reputation and Partner Trust

Polish jurisdiction is perceived as more predictable and transparent for international partners. A Belarusian company, however, can be more attractive in terms of operating costs and startup speed.

When It’s More Advantageous to Stay in Belarus vs. Enter the European Market

Registering an IT company in Belarus is beneficial when:

• The business targets the domestic market or CIS countries.
• The team is located in Belarus and it’s important to retain HTP tax benefits.
• The priority is minimal administrative and hiring costs.

Registering in Poland is rational when:

• The company plans to work with clients from the EU and the US.
• It’s important to receive payments in euros without currency restrictions.
• There are plans to attract investments or participate in EU grant programs.
• The owners or part of the team have already relocated to the EU.

Thus, the choice of country depends not only on taxes but also on business development strategy, team composition, and target markets.

Main Differences in the Regulation of IT Activities

Belarus traditionally supports technology companies through the Hi-Tech Park (HTP), a special legal regime that provides low taxes, contractual freedom, and flexible employment conditions. The state focuses on developing the domestic IT industry and export of services while maintaining a relatively high level of regulatory oversight.

Poland, on the other hand, offers a European regulatory model based on transparency, protection of ownership rights, and integration into international legal standards. Companies can benefit from intelligent tax instruments, investment protection, and opportunities to participate in EU programs for tech startups.

Overall, Belarus ensures speed and flexibility at the startup stage, while Poland provides stability, international trust, and investment potential. The optimal choice depends on where the entrepreneur envisions the long-term future of their IT business.

Registering an IT Company in Belarus

Belarus maintains its reputation as one of the most favorable jurisdictions for IT business in the post-Soviet region. The state has built a relatively simple system for company registration, while already registered entrepreneurs can choose between the standard business model and participation in the Hi-Tech Park (HTP), which grants significant tax and administrative benefits.

Legal Forms and Minimum Founder Requirements

The most common form for IT companies in Belarus is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It allows flexible distribution of shares among participants, does not require substantial share capital, and is suitable for both individual entrepreneurs and developer teams.

Main requirements for LLC registration:

• Founders — one or more individuals or legal entities, including foreign ones.
• Charter capital — minimal (from one basic unit).
• Director — may be a resident or non-resident of Belarus.
• Legal address — mandatory, but may be a rented office or coworking space.

Registration Procedure and Costs

The process of registering an IT company in Belarus is quite fast and can be completed within one business day.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Preparation of founding documents: charter, establishment decision, and incorporation agreement (if several founders).
2. Submission of documents to the registration authority (Executive Committee or Minsk City Executive Committee).
3. State registration: the company is entered into the Unified State Register of Legal Entities and Individual Entrepreneurs (EGR).
4. Automatic notification of tax authorities, the Social Security Fund (FSZN), and Belgosstrakh.
   Since 2024, these notifications are sent by the registration authority, so founders do not need to submit separate applications.
5. Opening a bank account.
   The registration authority can forward documents directly to the selected bank for account opening — saving administrative time.

Registration costs in Belarus remain among the lowest in the region:
The state fee is equivalent to €25, and additional expenses (notary, legal address, document translation) amount to approximately €100–200, depending on circumstances.

Advantages of the Belarusian Regime for IT Business (Including HTP)

The main incentive for IT business registration in Belarus remains the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) , a special legal regime designed to develop the IT industry.

Key benefits for HTP residents:

• Minimal tax burden: exemption from VAT and corporate income tax.
• Social security contributions may be paid from a capped amount.
• Simplified currency regulation: foreign trade contracts can be concluded through electronic document exchange, and business operations can be documented unilaterally.
• HTP resident status enhances company credibility with foreign clients and investors.

For companies outside HTP, the tax system remains competitive:
Corporate income tax is 20%, personal income tax is 13% (same as for HTP residents), and small businesses can opt for a simplified taxation system with a single tax rate. The simplified tax regime does not apply to HTP residents.

Registering an IT Company in Poland

In recent years, Poland has become one of the most attractive European countries for IT business registration, especially for specialists from Belarus and other Eastern European countries. This is due to the combination of a stable economy, transparent legal system, access to the EU market, and moderate tax levels. It is possible to open a company both remotely and in person — with basic documents and a Polish PESEL number or a power of attorney for a representative.

Main Business Forms: Sp. z o.o., Sole Proprietorship, and Others

For the IT sector in Poland, one of two forms is most commonly chosen:

Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (Sp. z o.o.) — equivalent to a Belarusian LLC.
It is a legal entity with limited shareholder liability, suitable for companies working with clients and partners within the EU.
The minimum share capital is 5,000 PLN, and founders can be one or more persons, including foreigners. The company can be registered online via the S24 system or traditionally — through a notary.

Other options include spółka komandytowa (limited partnership) and prosta spółka akcyjna (PSA) — a simplified joint-stock company designed for startups seeking investment. However, for most IT companies, the optimal choices remain Sp. z o.o. and sole proprietorship (JDG), depending on business scale and goals.

Company Registration Process and Required Documents

The process of registering an IT company in Poland can be completed within a few business days, especially if documents are submitted online.

Main stages of registering a Sp. z o.o.:

Step 1. Preparation of founding documents — the company’s Articles of Association (umowa spółki), founder data, legal address, and information about the amount of share capital.
Step 2. Registration with the National Court Register (KRS) via the S24 online system or through a notary.
Step 3. Obtaining REGON and NIP numbers — these are assigned automatically after registration.
Step 4. Registration with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and the tax office.
These procedures are also carried out automatically — the entrepreneur does not need to visit each authority separately.
Step 5. Opening a bank account and, if necessary, registering as a VAT payer.

Main documents required:

• Founder’s passport
• Articles of Association (for Sp. z o.o.)
• Proof of legal address
• Registration application
• Description of business activities (according to the PKD classification)

Taxation and Accounting Features in Poland

Poland’s tax system is known for its flexibility and preferential regimes for IT businesses.

For Sp. z o.o. companies:

• Corporate income tax (CIT): 9% for small businesses (up to €2 million annual revenue) and 19% for larger ones.
• Dividend tax: 19%.
• VAT: standard rate of 23%, but VAT exemption is possible if the company’s annual income does not exceed the statutory threshold.

Accounting is mandatory for all legal entities.

In addition, Poland actively supports startups, IT companies, and freelancers through numerous programs, including tax relief during the first years of operation, grants from PARP (Polish Agency for Enterprise Development), and regional subsidies.

Comparison of Tax Regimes in Belarus and Poland

When choosing between registering an IT company in Belarus or Poland, one of the key factors is the tax system.
For technology businesses, it’s not only about which country offers lower rates but also about how predictable and transparent tax administration is.
Each country has its own specific features: Belarus offers a preferential regime for Hi-Tech Park (HTP) residents, while Poland provides European-level guarantees, flexibility, and access to double taxation treaties.

Corporate Income Tax and Dividends

In Belarus, the standard corporate income tax rate is 20%. However, companies that are HTP residents benefit from a special regime, profits derived from eligible HTP activities are exempt from corporate income tax.

In Poland, companies registered as Sp. z o.o. pay corporate income tax (CIT) at two rates:

• 9% — for small enterprises with annual income up to €2 million
• 19% — for all others

Dividends are taxed at 19%, but Poland’s network of double taxation treaties (including with Belarus) allows for reduced rates in certain cases, depending on ownership structure and residency status.

Thus, Belarus remains more advantageous in terms of profit taxation for HTP-resident companies, while Poland compensates for its higher rates with legal stability, transparency, and the absence of currency restrictions.

Social Contributions and Personal Income Tax for Employees

In both countries, labor costs include not only salaries but also mandatory contributions to state funds.

In Belarus, the employer must pay:

• Contributions to the Social Protection Fund (FSZN) — 34% of the payroll fund
• Contributions to Belgosstrakh (state insurance) — 0.6%
• Withholding of personal income tax — 13%

For HTP residents, the same income tax and contribution rates apply, but the exemption from several other taxes (such as VAT on IT service exports) makes the overall burden significantly lower.

In Poland, the system is more complex but also more transparent.
The employer contributes to:

• The pension fund (emerytalny)
• Disability and sickness insurance
• The National Health Fund (NFZ)

The total employer burden is approximately 20–22% of an employee’s gross salary.
Personal income tax is withheld at a progressive rate:

• 12% — for annual income up to 120,000 PLN
• 32% — on the amount exceeding this threshold

Poland also offers tax deductions and incentives for technology professionals, such as the IP Box, which significantly reduces the taxable base for income derived from the development or use of intellectual property.

Opportunities for Tax Optimization

Belarus traditionally provides IT companies with a favorable tax regime through the HTP system.
Poland, by contrast, focuses not on exemptions but on reducing the taxable base through legal mechanisms.

Key tools include:

• IP Box: allows companies to pay only 5% tax on profits derived from the use or sale of intellectual property (e.g., software code or patents).
• R&D Tax Relief: enables deduction of up to 200% of research and development expenses.
• Estonian CIT: defers income tax until profits are distributed as dividends.

Thus, the Belarusian model is best suited for companies primarily exporting IT services and valuing administrative simplicity, while the Polish model fits businesses aiming for scaling, participation in international grants, and access to EU financial instruments.

Overall, Poland offers a stable and flexible taxation system aligned with European standards, while Belarus provides a preferential but localized regime for IT companies.
The choice depends on the company’s goals: minimizing costs here and now, or developing within the international legal and financial framework.

Practical Recommendations for Entrepreneurs

The decision between registering an IT company in Belarus or Poland is not just a matter of taxes and expenses. It directly affects business development strategy, access to markets and investments, and even the company’s image in the eyes of clients and partners. Therefore, the process must be approached consciously, considering long-term goals and the characteristics of each jurisdiction.

How to Choose a Jurisdiction Based on Business Goals

If a company’s main audience and clients are located in Belarus or CIS countries, and the priority is low tax burden and administrative simplicity, registration in Belarus, particularly within the HTP framework makes sense.
This regime offers minimal taxes, flexibility in employee payments, and relatively simple business management.

If, however, the business focuses on clients from the EU, participation in international tenders, investment attraction, or foreign expansion, Poland is the more reasonable choice.
Company registration there grants access to EU funding programs, enables legal cooperation with international clients, and simplifies cross-border payments.

In short:

• Belarus is better for operational efficiency and cost reduction.
• Poland is better for growth and international positioning.

Common Mistakes When Registering and Operating Abroad

Many entrepreneurs make common mistakes that later lead to additional expenses or legal complications. The most frequent include:

• Choosing the wrong legal form — when the company structure doesn’t match its scale or type of activity.
• Ignoring tax residency requirements — especially when the owner or employees remain in Belarus while the company is registered abroad.
• Incorrect preparation or translation of founding documents — errors in the Articles of Association or company name can delay registration.
• Lack of understanding of local accounting standards — for example, in Poland, stricter reporting rules apply, with mandatory electronic filing of financial statements.

Such mistakes often occur when entrepreneurs try to handle everything independently without involving specialists familiar with local law. As a result, a company may face account freezes, fines, or loss of tax benefits.

Conclusion

Registering an IT company is only the first step. To ensure compliance with the law and achieve sustainable profitability, continuous legal and accounting support is essential.

Our qualified lawyers can:

• Choose the optimal business structure and ownership form.
• Draft contracts with partners and employees in line with national and international law.
• Ensure tax compliance and lawful use of benefits.
• Represent the company before government authorities during registration and ongoing operations.

Accounting support is equally important: professionals ensure timely tax payments, accurate reporting, and help utilize available optimization mechanisms.

For entrepreneurs, this means one thing — the ability to focus on business growth instead of bureaucratic challenges.

In conclusion, the success of an IT company entering either the Belarusian or European market largely depends on the quality of preparation and support.
A well-chosen jurisdiction, professional documentation, and reliable legal assistance help avoid risks, save resources, and ensure stable business growth.

How to contact us 

For more information or consultations on registering an IT company in Belarus, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you.

Phone and email communication options are available for your convenience:

• +375293664477 (WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber);
• info@spex.by.