Transportation Licenses and Concessions in Poland

In Poland, activities related to the transportation of goods and persons are subject to legal regulations that may require obtaining appropriate licenses or concessions. Here are the main types of licenses and concessions required for the transport of goods and persons:

Road Transport Licenses

National Passenger Transport License in Poland – Issued to companies transporting more than 9 persons (including the driver) within Poland. This license is valid for 50 years from the date of issuance.
International Passenger Transport License – Required for carriers conducting passenger transport beyond national borders. This license is also valid for 50 years.
National Goods Transport License – Applicable to carriers transporting goods using vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 3.5 tons within Poland. The license remains valid for 50 years.
International Goods Transport License – Intended for companies performing goods transport beyond the borders of Poland with vehicles having a GVWR over 3.5 tons. This license is also valid for 50 years.

After a company purchase in Poland that already holds the required license and concession, it is often necessary to update the license or concession.

Taxi Transport License

Taxi License – A local license issued by the competent municipal authority, authorizing the transport of persons in a passenger car within a specified administrative area. The validity of this license is determined by the respective municipality.

Rail Transport Concession

Required for operators conducting rail transport. Issued by the President of the Office of Rail Transport, this concession is valid for a period specified in the decision.
The concession for rail transport is issued by the President of the Office of Rail Transport (Urząd Transportu Kolejowego, UTK). This authority is responsible for overseeing rail safety and market regulation in Poland. The legal framework governing rail transport concessions falls under the Polish Railway Law and associated regulations that align with European Union directives on rail transport.

Types of Rail Transport Concessions:

Passenger Rail Transport Concession: Required for companies that intend to offer passenger rail services. This includes regional, intercity, and international rail services.
Freight Rail Transport Concession: Necessary for entities involved in the transportation of goods by rail, which can range from bulk commodities to containerized freight.

Application Process

Submission of Application: The application for a rail transport concession must include detailed information about the company’s structure, its financial stability, technical resources (like the type and condition of rail vehicles), and professional qualifications of the staff, particularly those in safety-critical roles.
Assessment by UTK: The Office of Rail Transport evaluates the application based on safety management systems, financial capability to meet operational obligations, and adherence to national and EU rail safety standards.

Waterway Passenger Transport Concession

Essential for entrepreneurs performing commercial passenger transport by ships and boats. Issued by the port captaincy or another appropriate maritime administration unit.
The concession for waterway passenger transport is generally issued by maritime or inland waterway authorities, depending on the water body in question. In coastal areas, this might be under the jurisdiction of a Maritime Office (Urząd Morski), while inland waterways are typically overseen by regional waterway authorities.
The regulatory framework is based on Polish maritime law and inland waterway regulations, which are aligned with European Union standards for safety and environmental protection in water transport.

Air Transport Concession

Civil Aviation Concession – This is a permit issued by the relevant state authority, in Poland by the President of the Civil Aviation Authority. It authorizes the transport of passengers, baggage, parcels, and goods by aircraft. The concession for air transport is issued for an indefinite period but is subject to regular reviews to confirm compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.

Requirements – To obtain a concession, an air carrier must meet a series of conditions, such as financial capability, appropriate fleet possession, adequate safety procedures, as well as crew certifications and licenses.

Concession Categories – Concessions for aviation activities can vary depending on the type of operations (e.g., domestic or international flights), the type of aircraft, or the specifics of the transport (e.g., charter services, regular airlines).

In conclusion, navigating the transport sector in Poland necessitates a comprehensive understanding and compliance with the nation's regulatory requirements. After a company formation in Poland, obtaining the necessary licenses and concessions is crucial. These regulations, which emphasize safety and operational efficiency, are essential for maintaining the integrity of travel and facilitating the secure transport of passengers and goods globally. For companies entering this industry, a diligent approach to these regulations will not only ensure legal compliance but also enhance their capability to provide safe and efficient air transportation services.