Law / U.S. Citizen Moving to Poland - opening business? [36]

Merged: Questions regarding opening business by a US citizen in Poland

Hi everyone --

In short order, roughly, the next 6 years -- I will be looking to move to Poland and open an American style Inn -- I expect to employ approximately 10 people (possibly more) and connect with the tourism scene between Krakow and Wrocław. Presently, I am in my junior year at Eastern Michigan University; My major is Hotel & Restaurant Management, and my minors are in International Business and International Business Law. I should be done with all of my chosen degree fields in the next 4 years -- not that age matters, but I am working on my second career (in my 40's), and have already retired from the United States Navy after 18 years.

I've read similar threads of US citizens looking to operate a business in Poland, and have gleaned some information, albeit none specifically for my situation.

I am of Polish dissent (great-grandparents are buried in NE Poland, still have living family in NE Poland), but was born in Michigan, USA.

I am wondering if anyone can guide me in the following questions:

1) Will I have to relinquish my US Citizenship in order to operate my own business in Poland?
2) If no, is it possible to maintain dual citizenship? (The United States recognizes a dual citizenship, does Poland?)
3) Is it a "must" to speak fluent Polish, or will any fluency work?
4) How difficult is it to establish a business in Poland?
5) What are the steps, that you would recommend, to be taken to establish a business in Poland?

An American style Inn -- for those that do not know -- is a hotel / bed & breakfast, but offers bigger rooms with American style amenities, and amenities that appeal to more discerning guests. I am presently a SBO (small business owner) and expect to move my business with me (I make my own line of bath and body products, which will be distributed in my inn as well as be for sale to the public).

I may, depending on the response I receive initially have more questions to ask as they arise.

Thank you for your help --it's greatly appreciated.

Law / U.S. Citizen Moving to Poland - opening business? [36]

To answer previous questions regarding residing/traveling extensively in Poland --

Yes, I have lived (briefly) in Poland, and have traveled there in 1969, 1973, 1974, 1977 and 1979. I lived there one full summer in 1979... of course, all while she was occupied. My husband and I will be going to see family again in April of next year (and touring the countryside).

I am against building "new" -- does anyone know if it is possible to refurbish an existing home to make a suitable B&B/inn? I would imagine that we would choose a place in between Krakow and Gliwice, as my husband is a General Motors employee of 10 years.

I appreciate all of the responses thus far.

Law / U.S. Citizen Moving to Poland - opening business? [36]

?? I never said anything about Katowice....

Law / U.S. Citizen Moving to Poland - opening business? [36]

yes -- smaller towns, villages and lots of forest ... and the A4. :)

Law / U.S. Citizen Moving to Poland - opening business? [36]

Excellent responses --

I was looking at Chrzanow or Balice actually -- I will look up the other area mentioned. (there is more than location itself -- it's finding the niche ;) ). If all else fails after our visit in the spring, we will settle for extreme NE Poland where my family is from.

Poland is then the opposite of the United States -- where back roads are more often preferred over the freeway (aka A4). I'd prefer to offer package deals (no spas -- Poland has enough of those) like shopping gift certificates, dinner and movie, etc. The distance between Gliwice and Krakow is a little over an hours drive (we presently drive 2 hours each way to work), so that won't be a problem for us -- and I already know that there are NO truly American style inns in that area -- specifically offering the amenities that Americans prefer (spacious rooms, complimentary wine hour, complimentary manager's reception (free food), flat screen tv's, free internet, etc.) There are many hotels that carry an American name (Hilton, Marriott, etc) but even those fall short on the space they provide for their brands in the states.

Again, I have several years to think about it -- and to put my ducks in a row. I greatly appreciate the conversation.