For entrepreneurs planning to launch their own business, the key legalization instrument is obtaining a residence card (karta pobytu) based on conducting business activity. This document not only confirms the legality of stay in the country but also grants its holder a wide range of rights: from free movement within the Schengen Area to the ability to fully integrate into Polish society, use social guarantees, and in the future apply for permanent residence or EU citizenship.
In 2026, the procedure forΒ obtaining a residence card for businessΒ owners has become even more transparent, although it requires strict compliance with income criteria and job creation requirements. For medical professionals who decide to open their own clinic or private practice, this path becomes a βdouble ticketβ: on the one hand, you legalize your stay in the country as an investor and business manager; on the other, you gain a platform to realize your professional potential. However, it should be taken into account that business status does not exempt one from complying with industry standards, which have become noticeably stricter in recent years.
In 2026, the Polish medical services market continues to remain one of the most attractive in Central Europe; however, the rules of the game for foreign doctors have undergone significant changes. The transitional period associated with simplified procedures of previous years is coming to an end, and requirements for quality, transparency, and digitalization are coming to the forefront.
Let us consider some nuances of legalization and business establishment for a dentist-entrepreneur in Poland in 2026.
Professional legalization: The end of the βsimplifiedβ era
The main change of 2026 is the effective closure or limitation of the βsimplifiedβ path to obtaining the right to practice (conditional PWZ βΒ PWZ warunkowe), which previously applied to doctors from outside the EU.
Main stages of qualification recognition:
- Diploma nostrification:This is now a mandatory foundation. The procedure is conducted by medical universities (categories A+, A, or B+). In 2026, universities have even more closely integrated nostrification exams with questions from the LDEK (Lekarsko-Dentystyczny Egzamin KoΕcowy).
- Language barrier (deadline: May 1, 2026):All doctors working under βconditionalβ permits must submit, by May 1, 2026, a certificate of passing the state Polish language exam to the District Medical Chamber (OIL), issued by the Supreme Medical Chamber (NIL).
Important:Β Standard certificates (B2, C1) from other institutions are not accepted. Only the NIL exam grants the right to obtain a full PWZ.
- Postgraduate internship (StaΕΌ podyplomowy):Without completing it or having an equivalent foreign internship recognized, it is impossible to open a private practice. In 2026, the internship recognition process has become more digitalized through the SMK system (System Monitorowania KsztaΕcenia). Click here for more information.
Registration of a medical practice (Podmiot Leczniczy)
In 2026, it is not enough to simply open a company. To legally provide medical treatment, you must register in the RPWDL (Rejestr PodmiotΓ³w WykonujΔ cych DziaΕalnoΕΔ Leczniczy).
Premises requirements (Sanepid):
Sanitary standards in 2026 have become even stricter, particularly regarding ventilation and sterilization.
- Ceiling height: Minimum 2.5 meters (in some cases β 3 meters).
β’ Surfaces: Walls and floors must be washable and resistant to disinfection.
β’ Touchless controls: Faucets and dispensers must be contactless.
2026 update: Centralized electronic registration
As of January 1, 2026, a centralized electronic appointment system (Centralna e-rejestracja) has been introduced in Poland. Dentist-entrepreneurs are required to integrate their clinic management systems with the state P1 platform. This allows patients to book appointments via IKP (Internetowe Konto Pacjenta).
Summary
In 2026, the Polish market is looking for professionals. The main focus has shifted from βfast legalizationβ to βlong-term compliance with EU standards.β Those who manage to confirm language proficiency and integrate into the digital healthcare system by mid-year will gain access to a solvent market and a protected legal status.
