Capital Movement

Cross-Border Cash Movements

Travelers entering or leaving the European Union via Poland are subject to mandatory declaration rules regarding cash and bearer instruments (e.g., checks, traveler's checks, gold). This applies regardless of nationality.

The 10,000 EUR Rule

If you are carrying 10,000 EUR or more (or its equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to the Customs authorities using a specific form. Failure to declare such funds can result in confiscation of a portion of the money and a fine.

Note: Within the Schengen Area (e.g., flying from Berlin to Warsaw), routine customs checks are rare, but authorities still reserve the right to inspect and demand a declaration of funds if suspected of illicit activity.

Domestic Transaction Limits (B2B)

For businesses operating in Poland, strict limits apply to cash settlements. These rules are designed to prevent tax evasion and promote digital payments. As of 2026, the threshold for mandatory bank transfers remains low.

The 15,000 PLN Limit

Any transaction between two business entities (B2B) where the one-off value of the receivable exceeds 15,000 PLN must be paid via a bank account. It is illegal to split a single transaction into smaller cash payments to avoid this limit.

• Cash Limit: 15,000 PLN (approx. $3,850 USD).
• Consequence: If a business pays more than this amount in cash, the expense cannot be treated as tax-deductible for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) purposes.

Banking & Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Rules

Polish banks are legally designated as "Obligated Institutions" under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. They are required to monitor customer transactions and verify the source of funds for amounts exceeding certain thresholds.

Transaction Thresholds

• 15,000 EUR (approx. $16,500 USD): Any transaction above this amount triggers an automatic registration procedure by the bank. The bank may request additional documentation regarding the source of funds (e.g., sale of property deed, employment contract, inheritance letter).
• 10,000 EUR (approx. $11,000 USD): For cash transactions (deposits or withdrawals), identity verification is mandatory. Anonymous cash transactions of this size are prohibited.

Reporting to the National Bank of Poland (NBP)

Residents (both companies and individuals) are required to report certain cross-border transactions to the NBP for statistical purposes. This is separate from tax reporting.

• Who must report: Entities involved in international trade, foreign loans, or holding accounts abroad.
• Thresholds: Reporting is generally required if the total assets or liabilities vis-à-vis non-residents exceed certain amounts (typically 7 million PLN for assets or 10 million PLN for liabilities) at the end of the year.
• Method: Reports are submitted electronically via the NBP reporting portal.

The Split Payment Mechanism (MPP)

Foreign investors starting a business in Poland must be aware of the "Split Payment Mechanism" for VAT. For invoices involving "sensitive goods" (e.g., electronics, steel, fuel, construction services) where the gross value exceeds 15,000 PLN, the payment must be split:

• The Net amount goes to the supplier's regular business account.
• The VAT amount is automatically diverted to a dedicated VAT account (controlled by the bank).

Failure to use Split Payment when mandatory results in heavy tax penalties and the inability to deduct the expense.

Official Resources

• National Bank of Poland (NBP) - Statistical Reporting
• Ministry of Finance - Tax & Capital Rules
• Polish Customs Services - Border Information