Dispute Resolution and Litigation in Poland: A Guide for International Businesses (2026)

Whether you are pursuing an unpaid invoice, defending a breach of contract claim, or enforcing a foreign arbitral award in Poland, understanding the Polish dispute resolution landscape is essential. Poland offers both court litigation and arbitration, with Warsaw emerging as a recognised regional arbitration seat.

Polish Civil Courts

Commercial disputes in Poland are heard by the Civil Courts (Sądy Cywilne), with specialised Commercial Divisions (Wydziały Gospodarcze) for business matters. The court system has three tiers: District Courts (Sądy Rejonowe) for lower-value claims, Regional Courts (Sądy Okręgowe) for claims above PLN 75,000, and Courts of Appeal (Sądy Apelacyjne). The Supreme Court (Sąd Najwyższy) hears cassation appeals on points of law.

Polish court proceedings are entirely in Polish — parties must submit documents in Polish or provide certified translations. Foreign parties are typically represented by a Polish advocate (adwokat) or legal adviser (radca prawny) who must be a member of the Polish Bar.

Timelines in Polish courts have improved significantly but remain a concern: Regional Court first-instance proceedings in Warsaw typically take 18–30 months. Appeals add another 12–18 months. For urgent measures, interim injunctions (zabezpieczenie) can be obtained ex parte within days.

Arbitration in Poland

Arbitration is increasingly used for commercial disputes, particularly those involving international parties. The Lewiatan Arbitration Court in Warsaw is Poland's leading domestic arbitration institution, administering proceedings under rules aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law. The Polish Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Court (SA KIG) also handles significant caseloads.

International parties frequently specify ICC, VIAC or LCIA arbitration with Warsaw as the seat, or with Polish law as the governing law. Warsaw's geographic centrality and well-developed legal infrastructure make it a practical neutral seat for Central European disputes.

Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Judgments from EU member state courts are recognised and enforced in Poland without a separate court procedure under EU Regulation 1215/2012 (Brussels Ibis). Judgments from non-EU countries require a recognition application to a Polish Regional Court — the court examines whether the foreign judgment meets Polish public policy requirements and whether the foreign court had proper jurisdiction.

Foreign arbitral awards are enforced under the New York Convention (to which Poland is a signatory). Enforcement proceedings are handled by Polish District Courts and are relatively straightforward provided the award is final and not contrary to Polish public policy.

Mediation

Poland has been actively promoting mediation as an alternative to litigation since 2005. The Polish Centre of Mediation trains and certifies mediators. Courts may require parties to attempt mediation before proceeding; settlement reached in mediation can be given the force of a court judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue in English in Polish courts?

No. All court proceedings and filed documents must be in Polish. Your Polish lawyer will manage translations and filings. You may give evidence through a court-appointed interpreter.

Is there a limitation period for commercial claims in Poland?

The general limitation period is 6 years for most contractual claims, 3 years for business-to-business claims. Time runs from the date the claim becomes due.

How do I collect on a Polish court judgment?

After obtaining a judgment with an enforcement clause (klauzula wykonalności), a court bailiff (komornik sądowy) can enforce against the debtor's assets — bank accounts, real estate, receivables. Polish enforcement is generally effective against debtors with assets in Poland.