Poland Process Server

Overview

Process Server in Poland: How Service of Process Works

Poland has objected to Article 8 and to Article 10 in its entirety, so service must proceed through the Central Authority, the Ministry of Justice's Department of International Cooperation and Human Rights in Warsaw. The Central Authority itself does not serve documents directly; it forwards requests to the competent Polish court, which executes service by post, bailiff, or a court official, or by handing the document to the addressee directly in the court registry. Documents should generally be translated into Polish, though under the Polish Code of Civil Procedure, an untranslated document can still be served if the addressee voluntarily chooses to accept it.

Who serves process

Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Poland

Poland is a civil-law country, and documents from abroad are served by the Polish courts. The Central Authority is the Ministry of Justice in Warsaw, which isn't directly involved in service: the competent regional court serves the documents.

Poland objects to every Article 10 method and to consular service, so the Central Authority route is the only valid one. Documents should be translated into Polish. Under the Polish Code of Civil Procedure, untranslated documents can only be served if the person accepts them voluntarily.

Typical documents include summonses and complaints (pozew), court orders and notices.

Treaties

Hague Service Convention and Poland

Poland is a party to the Hague Service Convention, so documents can be sent to its Central Authority, which arranges service and returns a Certificate of Service. Poland has made a declaration on Article 10, which limits service by post or by private agents, so we confirm which methods are open before choosing one.

Poland is also a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so witness testimony and documents can be requested with a Letter of Request.