What to Check in a Law Firm Contract in Poland Before Paying

It's hard to tell a reliable company apart from scammers based on promises and a polished website — both can sound equally convincing. But the contract itself is nearly impossible to fake well enough to hide every risk: unfair terms are usually visible there, if you know where to look. Here's a checklist of the most important points, based on more than 1,835 contracts we've drafted and reviewed over the years.

1. Who exactly is signing the contract with you

The contract should be made in the name of a specific legal entity (Sp. z o.o.) or registered sole proprietor (JDG) — not "informally," not by an individual with no legal status, not on behalf of some "legalization department" with no registration details. The contract should include the NIP, REGON, and, for companies, a KRS number.

Checking these details isn't hard, and you should do it before signing: for companies, use the free KRS registry (ekrs.ms.gov.pl); for sole proprietors, the CEIDG registry (ceidg.gov.pl). These show the registration date, legal address, board composition, and, for companies, any liquidation or bankruptcy information. A company registered the day before with no history is worth a second look — though that alone isn't proof of fraud.

2. A clear list of services, not vague phrases

"Help with legalization" isn't a list of services, it's a nice-sounding phrase. The contract should spell out specifically what's included (for example, preparing and filing the application via MOS 2.0, support through to the decision, representation at in-person office appointments), and what isn't included and is billed separately (for example, appealing a refusal, sworn translation services, an apostille).

If the contract is vague — "the full range of legalization services" with no detail — that's exactly where disputes later arise over what was "already paid for" and what wasn't.

3. Cost and payment schedule

A full 100% prepayment isn't proof of fraud by itself, but it is a real risk factor: if something goes wrong, getting already-transferred money back is much harder than not paying it upfront. A more reliable setup splits payment into stages (for example, part at signing, part at filing, part on receiving the decision), with a clear amount at each stage, written both in figures and in words.

Also check specifically: does the contract say what happens to money already paid if the office refuses the application — and does the company charge extra to appeal that refusal, or is that already included?

4. The right to cancel the contract

If you sign the contract remotely (by correspondence, video call) or outside the company's office, Polish consumer protection law gives you 14 days to withdraw from the contract without giving a reason, with a full refund. An important nuance: if you explicitly agreed for the service to start before those 14 days pass, and you were notified of this in writing, your right to withdraw may be limited, and the company may be entitled to keep payment for the part of the service already performed.

Check whether this right is explicitly mentioned in the contract — its absence doesn't cancel the law, but its presence shows the company is acting in good faith.

5. Liability and refund terms

A proper contract clearly states what happens if the company fails to meet its obligations — doesn't file documents on time, doesn't respond to office requests, loses documents. Clauses that release the provider from any liability whatsoever ("the company bears no responsibility under any circumstances") are a red flag: such wording usually has no legal force, but its presence says something about the company's character.

6. Personal data processing

Separate consent for personal data processing (RODO/GDPR) should be explicit, stating the purposes and retention period — not buried in fine print among other terms.

7. Contract language and contacts

The contract should be in a language you understand — if the original is only in Polish, you have the right to request a translation or an explanation of each clause before signing. Specific contact details should also be provided (not just a general email on the website), ideally including the person responsible for your case.

Pre-signing checklist

• company details verified via KRS or CEIDG;
• service list is detailed, clear on what's included and what isn't;
• cost and payment schedule are written in figures, no 100% prepayment "on trust";
• what happens if the office refuses is spelled out;
• the right to cancel (if applicable) or refund terms are stated;
• there's a clause on the provider's liability;
• personal data processing consent is separate and explicit;
• the contract is in a language you understand, or comes with a translation;
• there are specific contacts, not just a general email.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask for a sample contract before visiting the office? Yes, a good-faith company is usually willing to show a standard contract in advance — if they refuse without explanation, that's worth being cautious about.

What if I've already signed and something feels off? If less than 14 days have passed since signing and the contract was made remotely or outside the office, you may have the right to withdraw; either way, it's worth consulting us or an independent lawyer.

Does a good contract guarantee a positive decision on my case? No — no good-faith lawyer can guarantee a government authority's decision. But a good contract clearly describes what the lawyer's work covers and how the process works if there's a refusal. Read more about why residence permit applications get refused and what you can do.

relocy.pro — a law and immigration consulting office in Warsaw. Operating since 2020, 1,835+ cases handled, 98% approval rate.