The process of becoming an authorized entity in Poland is governed by the provisions of the Banking Law (in the case of banks), the Insurance Activity Act (in the case of insurance/reinsurance entities), the Payment Services Act (in the case of payment institutions or payment services offices), the Act on Trading in Financial Instruments (in the case of brokerage firms), and the Investment Funds Act (in the case of investment funds).

The authorization process is complex in nature and is based on the evaluation of all areas and aspects of the activities involved (e.g., in the case of seeking a banking license, capital adequacy requirements, organization, people and technology involved). Depending on the scope of the regulated activities that are to be provided by a foreign institution, the authorization procedure usually takes at least several months.

It should be noted that in contrast to authorization procedures, notification or registration procedures are generally conducted in a swifter manner, but may also last a couple of months.