The amendment to the Polish Code of Civil Procedure, which enters into force on 1 March 2026, introduces significant changes to the way powers of attorney are granted and submitted in civil proceedings. Electronic powers of attorney become a formally permissible and legally equivalent alternative to paper documents, marking an important step in the continued digitalisation of civil procedure. The reform also covers electronic service between professional representatives and new rules for submitting procedural documents, making proceedings faster, more transparent and more secure.
Below, we present the key changes relating to electronic powers of attorney in civil proceedings from 2026 and their practical implications.
Electronic Powers of Attorney – Official Recognition in the Code of Civil Procedure
The amendment eliminates interpretative inconsistencies and clearly provides that a power of attorney may be granted in electronic form. An electronic document:
- may function as an independent document,
- may be submitted regardless of how the procedural document is filed with the court,
- has the same legal effect as a traditional paper power of attorney, provided that it meets statutory requirements.
This is an important simplification that clarifies previous practice and aligns procedures with the digital circulation of documents.
Requirements for Electronic Signatures
To be valid, an electronic power of attorney must be signed using one of the following types of electronic signatures:
- a qualified electronic signature,
- a trusted signature (ePUAP),
- a personal signature (embedded in the Polish electronic ID).
This requirement increases the security of legal transactions and ensures certainty regarding the identity of the person granting the authorisation.
Submitting Electronic Powers of Attorney – Practice from 1 March 2026
As of 2026, legal representatives will be able to:
- submit electronic powers of attorney via the Court Information Portal,
- attach electronic powers of attorney to procedural documents filed electronically,
- use the courts’ digital infrastructure without maintaining a parallel paper-based workflow.
These solutions aim to accelerate communication with courts, reduce the number of formal defects, and streamline the flow of documents in everyday litigation practice.
Electronic Powers of Attorney and Other Procedural Changes from 2026
Electronic powers of attorney form part of a broader package of reforms to the Code of Civil Procedure, including:
- electronic service between professional attorneys,
- digital submission of pleadings via the Court Information Portal,
- reduced formal obligations relating to service confirmations,
- further standardisation of electronic documents.
Together, these changes create a cohesive system of digital procedural communication designed to shorten proceedings and reduce the courts’ administrative workload.
Summary
Electronic powers of attorney in civil proceedings from 2026 represent one of the key elements of the major reform of the Code of Civil Procedure. Their introduction aims to improve communication with courts, reduce the number of formal errors and fully leverage digital tools throughout the litigation process. However, the change requires appropriate technical and organisational preparation by legal representatives and law firms.
The SKLAW Law Firm continuously monitors the evolving legislation and its practical implementation by the courts. We provide support in preparing documents, developing internal procedures and handling cases in the changing digital environment, offering comprehensive advice and practical solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.