About this API
BIR1.1 (Internet REGON Database) is a GUS service exposing registry data for every economic entity in Poland — name, legal form, address, PKD codes, registration dates. It's one of Poland's oldest public APIs, hence the unusual (by today's standards) SOAP protocol instead of REST.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an API key?
Yes, a so-called USER_KEY — free, but you need to request it by email from the REGON administrators (regon_bir@stat.gov.pl). A public test key is also available to try the service.
What data does this API return?
Full REGON registry data: name, legal form, address, PKD codes, dates of starting/suspending/deregistering activity — from a tax ID (NIP), REGON, or KRS number.
Why does this API use SOAP instead of REST/JSON like the rest of the catalog?
BIR1.1 is an older service, designed to the public-administration standards that predate widespread REST adoption. A call requires a Login → Search → GetFullReport → Logout sequence.
Who runs this API?
Poland's Central Statistical Office (GUS). Full technical documentation is available at api.stat.gov.pl/Home/RegonApi.