Definitions: Micro-enterprises, SMEs, Large Enterprises

The division of companies by size is important from both a legal and financial perspective, especially in the context of the availability of support programs, subsidies and tax reliefs. Companies are classified based on the number of employees, annual turnover and annual balance sheet total. Below we present the definitions of individual categories of enterprises:

1. Microenterprises

Microenterprises are the smallest units in the economy, characterized by a small number of employees and limited turnover. The definition of a micro-enterprise includes:

• Employment: from 1 to 9 employees,
• Annual turnover or annual balance sheet total: up to EUR 2 million.

Thanks to their flexibility, micro-enterprises often use simplified forms of support and special programs that support their development.

2. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Small and medium-sized enterprises, also known as SMEs, are the backbone of many countries' economies. Their definition includes two categories:

• Small enterprises:

  • Employment: from 10 to 49 employees,
  • Annual turnover or annual balance sheet total: up to EUR 10 million.

• Medium-sized enterprises:

  • Employment: from 50 to 249 employees,
  • Annual turnover: up to EUR 50 million or annual balance sheet total: up to EUR 43 million.

SMEs often benefit from dedicated support programs that help them invest in technology development, energy transformation or internationalization of their operations.

3. Large enterprises

Large enterprises are companies that have a significant scale of operations and greater resources. They are often leaders in their industries and have a large impact on the market. The definition of a large enterprise includes:

• Employment: 250 or more employees,
• Annual turnover: over EUR 50 million or annual balance sheet total: over EUR 43 million.

Due to their size, large enterprises often conduct advanced investment projects and have access to various sources of large-scale financing.