How to obtain a PESEL number in Poland?

A PESEL, or Universal Electronic System for Registration of the Population, is a unique identification number that plays a vital role in everyday life in Poland. This 11-digit number is essential for a wide range of activities, making it indispensable for residents. Whether you need to open a bank account, access healthcare services, or register for a mobile phone plan, the PESEL number simplifies these processes by serving as a universal identifier. It ensures your interactions with public and private institutions are streamlined, secure, and efficient, making life in Poland significantly easier and more manageable for anyone living in the country.

WHY YOU NEED PESEL NUMBER IN POLAND?

The PESEL number is important for a foreigner in Poland because it serves as a universal identifier in many aspects of daily life and administrative processes. With a PESEL number, a foreigner can:

1. Access healthcare services.
2. Register for social security and obtain insurance.
3. Open a bank account.
4. Sign legal contracts and agreements.
5. Enroll in educational institutions.
6. File taxes and fulfill other financial obligations.
7. Use various public administration services efficiently.

PROCEDURE OF ARRANGING PESEL:

Eligibility for obtaining a PESEL Number

You will obtain the PESEL Number ex officio – if you register your residence in Poland for a stay of over 30 days.

Submit an application with any municipality/township office – if you cannot register your residence, but you need the PESEL Number.

What you have to prepare

If you register your residence:

• You can download a form: https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-numer-pesel–usluga-dla-cudzoziemcow-en and fill it out at home. You can also obtain the application at the municipality/township office. In the Materials below there are instructions on how to correctly complete the application form for a PESEL number in Polish,

• A document, which confirms your identity and other data entered in the application form.

You can submit the application In person or by a Proxy acting on your behalf. Learn more at the office how to handle the matter through a proxy.
Remember! Provide the actual legal base in the application, which entails the obligation of holding a PESEL Number. If Any agency (for example, ZUS (Social Security Agency) or tax Office requires the PESEL Number – it should also provide you with the legal base of such a requirement.
If there are any deficiencies in the application – you will be informed that they need to be supplemented. The office will not be able to review your application, if the said application fails to meet official requirements.

What you have to do

• Fill out the application form and prepare your ID document – for more information, see the what you have to prepare section.
• Submit the application with any office – for more information, see the Where to collect section.

How much you will pay

This is a free of charge service.

How long you will have to wait

The official will immediately accept your application. If there are grounds for assigning the PESEL no. – you will receive notice of assignment of the PESEL Number.

Where to collect

At the municipality/township office where you applied

SUMMARY

Now you understand that Without a PESEL number, navigating these essential aspects of living in Poland can be significantly more complicated so contact us, arrange and enjoy your peace.