PESEL
PESEL registration
If you’re a foreigner living in Poland, you’re required to register your residence. By doing this, you’ll get a PESEL number, which stands for the “Universal Electronic System for Registration of the Population” (“Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności” in Polish). If you can’t register your residence but an agency or organisation asks for your PESEL number, you can still get one by filling in a free form from the moment you start to the moment you finish your stay in Poland.
Obtaining a PESEL number in Poland: eligibility and application process
Automatic registration: If you’re planning to stay in Poland for more than 30 days and register your residence, you’ll be assigned a PESEL number automatically. Application procedure: If you can’t register your residence but still need a PESEL number for specific purposes, you can apply for one through your local municipality or township office.
Applying for a PESEL number in Poland
If you want to get a PESEL number, you can download the form and fill it in at home. Or you can get the form from your local municipality or township office. You’ll need to show a document that proves who you are and that the information on the form is correct.Submitting your application
You can either submit your application in person or through a designated proxy, who can act on your behalf. If you decide to use a proxy, just ask at the office about the right way to do it.
Important reminders:
Make sure you include the relevant legal basis in your application, and say why you need a PESEL number. This is really important for us to be able to process your request.
If any institution or agency, such as ZUS (“Social Security Agency”; “Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych” in Polish) or the tax office, asks for your PESEL number, please ask them to provide the legal basis for this requirement. If there are any issues with your application, we’ll let you know right away and give you tips on how to fix them.