Publication date: 02.02.2026
Obtaining a PESEL number for a foreigner is one of the key steps for legal life in Poland. This number is required for using public services, starting a business, paying taxes, signing contracts, and accessing medical care.
In 2026, some procedures were clarified, so it is important for persons submitting an application for PESEL for a foreigner to have up-to-date information and a correctly defined legal basis for PESEL for a foreigner. In practice, it is formal mistakes or an incorrectly indicated reason that most often lead to refusal or significant delays.
Workers, students, drivers, refugees, and persons with humanitarian status often do not know:
- what the legal basis for assigning PESEL to a foreigner is;
- how to make PESEL for a foreigner without residence registration;
- whether PESEL for a foreigner online is possible;
- how to correctly complete an application for assigning a PESEL number to a foreigner.
Professional legal support helps eliminate these risks and significantly speeds up the assignment of PESEL to a foreigner, including in urgent cases.
Legal basis for assigning PESEL to a foreigner
One of the most common problems is the incorrect determination of the legal basis for assigning a PESEL to a foreigner. An administrative authority assigns a number only when there is an objective administrative need.
The most common legal grounds include:
- registration of residence in Poland;
- the need for tax payments;
- use of state administration services;
- employment or study;
- long-term stay;
- stay on the basis of a special (auxiliary) law.
In the absence of registration, the key issue is providing justification as to why a PESEL number for a foreigner is necessary at this moment. This is where legal assistance is often decisive.
How to obtain PESEL for a foreigner – step by step
The procedure for obtaining PESEL for a foreigner includes the following steps:
- Completing an application for assigning a PESEL number to a foreigner.
- Preparing documents confirming identity and the legal basis for PESEL for a foreigner.
- Submitting the application in person at the commune office or, in certain cases, online (PESEL for a foreigner online – if you have a Trusted Profile / Profil Zaufany).
- Receiving confirmation and waiting for the number to be assigned.
In most cases, assigning PESEL to a foreigner takes from a few hours to several days. However, if there are doubts or errors, the process may take significantly longer.
PESEL for a foreigner online – what you need to know
Submitting an application for PESEL for a foreigner online is possible only if all of the following conditions are met:
- possession of a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany);
- a correctly defined administrative purpose;
- a complete and properly prepared set of documents.
In more complex situations (lack of registration, short-term stay), PESEL for a foreigner online often results in refusal without proper legal justification.
How a lawyer helps obtain a PESEL number for a foreigner
Professional legal support significantly reduces the risk of refusal and accelerates the procedure. A lawyer:
- analyzes the foreigner’s situation;
- determines the correct legal basis for PESEL for a foreigner;
- prepares an error-free application for PESEL for a foreigner;
- drafts the legal justification (especially important without registration);
- submits the application or guides the client step by step;
- monitors the process and responds to possible refusals.
As a result, the PESEL number for a foreigner is assigned faster and without unnecessary administrative complications.
Assigning a PESEL number for foreigners in 2026 remains a formal administrative procedure, the result of which depends on a correctly defined legal basis, correctly prepared documents and compliance with the established procedure for submitting an application. Errors in substantiation or failure to take into account the individual circumstances of the applicant may lead to a refusal or a significant extension of the consideration period. In each case, it is necessary to assess the grounds and risks taking into account the specific legal situation.
The Legal Marketplace Consultant unites lawyers who work on issues of assigning a PESEL number for foreigners, including in complex cases without registration of the place of residence or in the presence of a non-standard administrative purpose. Through the platform, you can receive professional legal analysis, verification of documents and support of the procedure in accordance with current Polish legislation, without forming unreasonable expectations regarding the timing or result.
FAQ
Question
How to make PESEL for a foreigner in 2026?
Answer
You must submit an application for assigning a PESEL number to a foreigner to the commune office with a correctly defined legal basis and a complete set of documents.
Question
What is the most common legal basis for PESEL for a foreigner?
Answer
Most often it is residence registration, employment, tax obligations, or use of public services.
Question
Is PESEL for a foreigner possible online?
Answer
Yes, PESEL for a foreigner online is possible, but only if you have a Trusted Profile and meet all formal requirements.
Question
How long does it take to assign PESEL to a foreigner?
Answer
In standard cases, the procedure takes from a few hours to several days.
Question
Is it possible to obtain PESEL without registering a place of residence?
Answer
Yes, but you must provide proper justification explaining why the PESEL number for a foreigner is necessary.
