For comfortable living and working in any country, it is necessary to have all the required documents according to its legislation. PESEL in Poland is an identification number that is mandatory for citizens of the country and foreigners registered there. In Polish, PESEL stands for "General Electronic Population Registration System".
This number is necessary for collecting basic information about a person, obtaining medical, banking, insurance services, applying for social assistance, employment, and even for online shopping.
How to get a PESEL number?
PESEL is an important document in Poland, and obtaining it is a necessity. To get PESEL, you need to submit an application to the municipality at the place of registration or to the employer's registration office. You will need documents confirming your identity and other data specified in the application. You also need to provide a legal justification for the need to obtain PESEL.
The steps are as follows:
- Visit the local registration office with all necessary documents: passport, visa (if you are not an EU citizen), proof of residence. Check the service conditions on the website beforehand, as a prior appointment may be required.
- Fill out the application form for document submission.
- Wait for the issuance of the number. This may take from several days to several weeks.
Note: obtaining PESEL is free of charge. If handled through a representative, it may cost 17 zlotys (with possible exemptions).
Ukrainians who are not Polish citizens can obtain PESEL only at the municipality of residence for foreigners, at the employer's registration office, or at the district office in Warsaw (if the foreigner does not work or works for a foreign company).
There are two ways to obtain PESEL: during registration and without the possibility of registration. In the first case, having a Polish registration or a lease agreement or purchase/sale of housing will significantly simplify and expedite the process, possibly within a few hours or days. In the second case, there may be difficulties as proof of the right to obtain PESEL may be required. Also, not all officials are informed about the possibility of obtaining PESEL without registration.
Services of a qualified lawyer familiar with Polish legislation and bureaucratic system will be required here. They will help obtain PESEL and NIP (tax identification number in Poland — a code necessary for taxation).
Requirements and criteria for obtaining PESEL in Poland
Required documents include an application with a color photo sized 35x45 mm, an identity document (passport with a visa or residence card), a document confirming the place of residence, additional data (about employment, education — individually).
PESEL can be obtained or is mandatory for:
- all Polish citizens;
- individuals with a document confirming temporary residence;
- foreigners staying in Poland for more than 30 days;
- students studying at foreign universities;
- people receiving medical care or claiming social benefits.
To start the process, contact the local administration (Urzad).
Advantages of using Consultant lawyers to obtain PESEL
Qualified lawyers will relieve you from dealing with bureaucratic issues independently, expedite the PESEL acquisition process, and increase the chances of a positive outcome. Conditions for obtaining this registration number for Ukrainians are constantly being refined and updated. For example, from July 1, 2024, PESEL UKR can only be obtained with a foreign passport, and the deadlines for its issuance are being shortened (now it must be done immediately, not within 30 days).
Why turn to Consultant lawyers
Consultant platform gathers over 1000 qualified lawyers from different regions experienced in handling legal issues in Poland. They provide round-the-clock consultation without weekends, allowing them to quickly assist clients.
Specialists will take care of all the hassle: from submitting the application to obtaining PESEL. With their help, you will get the necessary result without unnecessary worries, saving your time and nerves. Trust the professionals to enjoy all the opportunities and advantages of living in Poland.
