ZAMELDOWANIE & PESEL no. are necessary for accessing services like healthcare (NFZ), opening a bank account, enrolling in school, and other official procedures
Registration of Your Address in Poland (ZAMELDOWANIE)
Anyone living in Poland should be aware of the registration obligation. It applies to both Polish citizens and foreigners likewise.
If you want to submit the form online - you need a trusted profile, a qualified e-signature certificate or a personal signature certificate (it is available in the electronic ID card of a person who has indicated that he/she wants to hold a personal signature certificate in the application for the electronic ID card).
For more information on that, please visit this website.
Who is obliged?
• Anyone living in Poland.
• A parent, a legal guardian or a de facto guardian shall exercise the registration obligation for persons who:
- have no legal capacity (fully incapacitated persons, children aged under 13),
- have a limited legal capacity (partially incapacitated persons, children aged between 13 and 18).
Where do you submit your documents?
• at your local municipality or district office (e.g. city or gmina). or via Internet,
• either in person or by a proxy.
How to register your address — step by step:
1. Visit the local municipal (gmina) or city office (Urząd Gminy / Miejski)
2. Bring the following documents:
- Filled address registration form (in Polish)
- Valid passport (and identity card for EU nationals)
- Visa or residence permit, if applicable
- Proof of address: rental agreement, dorm confirmation, or written consent from the property owner
3. Submit the application
You can do it:
- In person
- Online, if you have a trusted profile (Profil Zaufany) or electronic ID (e-dowód)
4. Receive confirmation
You’ll be given a written confirmation of your registration on the same day — the service is free of charge
What if I move during my stay?
→ You must submit a new registration within the same deadlines for your new address.
More info:
Official instructions in English:
gov.pl – ZAMELDOWANIE for foreigners
How to obtain a PESEL number?
PESEL is a personal identification number used in Poland. It’s often required for things like health insurance(NFZ), opening a bank account, and accessing public services.
This is a free of charge service.
When do you need it?
• If you register your stay in Poland (ZAMELDOWANIE) for more than 30 days, you'll automatically receive a PESEL.
• If you don’t register but an institution (e.g. tax office, bank, ZUS) requires it, you must apply for it yourself.
How to get it?
1. By registering your address (ZAMELDOWANIE) - Go to your local city/district office (Urząd Gminy) with your passport and proof of stay. If staying over 30 days, PESEL will be assigned automatically.
2. By direct application - Fill out the official PESEL application form and submit it in person at any municipal office. You’ll need to justify the need for a PESEL (e.g. a letter from the tax office).
3. Wait for confirmation - The service is free and processed immediately. You’ll be notified when your PESEL is ready.
What you need:
• Valid passport
• Completed PESEL application form (in Polish)
• Justification (legal basis) for needing PESEL if you're not registering your address
• Optional: Power of attorney if someone applies on your behalf (ie. when you are under age)
More info:
Official instructions in English:
gov.pl – PESEL for foreigners