PESEL number – what it is and legal basis
PESEL (Polish acronym for Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności) is the unique 11‑digit number assigned to each individual in Poland, encoding date of birth, gender and control digit.
It functions as a personal identification number used by Polish citizens and foreigners residing in Poland.
The legal basis for assignment of a PESEL number is the Population Registration Act of 25 September 2010 (Journal of Laws 2021, item 510) and the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs of 4 January 2012 on assigning or changing PESEL numbers (Journal of Laws 2015, item 1984).
Who must obtain a pesel number
Polish citizens vs foreigners
- Polish citizens automatically receive a PESEL at birth.
- Foreigners who stay in Poland longer than 30 days (non‑EU) or longer than 3 months (EU/EEA) are required to register their residence and then automatically receive a PESEL number ex officio.
- Anyone who cannot register residence, but needs a PESEL number (e.g. for ZUS, tax office, bank account, e‑administration), must apply explicitly for PESEL at the municipal or voivodeship office.
Obtain a PESEL number – registration vs application
Assignment of a PESEL number by registering residence
To register temporary residence (zameldowanie na pobyt czasowy):
- Submit registration at municipal office (Urząd Gminy/Miasta or district office in Warsaw).
- Provide passport (or EU ID), residence permit or visa (if non‑EU), and proof of address (rental agreement or dorm confirmation valid for at least 31 days).
- Within the act, the PESEL number arises automatically—you receive it usually on the same day or few days later.
Applying for a PESEL number without residence registration
If you are unable to register (e.g. posted worker, temporary contractor, no accommodation in Poland), but still must receive a PESEL number, follow this path:
- Download and fill the application for assigning a PESEL number, or get it at the office.
- Include the “factual legal basis” in the application—this means the specific legal obligation (e.g. tax office, ZUS, National Court Register requirement, etc.) for a PESEL.
- Submit in person or via proxy (with notarised power of attorney if needed).
- Attach a passport, and any documents confirming identity and other data (e.g. birth date, place, parents, marital status, name and surname of the spouse, PESEL of spouse – if available).
- The office reviews immediately and, if assignment criteria met, issues a notification of your assigned PESEL number; you collect the confirmation at the same office.
- The service is free, though proxy documents may incur minor fees (e.g. 17 PLN stamp duty).
Assignment of a PESEL number – process and timeline
- Upon successful application, the official accepts it immediately; if your application has deficiencies, you will be informed and given 7 days to correct them; otherwise it remains unprocessed.
- Notification of assigning the PESEL number may be received in paper or electronic form, as per your choice in the application.
Format, changing or correcting the pesel number
- The 11‑digit format: YYMMDD (date of birth with century encoded in month), PPPP (serial, sex‑encoded), and control digit. PESEL is unique, cannot be reused, and is valid for life.
- A PESEL number may be changed only in specific legal cases: gender reassignment, correcting birth date or legally corrected civil status, or if the original number was issued in violation of law.
Using PESEL number – purposes for foreigners in Poland
Having a PESEL number enables you to:
- Fulfil obligations to tax office, ZUS, e‑Deklaracje system, National Court Register.
- Open a bank account, register for public healthcare (NFZ), conclude employment contracts, register rental agreements, or access online services via trusted profile (EPUAP).
Summary checklist: applying for PESEL number
When you have to obtain a PESEL number:
| Scenario | Action | Notes |
| Stay >30 days (non‑EU) or >3 months (EU/EEA) | Register your residence | PESEL assigned ex officio |
| Cannot register residency but required by e.g. ZUS, tax office, bank | Apply in person for PESEL | Must provide legal basis and valid documents |
| Application incomplete | Office demands supplement | You have 7 days to correct |
| Issuance | Notification same day or few days | Free, collect at office or electronic form |
Legal basis and references
- Population Registration Act of 25 September 2010 (Journal of Laws 2021, item 510): basis for PESEL register
- Regulation of Minister of Internal Affairs of 4 January 2012 (Journal of Laws 2015, item 1984): rules on assignment or change of PESEL number.
Concluding remarks
In Poland, obtaining a PESEL number is a mandatory administrative step for most foreigners living, working or studying in Poland. The process is either automatic via residence registration, or via application with specified legal basis, valid document, and proper submission. PESEL helps open bank accounts, pay taxes, file official declarations, and generally participate in public life.
If you are a foreigner in Poland, make sure to register or apply for PESEL promptly—especially if your stay exceeds 30 days or you need it for ZUS or tax identification. The system is designed to be free, efficient and accessible to all eligible individuals according to Polish law.
This article is compiled based on official sources as of July 2025, including gov.pl service description and legal regulations.