The PESEL number, i.e. Basic Electronic Population Registration System, is a key identifier used in Poland for every person registered in the country. It is used to collect important identification information regarding the identity and administrative and legal status of Polish citizens and foreigners residing in the Republic of Poland. The requirement to have a PESEL number applies to all Polish citizens and some foreigners.
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What is this number in Poland and why is it needed?
It is a unique identifier assigned to every resident of the country. It is an 11-digit number that uniquely identifies a given person. Polish PESEL is necessary for many activities, such as opening a bank account, obtaining medical care or settling taxes.
Since when are numbers assigned in Poland?
PESEL was introduced in Poland in 1979 as a unique identifier of a natural person. The number itself allows you to determine the person’s date of birth and gender. It also contains a unique string of numbers, which allows you to uniquely identify every person in the country.
Where is the PESEL number on the ID and residence card?
It is included on the ID card, which is one of the most important identity documents in Poland. In new ID cards it is at the top of the second page, to the left of the barcode. We can also find it on the residence card, also on the second page of the document, this time on the left side in the middle.
What information does the PESEL register contain?
The PESEL register is a summary of basic personal data of residents. Every person living in Poland has their own individual number, which contains a lot of information about their life. The register includes information such as: name, surname, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, residential address, details of parents and spouse (if applicable), as well as details of employment and health insurance.
An important aspect of the registry is privacy protection. Personal data are protected under the Personal Data Protection Act and may be disclosed only in special cases, such as the performance of official duties by state authorities.
PESEL for foreigners: legal basis and application
The legal basis for assigning a PESEL number results from the Act on Population Registration and Identity Cards. Pursuant to the provisions of this Act, foreigners with a temporary residence permit in Poland have the right to receive a PESEL number. If a foreigner stays in Poland for more than 30 days, he will be automatically assigned a PESEL number after registration. If a foreigner cannot register and an office requires a PESEL number, it is necessary to submit an application for this number along with the legal basis indicated by this office.
There are also other legal bases under which a foreigner may apply for a PESEL number. For example, during the period of validity of the special act related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian citizens who meet certain criteria may receive a PESEL number with the UKR status.
The PESEL number for a foreigner’s child is equally important, enabling access to medical care, education and other public services. In the case of children of foreigners born in Poland, obtaining a PESEL number is mandatory.
It is worth noting that a foreigner who was not born in Poland does not have to have a PESEL number. Only children born in Poland receive it automatically.
The lack of a PESEL number prevents access to certain benefits, obtaining certificates and settlements from the Tax Office or the Social Insurance Institution. Additionally, without a PESEL number, you cannot run a business or handle official matters electronically using the Trusted Profile.
There are also special cases, for example, Ukrainian citizens who receive a PESEL number may be beneficiaries of the 500+ program. In addition, having a PESEL number entitles you to the Good Start benefit, Family Care Capital and co-financing of the fee for a child’s stay in a nursery. The PESEL number may also be necessary if the entry of a Ukrainian citizen to Poland was not registered by the Border Guard during border control.
Assigning a number will make it easier to handle many official matters in Poland.
Not every foreigner knows that working in Poland requires a PESEL number.
PESEL is necessary, among other things, for settlements with the Tax Office. We will be happy to help you obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people, especially newcomers to Poland, ask about the PESEL number. It is one of the key documents in Polish society.
To apply for a PESEL number, you must submit an appropriate application to the commune office where you registered for temporary residence. If you do not have a place of residence, please go to the commune office where the employer’s registered office is located.
A person applying for a PESEL number or his representative must submit a justified written application together with documents confirming the data contained in the application, such as a passport, to the appropriate office. The application should also include information about the legal basis for the need to have a PESEL number. If a given office, e.g. ZUS or Tax Office, requires a PESEL number, it should also indicate the appropriate legal provision on which this necessity is based.
According to current regulations, changing the PESEL number is only allowed in special cases, for example in the event of an error when initially assigning the number.
It is not necessary for individuals who do not have Polish citizenship or do not have permanent residence in Poland.
Assigning a PESEL number may take from several days to several weeks, depending on the workload at the office.
Your application will be accepted by the official immediately. If the conditions for assigning a PESEL number are met, you will receive notification of its assignment after the case has been considered.
PESEL can be obtained at the commune office in the place of residence.
A new PESEL number is assigned to people who do not yet have this identifier or if they need to change the number for various reasons.
As previously mentioned, it is possible to change the PESEL number only in special situations. In this case, we recommend contacting the Vitworker office for detailed information about the procedure.
For foreigners who cannot register in Poland for a sufficient period, the process of obtaining a PESEL number may be slightly more complicated. In such situations, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a residence permit or contract.
The required documents may vary depending on your individual situation, but you should usually prepare: an ID card or passport, a document confirming your place of residence and any additional documents.
It is worth noting that having a PESEL number is necessary in many life situations, such as applying for an ID card, passport, applying for a loan or opening a bank account.
Therefore, it is important for each of us to take care of our personal data and their security to avoid unpleasant consequences related to their illegal use.
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PESEL number for a citizen of Ukraine
This identifier for Ukrainian citizens, also called PESEL UKR, performs various functions, including enabling the registration of legal stay in Poland and the use of benefits provided for under a special Ukrainian law. The PESEL number is also necessary for establishing and running a business by a citizen of Ukraine. Additionally, having a PESEL number makes the process of employing a Ukrainian easier.
It is worth noting that when submitting an application, a Ukrainian citizen is obliged to submit fingerprints. However, children under 12 years of age and persons who are not physically able to provide fingerprints are exempt from this obligation.
From January 28, 2023, the Act amending the Act on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine and certain other acts has been in force. The amendment to this Act concerns, among others, rules of stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. Pursuant to the new regulations, Art. 4 section 2 of the Special Act regulates the issuance of a PESEL number to Ukrainian citizens whose stay on the territory of Poland is legal (pursuant to Article 2(1)) and specifies the deadline for submitting an application in this matter. Pursuant to this article, the application must be submitted within 30 days from the date of arrival in Poland.