Warsaw is still divided into 18 districts (dzielnice): that hasn’t changed since 2002. What has changed since the original version of this article is how residents can reach local authorities. Here’s a 2026 refresh.

Local self-government in Warsaw: what hasn’t changed

As before, local government in Warsaw is decentralised: each of the 18 districts runs its own local policy. For example, the city still holds an annual vote as part of its civic budget, now officially called “Budżet Obywatelski” (the name used to be “Budżet Partycypacyjny”; it’s the same mechanism). Residents vote on which local projects the allocated funds should go towards.

For major investments, such as new metro lines, tram lines, and roads, the city still runs public consultations (konsultacje społeczne), which can meaningfully shape the final design of a project.

The unified helpline: Warszawa 19115

The biggest practical change: you no longer need to work out which specific district office to call for general questions. The city runs a single contact centre, Warszawa 19115 (phone line and portal), for most everyday and administrative matters: reporting street or cleanliness issues, or general questions about city services.

For strictly regulated matters, such as a PESEL number, residence registration (meldunek), or the “Rodzina 800+” benefit, your district office is still the responsible authority, but you can get general information and be pointed in the right direction through 19115.

What to contact your district office for

Depending on where you live, you can visit your district’s reception office for:

  • a PESEL number;
  • residence registration (meldunek);
  • the Rodzina 800+ benefit: since 2024, the payment is PLN 800 per month per child and is not means-tested (the programme, previously called “Rodzina 500+”, was indexed and renamed);
  • information about local primary schools or kindergartens;
  • other local matters (resident discount cards, neighbourhood events, and similar).

How to find the current address

Individual district office addresses and phone numbers change over time, and some of the older standalone domains (e.g. bemowo.waw.pl) are no longer the primary information source: the official structure is now consolidated under the um.warszawa.pl portal (the districts section lives at warszawa.pl). Before visiting an office in person, we recommend:

1. Checking the current address and opening hours on warszawa.pl under your district’s section; 2. Or calling the unified line 19115, which will point you to the right place for your specific question.

If you’re looking for an apartment in Warsaw and aren’t sure which district to pick, check out our article “How to find an apartment in Warsaw.”

FAQ

How many districts does Warsaw have in 2026? Still 18, the division hasn’t changed since 2002.

Can I get a PESEL number somewhere other than my district office? As a rule, only in person at the office covering your place of residence (a simplified procedure exists for some categories, such as PESEL UKR). Check with 19115 or warszawa.pl for your specific situation.

Did the name of the civic budget change? Yes, the official name today is “Budżet Obywatelski” (previously “Budżet Partycypacyjny”); the mechanism itself is the same.

Bibliography and Legal Basis

  • Act of 8 March 1990 on Commune Self-Government (current text): the legal basis for local self-government in Poland.
  • City of Warsaw portal: warszawa.pl (current district addresses and contacts), unified helpline Warszawa 19115.

Author: MojaFirma team.

*This article is for informational purposes only. Exact addresses, opening hours and phone numbers of district offices change over time, so always verify current details on warszawa.pl or by calling 19115 before visiting. If you have questions about relocating to or settling in Warsaw, feel free to book a free consultation with our team.*