The PESEL number is one of the first things almost every foreigner in Poland ends up needing. Without it, opening a bank account, registering a business, or getting a Trusted Profile on the government portal becomes far harder. Here’s what it is, who qualifies, and how to get one in 2026.

What is the PESEL number

PESEL is Poland’s 11-digit personal identification number, issued to both Polish citizens and foreigners.

  • digits 1-6 encode your date of birth, adjusted for century (someone born May 3, 1991 gets a number starting with 910503);
  • digits 7-10 are a series number, where the 10th digit indicates sex: even digits (0,2,4,6,8) for women, odd digits (1,3,5,7,9) for men;
  • digit 11 is a checksum used to validate the whole number.

Unlike a paper ID number in some other countries, PESEL is entirely virtual; it lives in an electronic registry. When someone asks for your PESEL, you simply state the number rather than hand over a physical document.

Who can get a PESEL number

Any foreigner legally staying in Poland can obtain a PESEL number, including on the basis of:

  • a temporary residence permit;
  • a national (type D) Polish visa, if the stay exceeds 30 days;
  • a permanent residence permit;
  • an EU long-term resident’s permit.

The simplest route is getting PESEL automatically when you register your address (zameldowanie). You don’t need to state a specific legal basis on the application; proof of legal stay and registration is enough.

PESEL for Ukrainian citizens (PESEL UKR)

Since March 1, 2023, a special procedure applies: Ukrainian citizens who arrived after February 24, 2022 and have no other legalization basis receive a number with PESEL UKR status, unlocking simplified legalization, healthcare, and social benefits.

Important: as of 2026, PESEL UKR holders must complete a mandatory identity/biometric verification; failing to do so by the deadline risks suspension of some status-related rights. Exact conditions and dates are governed by the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens and the law phasing it out (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 203). Check the current deadline on gov.pl or with your local office before applying.

How to apply for a PESEL number

Step 1. Fill out the PESEL application form, available at your local office or the municipality’s website (in Warsaw, via the Warszawa19115 platform).

Step 2. Prepare your documents: a passport or other ID document, a color photo (35×45 mm, no older than 6 months), and, if applying through a proxy, a written power of attorney plus their ID.

Step 3. Submit the application at the local administration and civil affairs office (Delegatura Biura Administracji i Spraw Obywatelskich); fingerprints are taken there too (except for children under 12).

Step 4. You’ll get confirmation of your assigned number during the same visit.

PESEL is also assigned automatically when you register your address (zameldowanie), without needing a separate application.

Fees

Getting a PESEL number is free, with one exception: if an authorized person files the application on your behalf, a 17 PLN stamp duty applies. This fee doesn’t apply to powers of attorney granted to a spouse or close relatives.

If your application doesn’t meet requirements, you get 7 business days to fix errors or submit missing documents.

PESEL or NIP: which one do you need

Since 2017, PESEL has been the primary identifier for individuals who don’t run a business and aren’t VAT payers or a payer of social contributions for others. NIP remains mandatory only for:

To get a NIP, fill out form NIP-7, NIP-2, or update your CEIDG-1 form (for business owners); apply online via biznes.gov.pl or in person at the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy). It’s usually issued within 3 business days.

Planning to open a JDG and work as a B2B contractor? It’s worth understanding the PIP 2026 reform first: as of July 8, 2026, the Labour Inspectorate can reclassify a B2B contract as an employment relationship without a court ruling. More in our PIP 2026 series.

FAQ

Do I need to state the reason for getting a PESEL on the application?
No, you don’t need to name a specific legal basis, just confirm your legal stay.

Can a child get a PESEL number?
Yes, a parent or legal guardian applies on the child’s behalf; fingerprinting isn’t required for children under 12.

My PESEL was issued before 24.02.2022. Can I get UKR status?
Visit your local office (Urząd), give fingerprints, and update your photo; the PESEL number itself won’t change.

Author: MojaFirma content team.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Check gov.pl or your local office for the current deadlines and requirements. Need help with legalization or setting up a business in Poland? Feel free to book a free consultation with our team.