Getting a PESEL Number

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If you are a foreigner and live in Poland, you can register your residence – in this case, you will automatically receive a PESEL number [Polish acronym for “Universal Electronic System for Population Registration”]. If you cannot register your residence and an institution requires a PESEL number, submit an application. See how to do it below.

Eligibility for Obtaining a PESEL Number

You will receive a PESEL number ex officio – if you register your residence in Poland for a stay longer than 30 days.
Submit an application to any municipal/city office – if you cannot register your residence but need a PESEL number.

What do you need to prepare?

If you register your residence:

An application form for assigning a PESEL number – download and fill it out at home. You can also obtain the form at the municipal/city office. In the materials below, you will find instructions on how to correctly fill out the PESEL application form in Polish.
A document that confirms your identity and other data provided in the form.

You can submit the application in person or through a proxy acting on your behalf. Ask your local office for information on how to proceed through a proxy.

Remember! You must indicate a valid legal basis in your application, which establishes the obligation to have a PESEL number. If any institution (such as ZUS – Social Insurance Agency or the Tax Office) requires a PESEL number, you should also provide the legal basis for such a requirement.

If there are any deficiencies in the application, you will be informed that they must be completed. The official will not be able to process your application if it does not meet the formal requirements.

What do you need to do?

Fill out the application form and prepare your identity document – for more information, see the section “What do you need to prepare?”
Submit the application to any municipal office – for more information, see the section “Where to submit.”

How much does it cost?

This service is free of charge.

How long will you have to wait?

The official will accept your application immediately. If there are grounds for assigning a PESEL number, you will receive a notification of the PESEL number assignment.

Where to submit

At the municipal/city office corresponding to your place of residence.

Legal Basis

Population Registration Act of 25 September 2010 (Journal of Laws 2021, item 510)
Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs of 4 January 2012 on assigning or changing PESEL numbers (Journal of Laws 2015, item 1984)