The registration (in Polish meldunek/ zameldowanie) is obligatoryby law for both foreigners and Polish nationals. Obtaining a residence permit is the responsibility of every foreigner, temporarily or permanently residing in the country; owning or renting a house/apartment or staying in hostels. The procedure is free-of-charge, however, a written confirmation costs PLN 17.
In case of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein citizens the registration is valid for the period of apartment rental agreement. In case of the non-EU nationals it is valid for the validity period of the legal stay in Poland that is the validity date of visa or residence card (in case of visa-free travel it is 90 days).
When to register
- European Union nationals and Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland nationals as well as their family members register at latest on 30th day after arrival if planned stay exceeds 3 months;
- nationals of OTHER COUNTRIES need to register at latest on 4th day after arrival if the planned stay exceeds 30 days;
Where to register
In a municipal/district office competent for the address where you are residing. If you move to another place (city, town, district), you have to register again.
Note: EU citizens, including their non-EU family members, the registration can be done on-line.
What documents are needed
EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland nationals as well as their family members:
- ID or passport,
- a registration form (signed also by the apartment owner or an authorised person from the hotel/dormitory),
- an apartment rent agreement or hotel/dormitory reservation document,
- family members additionally a residence card or another document confirming family ties (translated to Polish by a certified translator).
In case of nationals of other countries additionally:
- visa or a residence permit.
PESEL number
At registration, you will be automatically issued a PESEL number (personal identyfication number). The number starts with your date of birth and serves for common identification purposes. It is needed for example to settle down your annual tax declaration. Also, thanks to the number it is sometimes easier for instance to use medical services or borrow a book from a library.