{"id":6202,"date":"2026-09-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/?page_id=6202"},"modified":"2026-09-14T15:50:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T12:50:29","slug":"pesel-number-poland","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/en\/pesel-number-poland\/","title":{"rendered":"PESEL number in Poland for foreigners"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<section id=\"npl-hero\" class=\"npl-landing--pesel\">\r\n  <div class=\"npl-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div>\r\n      <p class=\"npl-eyebrow\">Legal support since 2001<\/p>\r\n\r\n      <h1 class=\"npl-h1\">PESEL number in Poland <span class=\"npl-accent\">for foreigners<\/span><\/h1>\r\n\r\n      <p class=\"npl-lede\">\r\n        We draft the application with a legal basis that works, file it with the gmina and see it\r\n        through to the number being issued. Since 1 January 2026 the remote route is open only\r\n        to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals \u2014 everyone else needs one visit, and we organise it.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n\r\n      <ul class=\"npl-usp\">\r\n        <li>Remote, under a power of attorney \u2014 EU, EEA, Swiss nationals and their families<\/li>\r\n        <li>Third-country nationals must appear in person since 01.01.2026 \u2014 art. 18 ust. 1a<\/li>\r\n        <li>The number itself is free; stamp duty on a power of attorney is PLN 17<\/li>\r\n        <li>We pick the legal basis \u2014 without one the gmina will not process the application<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n\r\n      <ul class=\"npl-trust\">\r\n        <li>Office in Warsaw<\/li>\r\n        <li>Reply within 15 minutes<\/li>\r\n        <li>Sworn translation<\/li>\r\n        <li>Since 2001<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <aside class=\"npl-card\" id=\"npl-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"npl-tabs\" role=\"tablist\" aria-label=\"Ways to obtain a PESEL number\">\r\n        <button class=\"npl-tab is-on\" type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\"  data-tab=\"eu\">EU national<\/button>\r\n        <button class=\"npl-tab\"       type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"third\">Third country<\/button>\r\n        <button class=\"npl-tab\"       type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab=\"pack\">PESEL and profile<\/button>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"npl-pane is-on\" data-pane=\"eu\" role=\"tabpanel\">\r\n        <h2 class=\"npl-title\">PESEL remotely<\/h2>\r\n        <p class=\"npl-sub\">EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, UK citizens under the Withdrawal Agreement and their family members<\/p>\r\n        <ul class=\"npl-meta\"><li>no travel to Poland<\/li><li>1\u20137 business days<\/li><\/ul>\r\n        <div class=\"npl-price\">\r\n          <span class=\"npl-price-label\">Full service:<\/span>\r\n          <div class=\"npl-price-row\">\r\n            <!-- TODO-PRICE -->\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-val\">from PLN 650<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-vat\">PLN 17 stamp duty included<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <ul class=\"npl-notes\">\r\n            <li>Our representative files the application under a power of attorney<\/li>\r\n            <li>No personal appearance \u2014 the exemption is written into the statute<\/li>\r\n            <li>We select the legal basis that fits your situation<\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <details class=\"npl-incl\">\r\n          <summary>What the price covers<\/summary>\r\n          <ul>\r\n            <li>Checking whether you have a valid ground for the number at all<\/li>\r\n            <li>Drafting the application and identifying the provision that requires a PESEL<\/li>\r\n            <li>Power of attorney and payment of the PLN 17 stamp duty<\/li>\r\n            <li>Filing with the gmina and running the case to issue<\/li>\r\n            <li>Answering any seven-day notice to cure defects<\/li>\r\n            <li>The certificate confirming the number<\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/details>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"npl-pane\" data-pane=\"third\" role=\"tabpanel\">\r\n        <h2 class=\"npl-title\">PESEL with a personal visit<\/h2>\r\n        <p class=\"npl-sub\">Third-country nationals: since 1 January 2026 the application is filed in person only<\/p>\r\n        <ul class=\"npl-meta\"><li>one visit to a gmina<\/li><li>usually the same day<\/li><\/ul>\r\n        <div class=\"npl-price\">\r\n          <span class=\"npl-price-label\">Visit support:<\/span>\r\n          <div class=\"npl-price-row\">\r\n            <!-- TODO-PRICE -->\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-val\">on request<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-vat\">no state fee for the number<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <ul class=\"npl-notes\">\r\n            <li>Application and document pack ready before you land<\/li>\r\n            <li>We book the appointment, come with you and interpret on the spot<\/li>\r\n            <li>One visit also closes the profil zaufany<\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <details class=\"npl-incl\">\r\n          <summary>What the price covers<\/summary>\r\n          <ul>\r\n            <li>Working out which legal basis will actually hold in your case<\/li>\r\n            <li>Completed application and a check that your passport is fit for filing<\/li>\r\n            <li>Sworn translation of documents where required<\/li>\r\n            <li>Booking the gmina appointment and attending with you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Setting up the profil zaufany during the same trip<\/li>\r\n            <li>Confirming the number reached the register and is visible to banks<\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/details>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"npl-pane\" data-pane=\"pack\" role=\"tabpanel\">\r\n        <h2 class=\"npl-title\">PESEL and profil zaufany<\/h2>\r\n        <p class=\"npl-sub\">The number plus a working electronic signature for Polish government systems<\/p>\r\n        <ul class=\"npl-meta\"><li>signature valid 3 years<\/li><li>no hardware token<\/li><\/ul>\r\n        <div class=\"npl-price\">\r\n          <span class=\"npl-price-label\">Full service:<\/span>\r\n          <div class=\"npl-price-row\">\r\n            <!-- TODO-PRICE -->\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-old\">PLN 1000<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-val\">PLN 800<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"npl-price-vat\">number and profile together<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <ul class=\"npl-notes\">\r\n            <li>The profile opens S24, PRS, PUESC, e-Urz\u0105d Skarbowy and CRBR<\/li>\r\n            <li>Remote for EU nationals, bundled with the visit for everyone else<\/li>\r\n            <li>The fastest confirmation route is through a Polish bank<\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <details class=\"npl-incl\">\r\n          <summary>What the price covers<\/summary>\r\n          <ul>\r\n            <li>Everything included in obtaining the PESEL number<\/li>\r\n            <li>Registering the profil zaufany against the new number<\/li>\r\n            <li>Choosing the confirmation route: bank, confirmation point or consulate<\/li>\r\n            <li>Testing that the profile actually signs documents<\/li>\r\n            <li>Instructions for renewing the profile after three years<\/li>\r\n            <li>Advice on whether you need the profile at all<\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/details>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"npl-actions\">\r\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"npl-btn npl-btn--primary npl-open\" data-src=\"card\">Check your case in 2 minutes \u2192<\/button>\r\n        <p class=\"npl-reassure\">\r\n          Four questions and you will know whether the remote route is open to you, what legal\r\n          basis to cite, and what to do if the number is out of reach.\r\n        <\/p>\r\n        <div class=\"npl-divider\">or message us<\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"npl-msgr\">\r\n          <!-- TODO-PHONE -->\r\n          <a class=\"npl-tg\" href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/legal2legal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-msgr=\"telegram\">\r\n            <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M9.8 15.6l-.4 4.2c.5 0 .8-.2 1.1-.5l2.6-2.5 5.4 4c1 .5 1.7.3 2-.9l3.5-16.4c.3-1.4-.5-2-1.5-1.7L1.2 9.6C-.2 10.1-.1 10.9 1 11.2l5.5 1.7L19.3 5c.6-.4 1.2-.2.7.2z\"\/><\/svg>\r\n            Telegram\r\n          <\/a>\r\n          <a class=\"npl-wa\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/48720740429\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-msgr=\"whatsapp\">\r\n            <svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 00-8.6 15L2 22l5.2-1.4A10 10 0 1012 2zm5.6 14.2c-.2.7-1.3 1.3-1.9 1.3-.5 0-1.1.2-3.6-.8-3-1.3-5-4.4-5.1-4.6-.2-.2-1.2-1.6-1.2-3.1s.8-2.2 1.1-2.5c.3-.3.6-.4.8-.4h.6c.2 0 .4 0 .7.5l1 2.3c.1.2.1.4 0 .6l-.4.6-.3.3c-.1.2-.3.3-.1.6.2.3.8 1.4 1.8 2.2 1.2 1.1 2.2 1.4 2.5 1.6.3.1.5.1.6-.1l.9-1c.2-.3.4-.2.6-.1l2.1 1c.3.1.5.2.5.4.1.1.1.7-.1 1.4z\"\/><\/svg>\r\n            WhatsApp\r\n          <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/aside>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<article id=\"npl-art\">\r\n\r\n  <p class=\"npl-lead\">\r\n    <strong>Since 1 January 2026 not every foreigner can obtain a PESEL number remotely.<\/strong>\r\n    Personal appearance at the gmina office is mandatory for third-country nationals \u2014 art. 18\r\n    ust. 1a of the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci, added by the ustawa of 12 September 2025\r\n    (Dz. U. poz. 1301). The exemption is kept for nationals of the <strong>EU, the EEA and\r\n    Switzerland<\/strong>, UK citizens who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, their\r\n    family members, and children born in Poland. The number itself is issued free of charge.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Six months ago this page would have read differently. Until 2026 a foreign founder could\r\n    obtain a PESEL without setting foot in Poland: a notarised power of attorney, a representative\r\n    at the gmina, the number within days. Half the remote company-formation market was built\r\n    on that, and \u2014 judging by the search results \u2014 is still being sold on it.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The rule changed; the copy did not. <strong>Check the last-updated date on anyone still\r\n    promising you a PESEL by proxy without travel.<\/strong> For a US, Ukrainian, Israeli, Turkish\r\n    or post-Brexit British national that promise cannot be kept in 2026: the gmina is required\r\n    to see the applicant in person.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-short\">\r\n    <h2>In brief<\/h2>\r\n    <ul>\r\n      <li><strong>From 1 January 2026 a third-country national files the PESEL application\r\n        in person<\/strong> \u2014 art. 18 ust. 1a of the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci. A power of\r\n        attorney no longer works for them.<\/li>\r\n      <li><strong>EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, UK citizens under the Withdrawal Agreement\r\n        and their family members are unaffected.<\/strong> The remote route stays open to them\r\n        exactly as before.<\/li>\r\n      <li><strong>A British passport is no longer enough on its own.<\/strong> Only Withdrawal\r\n        Agreement beneficiaries keep the exemption; a UK national who first came to Poland\r\n        after the transition period is a third-country national.<\/li>\r\n      <li><strong>Children born in Poland receive the number without any appearance<\/strong> \u2014\r\n        the second express exception in the provision.<\/li>\r\n      <li><strong>The number is free.<\/strong> The only payment is PLN 17 of stamp duty\r\n        on a power of attorney, where one still applies.<\/li>\r\n      <li><strong>The application must cite a legal basis<\/strong> (art. 18 ust. 2) \u2014 a specific\r\n        provision obliging you to hold a PESEL. Without it the application is not examined\r\n        on the merits.<\/li>\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <nav class=\"npl-toc\">\r\n    <strong>On this page<\/strong>\r\n    <ol>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-2026\">What changed on 1 January 2026<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-kto\">Who can still apply remotely<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-brexit\">UK citizens: the Withdrawal Agreement line<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-komu\">Who needs a PESEL and what for<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-sposoby\">Three routes to the number<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-osnovanie\">The legal basis: applications fail without it<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-dokumenty\">Documents and the power of attorney<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-srok\">Timing and cost<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-lichno\">What the gmina visit looks like<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-nopesel\">Running a Polish company without a PESEL<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-pz\">Profil zaufany: what it opens<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-proekt\">What is coming next<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-oshibki\">Common mistakes when filing yourself<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-kak\">How we work and what it costs<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/#h-faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\r\n    <\/ol>\r\n  <\/nav>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-2026\">What changed on 1 January 2026<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The <strong>ustawa of 12 September 2025 amending certain acts<\/strong> (Dz. U. poz. 1301)\r\n    inserted a new <strong>art. 18 ust. 1a<\/strong> into the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci.\r\n    It requires the applicant to appear in person before the gmina authority when filing\r\n    an application for a PESEL number. The provision has applied since 1 January 2026.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The requirement is targeted. It does not reach nationals of EU member states, EEA states\r\n    or Switzerland, UK citizens who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, or the family\r\n    members of any of those. For these groups a representative may still file under a power\r\n    of attorney exactly as before.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-callout npl-warn\">\r\n    <p><strong>Outdated information in search results.<\/strong> A large share of English-language\r\n      pages on obtaining a PESEL remotely, commercial offers included, still describes the\r\n      pre-2026 process: &#8220;power of attorney, a representative, no need to travel&#8221;. For\r\n      a third-country national that no longer works. The rule is art. 18 ust. 1a of the ustawa\r\n      o ewidencji ludno\u015bci and it took effect on 1 January 2026. Municipal information pages\r\n      have not all been updated either.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The stated reason for the change is straightforward: remote issue of the number was being\r\n    used to set up shell companies in the names of nominees. The side effect falls on legitimate\r\n    founders, and it has to be planned around.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 1. The process before and after 1 January 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Applicant<\/th><th>Before 01.01.2026<\/th><th>From 01.01.2026<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>EU, EEA or Swiss national<\/td><td>by proxy<\/td><td>by proxy<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Third-country national<\/td><td>by proxy<\/td><td>in person only<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Child born in Poland<\/td><td>no appearance<\/td><td>no appearance<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Legal basis for the requirement<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>art. 18 ust. 1a of the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Cost of issuing the number<\/td><td>PLN 0<\/td><td>PLN 0<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    In one line: <strong>the applicant&#8217;s nationality now matters more than the ground for\r\n    the number.<\/strong> The first question used to be &#8220;do you have a basis for a PESEL&#8221;;\r\n    it is now &#8220;which passport do you hold&#8221;.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-kto\">Who can still apply remotely<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 2. Remote filing by nationality. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Applicant<\/th><th>Remote, by proxy<\/th><th>Provision<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>National of an EU member state<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>exception in art. 18 ust. 1a<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>National of an EEA state or Switzerland<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>same exception<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>UK citizen, Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>same exception<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Family member of any of the above<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>same exception<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Child born in Poland<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>express exception in the provision<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>US, Canadian, Australian national<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>personal appearance under art. 18 ust. 1a<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>UK citizen outside the Withdrawal Agreement<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>personal appearance under art. 18 ust. 1a<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Ukrainian, Georgian, Turkish, Israeli national<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>personal appearance under art. 18 ust. 1a<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    One line worth remembering: <strong>being the family member of an EU national is itself\r\n    enough to keep the remote route open<\/strong>, whatever your own nationality. If your spouse\r\n    holds an EU passport, check this before you book flights.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <figure>\r\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pesel-2026-kto-moze-zdalnie-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"565\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\r\n         alt=\"Decision chart: who can obtain a Polish PESEL remotely from 2026, by the applicant's nationality\">\r\n    <figcaption>Figure 1. From 2026 the split runs along nationality, not along the ground for the number.<\/figcaption>\r\n  <\/figure>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-brexit\">UK citizens: the Withdrawal Agreement line<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    This is the distinction that catches British clients out, and it is worth stating plainly.\r\n    <strong>A UK passport does not by itself keep the remote route open.<\/strong> The exemption\r\n    covers UK citizens who are <strong>beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement<\/strong> \u2014 broadly,\r\n    those who were exercising free-movement rights in Poland before the end of the transition\r\n    period and hold the residence status that follows from it.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    A British founder who first came to Poland in 2023 to set up a company is, for these purposes,\r\n    in the same position as an American or an Australian: a third-country national who must\r\n    appear in person. The passport looks identical; the legal position is not.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 3. Two British applicants, two different routes. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Situation<\/th><th>Remote filing<\/th><th>Why<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>Lived in Poland before the end of the transition period, holds the resulting status<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Family member of such a person<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>covered by the same exception<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Arrived after the transition period<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>third-country national<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Never resided in Poland, forming a company remotely<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>third-country national<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Holds an EU passport as well as a British one<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>the EU nationality decides<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Practical consequence: <strong>dual nationality is worth checking before anything else.<\/strong>\r\n    An Irish, Polish or other EU passport in the family removes the problem entirely.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-komu\">Who needs a PESEL and what for<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    PESEL is the individual identification number held in the Polish population register.\r\n    Both Polish citizens and foreigners have one; it is how the tax office, the social security\r\n    institution, banks, courts and registers identify a person.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 4. What a foreigner needs a PESEL for. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Task<\/th><th>What the PESEL gives you<\/th><th>Possible without it<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>Profil zaufany<\/td><td>the profile cannot be created without one<\/td><td>yes, via an EU qualified signature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Company registration in S24<\/td><td>signing with the profil zaufany<\/td><td>yes, with a qualified signature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>KRS changes through PRS<\/td><td>the same<\/td><td>yes, with a qualified signature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Opening a Polish bank account<\/td><td>the bank identifies the director faster<\/td><td>sometimes, but slower and not everywhere<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Filings and the CRBR<\/td><td>the number appears in the person&#8217;s data<\/td><td>partly, depending on the register<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>e-Urz\u0105d Skarbowy and PUE ZUS<\/td><td>login via the profil zaufany<\/td><td>yes, with a qualified signature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Personal matters: doctor, school, gmina<\/td><td>the primary identifier<\/td><td>no<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The conclusion that saves money: <strong>if you only want the number in order to sign things,\r\n    you may not need it at all.<\/strong> A qualified electronic signature from any provider\r\n    on the EU trusted list works directly in S24, PRS and PUESC and requires no PESEL.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-sposoby\">Three routes to the number<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <ol>\r\n    <li><strong>Application without residence registration.<\/strong> The standard route for\r\n      a founder who does not live in Poland. It is filed with <strong>any gmina<\/strong> \u2014\r\n      there is no link to the company&#8217;s address. This is where the 2026 personal-appearance\r\n      requirement bites.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>Residence registration for more than 30 days.<\/strong> Register your residence\r\n      and the number is issued automatically, with no separate application. You will need\r\n      a tenancy agreement or the owner&#8217;s consent.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>Automatically from the register.<\/strong> Children born in Poland and people\r\n      registered in other procedures receive the number this way.<\/li>\r\n  <\/ol>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 5. The three routes and what they require. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Route<\/th><th>Who it suits<\/th><th>Appearance required<\/th><th>Timing<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>Application without registration<\/td><td>founders, board members, signatories<\/td><td>yes, except EU and EEA nationals<\/td><td>same day to 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Residence registration over 30 days<\/td><td>people actually living in Poland<\/td><td>yes, when registering<\/td><td>with the registration<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Automatically from the register<\/td><td>children born in Poland<\/td><td>no<\/td><td>with the civil-status entry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    <strong>Residence registration does not get around the appearance requirement, it replaces\r\n    one appearance with another.<\/strong> You cannot register a residence remotely, and this\r\n    is frequently offered as a loophole. There is none.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <figure>\r\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pesel-trzy-drogi-nadania-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"559\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\r\n         alt=\"Three routes to a PESEL number: application without registration, residence registration, automatic issue\">\r\n    <figcaption>Figure 2. Three routes to the number and what each demands of the applicant.<\/figcaption>\r\n  <\/figure>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-osnovanie\">The legal basis: applications fail without it<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    This is where self-filed applications most often come apart. <strong>The application must\r\n    state a legal basis<\/strong> \u2014 art. 18 ust. 2 of the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci says so\r\n    expressly. The basis is a specific provision of another statute that obliges you to hold\r\n    a PESEL number.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    &#8220;I need it for my business&#8221; or &#8220;the bank asked for it&#8221; is not a legal basis. The gmina\r\n    is not required to work out which provision you had in mind: it will issue a notice to cure\r\n    the defect within seven days (art. 18 ust. 3) and then leave the application unexamined.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 6. What counts as a basis and what does not.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Wording<\/th><th>Works<\/th><th>Why<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>A statutory provision, cited by article, requiring a PESEL<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>this is what art. 18 ust. 2 asks for<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>A register&#8217;s or authority&#8217;s requirement, with the provision named<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>the provision is named<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>&#8220;Needed to register a company&#8221;<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>a purpose, not a legal basis<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>&#8220;Needed to open a bank account&#8221;<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>a bank does not oblige anyone to hold the number<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>&#8220;Needed for the profil zaufany&#8221;<\/td><td>For now yes, but see below<\/td><td>a draft amendment would remove it<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Nothing stated<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>seven-day notice, then refusal<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <figure>\r\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pesel-podstawa-prawna-we-wniosku-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"578\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\r\n         alt=\"The legal basis in a PESEL application: what is accepted, what is not, and what happens when it is missing\">\r\n    <figcaption>Figure 3. The basis is a provision, not a purpose. Most refusals start here.<\/figcaption>\r\n  <\/figure>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-dokumenty\">Documents and the power of attorney<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The application is filed <strong>on paper, with a handwritten signature<\/strong> \u2014 a direct\r\n    requirement of art. 18 ust. 1. There is no electronic form for this procedure.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 7. What has to be attached. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Document<\/th><th>Required<\/th><th>Comment<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>Paper application, signed by hand<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>art. 18 ust. 1, no electronic filing<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Valid travel document<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>shown in the original<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>The legal provision cited in the application<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>art. 18 ust. 2<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Birth or marriage certificate<\/td><td>Sometimes<\/td><td>where the passport does not evidence the data<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Sworn translation into Polish<\/td><td>Yes, for non-Polish documents<\/td><td>by a translator on the Ministry of Justice list<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Power of attorney<\/td><td>EU and EEA nationals only<\/td><td>no longer available to third-country nationals<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Stamp duty on the power of attorney<\/td><td>PLN 17<\/td><td>where a power of attorney still applies<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    On legalisation: <strong>EU membership does not by itself exempt foreign documents from\r\n    an apostille.<\/strong> The EU regulation that removed legalisation covers civil-status\r\n    records, not commercial or corporate documents, and the answer depends on the issuing\r\n    country. A sworn translation, by contrast, is required in every case.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-srok\">Timing and cost<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Issuing a PESEL number is <strong>free<\/strong>. The state charges nothing for it \u2014 no fee,\r\n    no paid fast track. The only compulsory payment arises where a power of attorney is used:\r\n    PLN 17 of stamp duty per instrument.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The deadline follows the general rule of administrative procedure: the matter is dealt with\r\n    <strong>without undue delay and no later than 30 days<\/strong> from filing. In practice,\r\n    with a complete file and a properly cited basis, the number is issued on the day of the visit\r\n    or within a few working days.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 8. Rule versus practice on timing. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Situation<\/th><th>What the rule says<\/th><th>In practice<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>Complete file, basis cited<\/td><td>without undue delay, up to 30 days<\/td><td>same day or 1\u20133 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Remote filing for an EU national<\/td><td>the same<\/td><td>1\u20137 business days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>No basis stated<\/td><td>seven-day notice to cure<\/td><td>add 1\u20133 weeks<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Additional verification of data needed<\/td><td>up to 30 days<\/td><td>up to a month<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Issue through residence registration<\/td><td>with the registration<\/td><td>same day<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    A planning rule follows: <strong>allow two weeks before the date you actually need the\r\n    number.<\/strong> If the PESEL is meant to sign incorporation documents and you start three\r\n    days before signing, you are already late.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-cta\">\r\n    <h3>We will check your basis before filing<\/h3>\r\n    <p>\r\n      We will tell you whether the remote route is open to you, which provision to cite, and what\r\n      to do if the number is out of reach. For EU nationals we handle it without any travel.\r\n    <\/p>\r\n    <button type=\"button\" class=\"npl-btn npl-btn--primary npl-open\" data-src=\"mid\">Check your case in 2 minutes \u2192<\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"npl-msgr\" style=\"margin-top:10px\">\r\n      <!-- TODO-PHONE -->\r\n      <a class=\"npl-tg\" href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/legal2legal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-msgr=\"telegram\">Telegram<\/a>\r\n      <a class=\"npl-wa\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/48720740429\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-msgr=\"whatsapp\">WhatsApp<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-lichno\">What the gmina visit looks like<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <ol>\r\n    <li><strong>The application is prepared in advance.<\/strong> Basis, data, the transliteration\r\n      of your name exactly as in the passport \u2014 all of it done before the trip, not in the queue.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>Any gmina will do.<\/strong> There is no link to the company&#8217;s address, and it\r\n      is worth using: queues in smaller offices are far shorter than in central Warsaw.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>The appointment takes minutes.<\/strong> The clerk accepts the application, checks\r\n      the passport and, if the basis holds, issues the number on the spot.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>The profil zaufany is set up on the same trip<\/strong>, if you need one: the\r\n      number already exists, only identity confirmation is left.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>Banking is closed out at the same time<\/strong>, since most banks want the\r\n      director present anyway.<\/li>\r\n  <\/ol>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 9. Worth closing in a single trip. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Task<\/th><th>Personal appearance<\/th><th>How long<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>PESEL application<\/td><td>yes, for third-country nationals<\/td><td>minutes at the counter<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Confirming the profil zaufany<\/td><td>yes, unless you hold a Polish bank account<\/td><td>15\u201330 minutes<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Opening a bank account<\/td><td>yes, in most banks<\/td><td>an hour upwards<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Notarial company documents<\/td><td>yes<\/td><td>by appointment<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Obtaining a qualified signature<\/td><td>no<\/td><td>done in advance, remotely<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-nopesel\">Running a Polish company without a PESEL<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The common scenario: the founder is a third-country national, cannot travel for months,\r\n    and the company has to be registered or amended now. The PESEL is out of reach in that\r\n    scenario, but the underlying task is not.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    <strong>A qualified electronic signature from any provider on the EU trusted list requires\r\n    no PESEL.<\/strong> It works in S24, in the Portal Rejestr\u00f3w S\u0105dowych and in PUESC directly\r\n    under the eIDAS Regulation. Your own nationality is irrelevant \u2014 what matters is the country\r\n    of the trust service provider.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-callout npl-warn\">\r\n    <p><strong>DocuSign and Adobe Sign are not qualified trust services<\/strong> in the eIDAS\r\n      sense. They produce a perfectly enforceable commercial signature and count for nothing\r\n      in a Polish government system. The same applies to a scanned wet signature and to\r\n      non-EU national e-signature schemes.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 10. PESEL versus a qualified signature. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>Profil zaufany<\/th><th>EU qualified signature<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>PESEL required<\/td><td>yes<\/td><td>no<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Travel to Poland required<\/td><td>yes, for third-country nationals<\/td><td>no<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Cost<\/td><td>free<\/td><td>PLN 250\u2013400 a year<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Validity<\/td><td>3 years<\/td><td>usually 1\u20132 years<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Recognised in<\/td><td>Polish government systems<\/td><td>the whole EU<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Works in S24 and PRS<\/td><td>yes<\/td><td>yes<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Personal matters in Poland<\/td><td>yes<\/td><td>partly<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Two further options are worth knowing. A <strong>notarised power of attorney<\/strong>\r\n    to a representative in Poland covers most corporate acts, and appointing at least one\r\n    <strong>EU-resident board member<\/strong> removes the recurring problem entirely for\r\n    companies that will file often.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <figure>\r\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pesel-czy-podpis-kwalifikowany-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"579\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\r\n         alt=\"Profil zaufany on a PESEL versus an EU qualified signature: what each requires and what it opens\">\r\n    <figcaption>Figure 4. If the number is only wanted for signing, the task can be solved without it.<\/figcaption>\r\n  <\/figure>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-pz\">Profil zaufany: what it opens<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The profil zaufany is a free means of confirming identity in Polish government systems.\r\n    It replaces a handwritten signature in dealings with the state and is valid for\r\n    <strong>three years<\/strong>, renewable online while still active.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 11. What the profil zaufany opens. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>System<\/th><th>Used for<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>S24 and the Portal Rejestr\u00f3w S\u0105dowych<\/td><td>company registration and KRS changes<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>CEIDG<\/td><td>sole trader registration<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>CRBR<\/td><td>beneficial owners register, 14 days after the KRS entry<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>PUESC<\/td><td>customs and the EORI number<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>e-Urz\u0105d Skarbowy<\/td><td>returns, certificates, payments<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>PUE ZUS<\/td><td>contributions, sick leave, pension data<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>ePUAP<\/td><td>correspondence with any authority<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>IKP<\/td><td>medical records, prescriptions, referrals<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    <strong>The fastest route to the profile is a Polish bank:<\/strong> if you hold an account,\r\n    the profile is created inside online banking in minutes, because the bank has already\r\n    verified your identity. Every other confirmation route needs a visit to a confirmation point\r\n    or a consulate.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <figure>\r\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/pesel-profil-zaufany-co-otwiera-en.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"585\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\r\n         alt=\"What the profil zaufany opens: S24, PRS, CRBR, PUESC, e-Urz\u0105d Skarbowy, PUE ZUS\">\r\n    <figcaption>Figure 5. The number alone opens nothing \u2014 the profile built on it does.<\/figcaption>\r\n  <\/figure>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-proekt\">What is coming next<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Worth knowing in advance, because it changes planning. In early 2026 a\r\n    <strong>draft amendment<\/strong> was published on the website of the Rz\u0105dowe Centrum\r\n    Legislacji which would expressly remove confirmation of a profil zaufany from the list\r\n    of grounds for issuing a PESEL number.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-callout\">\r\n    <p><strong>Status as at 9 September 2026: a draft, not law.<\/strong> No commencement date\r\n      has been fixed; the draft provides for the main changes to take effect two weeks after\r\n      publication in the Journal of Laws. For now, gminas still accept that ground.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Practically: <strong>if the profil zaufany is your only ground, do not put the application\r\n    off.<\/strong> And check at the same time whether you have a firmer one \u2014 anyone actually\r\n    running a business in Poland usually does.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-oshibki\">Common mistakes when filing yourself<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 12. The mistake and what it costs. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Mistake<\/th><th>Consequence<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <tr><td>Relying on a power of attorney as a third-country national<\/td><td>the application is refused and the trip is needed anyway<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Assuming a British passport still qualifies<\/td><td>only Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries are exempt<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>No legal basis stated in the application<\/td><td>seven-day notice, then refusal<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>A purpose given instead of a provision<\/td><td>the same<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Filing electronically<\/td><td>no electronic form exists: paper and a wet signature<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Documents without a sworn translation<\/td><td>the application is not examined on the merits<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Name transliterated differently from the passport<\/td><td>the number attaches to the wrong spelling and mismatches follow in every register<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>PESEL obtained but no profil zaufany created<\/td><td>still nothing to sign documents with<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Starting days before a signing date<\/td><td>the statutory deadline is up to 30 days and cannot be shortened<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    The last row deserves a sentence of its own. <strong>There is no paid express procedure\r\n    for a PESEL number.<\/strong> The only things you can influence are the completeness of\r\n    the file and the correctness of the basis \u2014 and those turn a thirty-day deadline into\r\n    a single visit.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-kak\">How we work and what it costs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <ol>\r\n    <li><strong>We start with the passport.<\/strong> Nationality decides whether the remote\r\n      route exists at all \u2014 that is the first and the decisive question.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>We identify the legal basis.<\/strong> Not a purpose but a provision: something\r\n      the gmina will accept without a notice to cure.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>We prepare the application and the document pack<\/strong>, and arrange sworn\r\n      translations where needed.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>For EU nationals we file under a power of attorney<\/strong> and run the case\r\n      to issue. For third-country nationals we book the gmina appointment and attend with you.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>We create the profil zaufany<\/strong> against the new number and confirm that\r\n      it actually signs documents.<\/li>\r\n    <li><strong>We hand over the certificate<\/strong> and explain where the number will be\r\n      needed next: KRS, CRBR, the bank, filings.<\/li>\r\n  <\/ol>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-tw\">\r\n  <table>\r\n    <caption class=\"npl-cap\">Table 13. Service pricing. September 2026.<\/caption>\r\n    <thead>\r\n      <tr><th>Service<\/th><th>Price<\/th><th>Timing<\/th><\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n      <!-- TODO-PRICE -->\r\n      <tr><td>PESEL remotely, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals<\/td><td>from PLN 650<\/td><td>1\u20137 business days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>PESEL and profil zaufany<\/td><td>PLN 800<\/td><td>1\u20137 business days plus confirmation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Visit support for third-country nationals<\/td><td>on request<\/td><td>one visit to a gmina<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Issue of the number by the state<\/td><td>PLN 0<\/td><td>without undue delay, up to 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\r\n      <tr><td>Stamp duty on the power of attorney<\/td><td>PLN 17<\/td><td>included<\/td><\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n  <\/table>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-cta\">\r\n    <h3>Fifteen minutes to map your situation<\/h3>\r\n    <p>\r\n      We will tell you whether remote filing is open to you, which provision to cite, and whether\r\n      you need a PESEL at all \u2014 a qualified signature often solves the same problem.\r\n    <\/p>\r\n    <button type=\"button\" class=\"npl-btn npl-btn--primary npl-open\" data-src=\"end\">Check your case in 2 minutes \u2192<\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"npl-msgr\" style=\"margin-top:10px\">\r\n      <!-- TODO-PHONE -->\r\n      <a class=\"npl-tg\" href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/legal2legal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-msgr=\"telegram\">Telegram<\/a>\r\n      <a class=\"npl-wa\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/48720740429\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-msgr=\"whatsapp\">WhatsApp<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-dalshe\">Further reading<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <ul class=\"npl-next\">\r\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/en\/pesel-number-explained\/\">The PESEL number explained<\/a> \u2014 the procedure in detail<\/li>\r\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/en\/qualified-signature-poland\/\">Signing Polish filings from abroad<\/a> \u2014 which e-signatures actually work<\/li>\r\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/en\/krs-changes\/\">Changes in the KRS<\/a> \u2014 where a PESEL is needed and where a signature suffices<\/li>\r\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/en\/eori-number-poland\/\">EORI number<\/a> \u2014 the customs identifier, no PESEL required<\/li>\r\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/account-poland-bank\/\">A bank account for your Polish company<\/a> \u2014 what banks ask a foreign director<\/li>\r\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/napolshu.com\/services\/\">Company registration in Poland<\/a> \u2014 how to arrange everything in one trip<\/li>\r\n  <\/ul>\r\n\r\n  <h2 id=\"h-faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>Can I still get a PESEL number remotely in 2026?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>Only if you are a national of an EU or EEA state or Switzerland, a UK citizen who is\r\n    a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement, or a family member of one of those. Since\r\n    1 January 2026 every other foreign national must file the application in person at a gmina\r\n    office \u2014 art. 18 ust. 1a of the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>Does a British passport still allow remote filing?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>Not on its own. The exemption covers UK citizens who are beneficiaries of the\r\n    Withdrawal Agreement \u2014 broadly those who were exercising free-movement rights in Poland\r\n    before the end of the transition period. A British national who first came to Poland after\r\n    that is treated as a third-country national and must appear in person.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>How much does a PESEL number cost?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>The number is issued free of charge; the state takes no fee. The only compulsory\r\n    payment arises where a power of attorney is used: PLN 17 of stamp duty. The napolshu.com\/\r\n    service starts at PLN 650 for EU nationals, stamp duty included.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>How long does it take?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>Under the general rule of administrative procedure the matter is dealt with without\r\n    undue delay and no later than 30 days from filing. In practice, with a complete file and\r\n    a properly cited legal basis, the number is issued on the day of the visit or within a few\r\n    working days. There is no paid express procedure.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>What do I write under &#8220;legal basis&#8221; in the application?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>A specific statutory provision that obliges you to hold a PESEL number \u2014 art. 18\r\n    ust. 2 of the ustawa o ewidencji ludno\u015bci requires it. A purpose such as &#8220;needed to register\r\n    a company&#8221; is not a basis: the gmina will issue a seven-day notice to cure the defect and\r\n    then leave the application unexamined.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>Can I register a Polish company without a PESEL?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>Yes. A qualified electronic signature issued by a provider on the EU trusted list\r\n    works directly in S24 and in the Portal Rejestr\u00f3w S\u0105dowych under the eIDAS Regulation and\r\n    requires no PESEL. The second route is a notarised power of attorney to a representative\r\n    in Poland. If you want the number only in order to sign, it may be unnecessary.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>Will DocuSign work for Polish filings?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>No. DocuSign and Adobe Sign are not qualified trust services under eIDAS and carry\r\n    no weight in Polish government systems, and neither does a scanned signature. You need\r\n    a profil zaufany, which requires a PESEL, or a qualified signature from an EU provider.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>Does registering my residence avoid the personal appearance?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>No. Registering a residence for more than 30 days does mean the number is issued\r\n    automatically, without a separate application, but residence registration cannot be done\r\n    remotely. One appearance is simply replaced by another.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <details class=\"npl-faq\">\r\n    <summary>How long is a profil zaufany valid?<\/summary>\r\n    <div><p>Three years, renewable online while still active; after it lapses the procedure has\r\n    to be repeated. The quickest way to create and confirm one is through the online banking\r\n    of a Polish bank where you hold an account, because the bank has already verified you.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/details>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"npl-disc\">\r\n    <p>This page is for information only and does not replace individual legal advice. Rules,\r\n      deadlines and charges are stated as at <strong>September 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n    <p>Author: Marta Kowalik, lawyer at napolshu.com\/. Verified on 9 September 2026.\r\n      Sources: ustawa of 24 September 2010 on the population register, ustawa of 12 September 2025\r\n      amending certain acts (Dz. U. poz. 1301), the Polish Stamp Duty Act, gov.pl materials\r\n      and municipal information pages.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/article>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From 2026 third-country nationals must file in person &#8211; art. 18 ust. 1a. Remote filing stays open to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, from PLN 650.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6202","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>PESEL number in Poland: remote or in person in 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Since 1 January 2026 a remote PESEL filing is open only to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. 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