The registration (in Polish meldunek) is obligatoryby law for both foreigners and Polish nationals.
The procedure is free-of-charge, however, a written confirmation costs PLN 17.
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.
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 aother document confirming family ties (translated to Polish by a certified translator)
The registration will be valid for the period of your apartment rental agreement.
Nationals of other countries – documents:
- passport,
- 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,
- visa or a residence permit
The registration will be valid for the same period as your legal stay in Poland stated in your visa or residence permit or for the period of apartment rental agreement if it is shorter. If you came to Poland on the basis of the visa-free movement, the registration will be valid for the 90 days from arriving in Poland.
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.
See also:PESEL number