How to get a PESEL and register your address (meldunek): steps for new residents

Briefly

Registration of place of residence (zameldowanie) in Poland is required for stays over 30 days; during registration a foreigner may be assigned a PESEL number ex officio.

Who needs it

Zameldowanie is available to foreigners and citizens of the EU/EFTA/Switzerland; having a meldunek is important for various administrative actions and for assigning a PESEL.

Types of registration

There are zameldowanie na pobyt stały (permanent) and na pobyt czasowy (temporary). It is possible to have one permanent meldunek and one temporary meldunek at different addresses at the same time.

Practical steps

Prepare documents proving identity and address of residence, complete the relevant meldunkowy form and submit the application to the organ gminy.

For registration exceeding 30 days a PESEL may be assigned ex officio; it is also possible to submit a separate application for assignment of a PESEL number in person at the urzędzie gminy.

Where to apply

Applications are accepted at urzędy gminy; in some gminas submission via the online gov.pl services is available.

About PESEL

The PESEL register is a state register containing personal and address data of citizens and foreign residents of Poland. PESEL is assigned by the organ gminy and the data are entered there during the relevant registration.

What to check locally

Required documents, PESEL assignment timelines, the possibility of online submission or via a pełnomocnik, and specific rules for different categories of foreigners vary between gminas and should be confirmed at the specific urzędzie gminy.

Next steps

After receiving a meldunek and/or PESEL, check with the relevant institutions about tax and social insurance matters — consequences depend on status and local rules.

Describe your situation and I will advise which documents to prepare and which local checks to make.