The PESEL number is an eleven-digit numeric signature used to identify individuals who own such number The PESEL number consists of the following elements: date of birth, sequence number, gender designation and a check number.
Who can get PESEL number?
A PESEL number can be assigned automatically – ex officio or at the request of a person. The number is assigned ex officio when a birth certificate is prepared for a child born on Polish territory. This applies to children of Polish citizens, citizens of the European Union and members of their families who live in Poland, in connection with the fact that they have obtained the right of permanent residence. Foreigners may apply for a PESEL number by submitting an application, stating the appropriate legal basis and meeting at least one of the following conditions:
Foreigners who have registered in Poland for a stay of more than 30 days also receive a PESEL ex officio. If a person is not registered, the foreigner receive a PESEL after applying for one at the municipality office.
What You need to do?
An application for a PESEL number can be submitted to any municipality office. The documents needed to obtain a PESEL number are a properly completed application (in paper form) in Polish and the foreigner’s native language if desired. When submitting and receiving the application, it is obligatory to show your valid identity document such as passport or ID card. Generating a PESEL number is free of charge.
What are the benefits?
It is important to remember that the PESEL number allows for easy identification of a person. It does not confer citizenship or entitle a person to vote in the Republic of Poland.
The PESEL number is required to enter into most contracts in Poland Signing a lease, opening a bank account or a seemingly ordinary contract with Internet service provider – all require a PESEL number
Assigning a PESEL number also allows you to set up an account on the podatki.gov.pl portal and use the Your e-PIT service. Having a PESEL number makes it easier to settle accounts with the tax office. A taxpayer can use the PESEL number and file a tax return using the free e-Deklaracje application available at podatki.gov.pl
PESEL number for Ukrainian citizens
Citizens of Ukraine who entered the territory of the Republic of Poland after 24.02.2022 should apply for a PESEL number within 30 days from the date of arrival to Poland. If a citizen of Ukraine has not applied for a PESEL number within the above period, he/she can submit such application within 30 days from the date of entry into force The act amending the Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with Armed Conflict on the Territory of Ukraine from January 13, 2023 and other relevant laws (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 185).
The legal bases on which the content of the article is based are the Act of 24 September 2010 on population registration (Journal of Laws of 2015, item 388), the Act of 13 January 2023 on amending the Act on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of this state and certain other acts (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 185) and the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs of 4 January 2012 on assigning or changing the PESEL number (Journal of Laws of 2015, item 1984).
Author : Anna Korzun
