PESEL room design (PESEL)

in person and online (without going to Uzhend)

PESEL (or PESEL) is your unique identifier in Poland. This number is required almost everywhere: from simple purchases in an online store to serious financial transactions.

PESEL stands for Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności - "Universal Electronic Population Enumeration System".

The PESEL number consists of 11 digits. The first six are your date of birth in YYMMDD format. The next four are the serial number with a gender designation (odd numbers for men, even numbers for women). The last digit is the control digit.

The functions of a license plate number are diverse. It is not only a way of personal identification, but also a key to the social security system. With the PESEL, public authorities can quickly obtain the information they need about you.

What is PESEL for?

Its availability greatly simplifies the life of a foreigner in Poland. It is a kind of a pass to Polish society, which opens access to many services and opportunities.

  • Opening a bank account: without a number you cannot become a client of a Polish bank.
  • Loan Origination: PECEL is required to verify your credit history.
  • Employment: The employer needs your number to process an employment contract.
  • Relationship Registration: PECEL will be required when you get married in Poland.
  • Sick leave: you also need a number to get medical care.
  • Insurance: you will not be able to take out an insurance policy without a PECEL.
  • Applying for a residence card: PESEL will speed up the process of obtaining a residence permit.
  • Tax returns: a number is required to file tax returns.
  • Opening a firm: when registering a business.
  • Real estate transactions: when buying or renting a home, you will be asked to provide a PECEL.
  • Online shopping: many online stores require you to enter your PESEL number at checkout.

Who can get a PESEL?

The number is automatically assigned to all Polish citizens at birth. But what about foreigners?

Good news: practically any foreigner residing in Poland for more than 30 days is eligible for a PECEL. This applies to both EU and third-country nationals.

For EU citizens and their family members, the process of obtaining is somewhat simplified. They can apply for a PECEL online through a special platform, which we will describe later.

PESEL vs NIP: what is the difference?

NIP (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) is a tax identification number. It is needed mainly for doing business and paying taxes.

Key differences:

  • PESEL is assigned to individuals, NIP to legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.
  • PESEL is needed for day to day life, NIP is needed for doing business and paying taxes.
  • PESEL consists of 11 digits, NIP consists of 10 digits.

In most cases, a PESEL number is sufficient for normal life in Poland. NIP will be required if you plan to start a business or work as a sole proprietor.

Methods of PESEL processing

Personal registration

The easiest way to obtain a PECEL is to apply in person to the local użęd (Urząd Miejski or Urząd Gminy). To do this, you will need the following documents:

  • Foreign passport
  • Document confirming the right to stay in Poland (visa, residence card, etc.)
  • Document proving the address of residence in Poland (rental agreement, meldunek)
  • Completed application form

The application process is simple: you go to the UGC, submit your documents and fill in the application form. Usually a number is assigned the same day.

Remote processing

If you are unable to visit the UGEND in person, there are several ways to process a PECEL without being present:

Sending documents by mail
You can send all the necessary documents by mail to your local UGC. Do not forget to attach the completed application form. Be careful when filling out the application - any mistake may result in rejection.

Registration through a proxy
You can make a power of attorney for another person to file the documents for you. A notarized power of attorney is required. Do not forget that this method requires a stamp duty of PLN 17.

Apply for PECEL online (for EU citizens)
EU citizens and their family members can do online through the ePUAP platform. To do so, you need to have a confirmed profile on this platform.

Get a PESEL

Issuance of PESEL without residence registration

This is possible, but will require additional effort. You will need to provide justification for the need to obtain one. This could be, for example, a requirement from an employer or a bank.

PESEL processing timeframe

When applying in person, the procedure for obtaining a PESEL usually takes one day. With remote processing, the deadlines may be extended up to several weeksDepending on the workload and the correctness of filling in the documents.

Frequent problems

  • Lack of propiska: as we have already said, this is solvable, but requires additional documents.
  • Filling errors: be very careful when filling out the application.
  • Incomplete paperwork: make sure you have all the required paperwork before submitting.

Latwy Start's PESEL clearance services

Working with us, you save time and nerves, avoid mistakes and get a guaranteed result
as soon as possible.

1

Advice on the process of obtaining a PECEL

2

Filling in the application without errors

3

Assistance in collecting and preparing all necessary documents

4

Filing documents on your behalf

5

Tracking the PESEL registration process

FAQ

Is it possible to obtain a PESEL while being outside Poland?

No, you have to be in Poland to get a PECEL.

Do I need to change my PESEL when I change my passport?

No, the number stays the same throughout your life.

How long is the PESEL number valid?

For life.

What should I do if I've lost my PECEL?

You can't lose the number itself, but if you forget it, you can get a statement from the ujenda.

Is it possible to have more than one PESEL number?

No, each person can only have one number.

Feedback from our clients

Damien Vice Profile Picture

Damien Vice

02/11/2025

Ставлю 1 звезду. Планировал начать сотрудничество через икнубатор. Отправил 3 письма, через мейл и форму на сайте, написал в инсте, сделал 2 звонка (без ответа). Потратил неделю на ожидание. Меня просто проигнорировали. Как можно доверять этому сервису, если фонд не в состоянии ответить на письмо и прислать документы для ознакомления. Жду объяснения

Andrii Melnychuk Profile Picture

Andrii Melnychuk

26/08/2025

I highly recommend Łatwy Start! Thanks to them, my two kids and I received 3-year residence cards without any stress. Special thanks to manager Kristina — she was extremely helpful and even managed to speed up the process for my children. Excellent service, very satisfied!

Anton Mezhuiev Profile Picture

Anton Mezhuiev

26/08/2025

Чудова робота, все відбулося швидко і дуже професійно, з чіткими інструкціями і нотатками про ті документи, що вимагалося надати з моєї сторони — і як саме їх правильно заповнювати. Запис на подачу і видача самої карти зайняла набагато меньше часу, ніж спочатку очікувалося (перше звернення у січні, подача документів і відбитків в березні — а в серпні вже отримав пластік).

Брав пакет з повним супроводом — ні разу не пожалкував, всім рекомендую — і дуже дякую всій компанії і зокрема менеджеру Кристині!

Anastasiya Balotnikava Profile Picture

Anastasiya Balotnikava

26/08/2025

Недавно получила вторую карту с Łatwy Start, как и в первый раз – все было отлично, положительная децизия по итогу.

Благодарю менеджера Кристину за работу и своевременное напоминание про все нужные шаги, довольна совместной работой ✨

Inna Profile Picture

Inna

03/08/2025

3 раза членами семьи сотрудничали с компанией по получению карт побыта в разное время и работали с разными специалистами. До этого были попытки с другими компаниями , но именно высочайший уровень профессионализма Latwy Start сделал нас постоянными клиентами. Каждый раз самое благоприятное впечатление за высокий уровень профессиональной работы и моральную поддержку. Особая отдельная благодарность Ольге! Ольга очень помогла, всегда на связи по любым вопросам, отличные профессиональные советы на каждом этапе, начиная с первого общения еще до заключения договора и до успешного получения карты. Как ангел-хранитель «провела за ручку» через все сложные перепитиии, поддержала словом и делом. Огромная Благодарность Ольге и всей компании! Процветания вам и хоррших клиентов!

Oleksandr Drobyshev Profile Picture

Oleksandr Drobyshev

15/07/2025

Все супер

Yevgeniy Postebailo Profile Picture

Yevgeniy Postebailo

14/07/2025

Всё понравилось, везде сопроводили, всё обьяснили.
Была пара непонятных вещей, но не стесняйтесь спрашивать — всегда отвечают и консультируют.
Рекомендую обращаться.

Aliaksei Seniukovich Profile Picture

Aliaksei Seniukovich

11/07/2025

Хочу выразить огромную благодарность Кристине из Łatwy Start за профессиональную помощь в получении вида на жительство в Польше. Благодаря её опыту, внимательности и доброжелательному отношению весь процесс прошёл легко и без лишнего стресса. Кристина всегда была на связи, подробно отвечала на все вопросы и помогала на каждом этапе оформления документов. Искренне рекомендую её услуги всем, кто ищет надёжную поддержку в решении миграционных вопросов в Польше!

Gennady Bakunovich Profile Picture

Gennady Bakunovich

11/07/2025

I had a really positive experience with Łatwy Start. Manager Kristina was supportive and always ready to help with any questions. I got my temporary residence permit without any issues and with minimal effort on my part. I really appreciate their work and highly recommend them 🙌