What is PESEL?
PESEL is an eleven-digit identification personal number used to identify citizens of the Republic of Poland. As well as foreigners residing and working in Poland.
Usually, obtaining a PESEL number is one of the first steps when relocating to Poland, as this number is required in practically all aspects of life. It is including accessing healthcare services, banks, the tax office, ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), and many other institutions.
PESEL is an acronym that stands for “Universal Electronic System for Registration of the Population”. (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności — PESEL). The eleven digits contain information about an individual:
- The first two digits represent the year of birth.
- The third and fourth digits denote the month of birth.
(starting from the 21st century, 20 is added to the month). - The fifth and sixth digits indicate the day of birth.
- The seventh, eighth, and ninth digits are a unique sequential number.
- The tenth digit specifies the gender of the owner (even for females, odd for males).
- The eleventh digit is a control digit.
PESEL is assigned to an individual only once and is never changed.
To obtain PESEL as a foreigner, you need to present your passport and visit the local municipal office (Użąd gminy, Użąd miasta) at your place of residence. It is necessary to fill out and sign the appropriate application form (forms are available at the office). Even without a rental agreement for an apartment, you can still obtain PESEL by indicating the basis as “do celów podatkowych” (for tax purposes) in the application.
The procedure for obtaining PESEL is free of charge and usually takes only a few minutes. However, it can only be done in person by visiting the municipal office.
If you have any questions regarding obtaining PESEL and legal status in Poland, please do not hesitate to click the button below and fill out the form for consultation. Our experience includes 1341 successful cases of obtaining temporary and permanent residence permits in Poland.
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