How to get a PESEL number in Poland?

How to get a PESEL number?

If you have already found accommodation:

✅ Simply go to the Urząd Gminy or Urząd Miasta (city or commune office) according to your registered address. (Just type "Urząd Miasta" into your navigation).
✅ Fill out a short form.
✅ You will receive your PESEL immediately or by mail.

Documents:

• Passport or residence card

• Rental agreement or confirmation of registration. If you are renting through an agency, ask them for confirmation.

2. If you are staying temporarily in a hostel and need a PESEL: ✅ You must submit a separate application — Wniosek o nadanie numeru PESEL ze względu na obowiązek prawny ("application for assigning a PESEL due to a legal obligation").

In the application, you must state why you need a PESEL (for example, to sign an employment contract).

Documents:

• Passport/residence card

• Proof of necessity (for example, a letter from an employer requesting a PESEL)

How much does it cost? Free of charge.
Issuing a PESEL number for foreigners is free.

How long to wait?

• When registering at an address — usually the same day.

• When applying due to a legal obligation — up to 30 days, but often within 1–7 days.

Bonus: What else should you know?

• If you already have a residence card, sometimes the PESEL number is automatically included (check it).

• After receiving your PESEL, it’s good to update it everywhere: bank, doctor, tax office.

• If you change your surname or personal data — your PESEL stays the same.