Bank account in Poland for foreigners — which bank and what documents

Every bank in Poland sets its own document requirements for foreigners — there is no single rule (art. 109 of the Banking Law). In practice the differences are large: some banks open an account without a PESEL number, on just a passport and a residence document, while others require a PESEL and a branch visit. This finder asks 4 questions about your situation and points to the account that most likely fits — and below I explain the documents, the procedure, and your right to a free basic account.

What documents to prepare

They depend on the bank, but the base set is consistent:

• Identity document — a valid passport (EU citizens may use their home-country ID card).
• Proof of legal residence — residence card, visa, work permit, rental agreement, university or employer certificate. One of these is usually enough.
• PESEL number — if you have it, it speeds things up. Not always required, but it makes everything easier later (Trusted Profile, offices, e-prescriptions).
• Polish phone number — needed to activate online banking and receive SMS codes. Arrange it before your visit.

An account without a PESEL — is it possible?

Yes. A PESEL number is not a statutory condition for opening an account — each bank decides whether it requires one (art. 109 of the Banking Law). In practice, Bank Millennium, BNP Paribas and the former Santander (now Erste Bank Polska) are most often listed as opening accounts without a PESEL, on just a passport and residence document. A Ukrainian citizen can open an account even without registered address — a passport and proof of legal residence suffice, and some banks accept a Ukrainian biometric passport.

Your right to a free account — the basic payment account (PRP)

If you don't yet have any złoty account at a Polish bank, you have a statutory right to a free basic payment account (art. 59ia of the Payment Services Act). Every bank offering consumer accounts must provide it — including to foreigners, residents and non-residents. The PRP gives you free account maintenance, a card, deposits and withdrawals, and 5 transfers a month (withdrawals from the bank's own ATMs are unlimited). The bank may refuse only in exceptional cases (e.g. suspicion of money laundering) or if you already hold another złoty account. It's a real option if commercial banks turn you down over your residence status.

Resident or non-resident — why it matters

Before visiting a bank, establish your currency-law status. A resident lives in Poland; a non-resident lives abroad. The status affects the required documents and whether a given bank will open an account at all. Non-EU non-residents face the most restrictions, but even they have the right to a basic account.

What to keep in mind before choosing

• Free account maintenance is often conditional — usually a monthly inflow or a few card payments. Check the condition before you choose.
• Ask about the cost of the card, foreign-ATM withdrawals and international transfers — especially to Ukraine, if that matters to you.
• Most banks require signing the contract in person at a branch, even if you fill in the application online. Fully remote opening is rare.
• A currency account (EUR/USD) does not remove your right to a basic złoty account — the law covers only the account in Polish currency.

What next

Informational material, not legal advice or a recommendation of a specific bank. Bank requirements and promotion terms change; confirm current rules directly with your chosen bank before visiting. Legal basis: art. 109 of the Banking Law, art. 59ia of the Payment Services Act.