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How to Get a PESEL Number and Profil Zaufany

4/10/2026EasyPobyt Team

How to Get a PESEL Number and Profil Zaufany

When you move to Poland, two of the most important administrative steps are getting a PESEL number and setting up a Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile). These allow you to pay taxes, sign contracts, and handle government matters online.

Key Takeaways

  • PESEL: An 11-digit national identification number. It is mandatory for taxes, healthcare, and opening a bank account.
  • Profil Zaufany: A free digital signature that lets you log into Polish government portals (e.g., ePUAP, ZUS, Urząd Skarbowy).
  • Cost: Both are completely free of charge.

Step 1: Getting Your PESEL Number

You automatically get a PESEL number when you register your residence (zameldowanie) in Poland.

What you need:

  1. Passport: Your valid travel document.
  2. Visa or Karta Pobytu: Proof of your legal stay in Poland.
  3. Rental Agreement: A contract showing where you live.
  4. Application Form: The "Zgłoszenie pobytu stałego/czasowego" (Residence registration form).

Where to go:

Visit your local City Hall or District Office (Urząd Miasta / Urząd Dzielnicy). Submit the documents, and you will receive a paper confirmation with your PESEL number immediately.

Step 2: Setting up Profil Zaufany

Once you have your PESEL, you should immediately set up a Profil Zaufany. It will save you countless trips to government offices.

Method A: Via Your Polish Bank (Easiest)

If you have a Polish bank account (e.g., Millennium, mBank, Santander, PKO):

  1. Log into your online banking.
  2. Look for the "e-Urząd" or "Profil Zaufany" section.
  3. Follow the prompts to verify your identity using your banking credentials.

Method B: Online + In-Person Verification

If your bank doesn't support it:

  1. Go to pz.gov.pl and register an account using your PESEL.
  2. Within 14 days, visit a confirming point (Punkt Potwierdzający) — usually a post office, tax office, or city hall — with your passport to verify your identity.

Why Do You Need Them?

  • Taxes (PIT): You need a PESEL to file your annual tax return.
  • Healthcare (ZUS): To access public healthcare (NFZ) and check your sick leave.
  • Business: To open a sole proprietorship (JDG) online.
  • Karta Pobytu: To check the status of your residence permit application online (in some voivodeships).

Official Sources