Opening a bank account in Poland. Documents to prepare

A Polish bank account is one of the first things to arrange after you arrive for work. Without it your employer cannot transfer your salary, and most official and everyday payments have to be handled in cash.

Below we explain which documents to prepare, how opening an account works and what to check before choosing a bank.

Why you need an account

• salary paid by transfer, since most employers do not pay in cash,
• benefits and refunds from public offices and from ZUS,
• rent, phone bills and utilities,
• transfers to family abroad,
• proof of regular income when renting a flat.

Documents to prepare

Requirements differ between banks, but the basic set is usually similar.

• a valid identity document, most often a passport,
• a second document if the bank asks for one, such as a residence card or driving licence,
• your PESEL number, if it has been issued,
• your address of residence in Poland,
• a phone number and email address for authorisation,
• an employment contract or a certificate of employment, if the bank requires it.

Before your visit, ask the specific bank whether a passport is enough or whether a document confirming legal residence is also needed. This rule varies from bank to bank.

How opening an account works

The simplest route is a visit to a branch. A bank employee checks your documents, fills in the application and presents the agreement for signature. The account usually works immediately or within a few working days.

Some banks allow you to open an account online, with identity confirmed by a transfer or during a courier visit. That route is often available only to people with a PESEL number, so check before you start the application.

What to compare

• the account maintenance fee and the conditions for avoiding it,
• the card fee and charges for withdrawals at other banks’ ATMs,
• the cost of international transfers and currency conversion,
• the language of the app and the bank’s website,
• whether there is a branch in your town,
• promotion terms, especially any required monthly income.

Terms change over time, so check the current fee table on the bank’s website before your visit. This article is general information and does not replace any bank’s own offer.

Common problems

The first is not having a PESEL number. Some banks will open an account without it, although the range of services may then be limited.

The second is an outdated address. If you live in accommodation provided by the agency, ask your coordinator which address to give in the application.

The third concerns documents. Your passport must be valid, and the data held by the bank must match your employment contract. A difference in the spelling of a first name or surname can block a salary transfer.

After the account is open

Pass the account number to the HR department or to your coordinator, preferably in writing. After your first payment, check that the amount matches your payslip. Report any difference straight away, because a correction is easier to make within the current month.