Some Foreign Nationals Subject to New Identification Number Application Process

 

Effective immediately, only foreign nationals with Permanent Residence Permits in Poland will be issued a personal identification number (PESEL) automatically upon registering their residence. All other foreign nationals, with the exception of some EU nationals, must apply for a PESEL number at their regional city hall, which could take at least a month.

Previously, the PESEL number was issued to all foreign employees automatically upon residence registration and doubled as a tax identification number.

EU nationals holding Residence Registration certificates may be able to obtain a PESEL number automatically if the city hall to which they apply recognizes the certificate as a permanent residence permit. If it does not, EU nationals may have to follow the typical application procedure for a PESEL number.

Foreign nationals who are not able to obtain a PESEL number and who will need an identification number for tax purposes, such as those under Polish labor contracts, will have to apply for a tax identification number, called a NIP. However, it is not yet clear which number such foreign nationals will be able to use as identification at other institutions such as government offices, banks and hospitals.

Application Process

Foreign nationals without Permanent Residence Permits in Poland must submit a PESEL number application with references to their regional city hall. The authorities are expected to clarify what types of references will be required. Upon approval, foreign nationals can pick up their PESEL number from the municipal office where they submitted the application.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Foreign workers without Permanent Residence Permits will now face administrative hurdles to obtain a PESEL number. Affected workers should plan in advance to complete the PESEL application form and should carry their passport for identification while awaiting its issuance.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].