2020-03-16
PESEL is an unique personal evidence number used in Poland for personal identification purposes. PESEL is automatically assigned to each Polish citizen for whom a Polish birth certificate was issued. PESEL is used to identify citizens in relation with government institutions, banks and other entities.
The PESEL number is also required to activate the ePUAP electronic signature, enabling, among others, signing documents required by tax authorities, including financial statements of Polish companies.
Foreigners may obtain a PESEL number in Poland if the necessity to assign a PESEL to a foreigner results from provisions of Polish law. For example, PESEL number can be obtained by members of the management board (directors) of Polish companies, foreigners who register in Poland for permanent or temporary residence.
In order to obtain a PESEL number it is not necessary to have a residence address, tax residency, residency permit or work permit in Poland. It is sufficient to indicate at least one legal basis justifying granting the PESEL number. For example, the president of the management board (director) of a Polish limited liability company may obtain a PESEL number even if he does not reside in Poland and does not have the right to reside in the territory of Poland.
In order to obtain a PESEL number, a foreigner is required to submit an application to the competent Head of the Commune/ Mayor/President of the city. The application is submitted on a special form. In the content of the form the legal basis of the application should be specified (it is required to indicate a specific provision of the statute under which the foreigner is required to obtain a PESEL). The application is free of charge. The waiting period for granting PESEL varies in practice in specific public offices. Some offices assign PESEL numbers immediately. In other authorities it is necessary to wait even several months.
It is possible to obtain PESEL number by an attorney. Therefore, foreigners not residing in Poland on regular basis may grant a power of attorney to obtain PESEL to another person and thus avoid the need to visit an office in Poland personally.
LF LEGAL provides assistance with obtaining PESEL number for foreigners, including in particular members of management boards of Polish companies.
