I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?
Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Poland you get it from Urząd gminy — ewidencja ludności / PESEL (gov.pl) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from Urząd skarbowy — odwołanie / e-Urząd Skarbowy (22 330 03 30). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from Urząd wojewódzki — wydział spraw cudzoziemców / Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców (22 601 74 01). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.
🗣️ What to say
"I moved to Poland on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"
🪜 Step by step
- Book the registrationAt Urząd gminy — ewidencja ludności / PESEL: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
- DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
- Non-resident number: Urząd skarbowy — odwołanie / e-Urząd SkarbowyFor work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
- Non-EU: Urząd wojewódzki — wydział spraw cudzoziemców / Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
- Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
I have a job offer but no address yet
Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at Urząd skarbowy — odwołanie / e-Urząd Skarbowy; the number can be converted when you register an address.
How long does it take?
Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.
EU citizen — do I need to register at all?
Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.
📎 Sources
- Urząd gminy — ewidencja ludności / PESEL →
- Urząd skarbowy — odwołanie / e-Urząd Skarbowy →
- Urząd wojewódzki — wydział spraw cudzoziemców / Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców →
- Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “national id number new arrival Poland”
- “register address get number Poland”
- “tax number foreigner Poland”
- “social security number apply”
- “moving to Poland first steps”
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.