In 2025, an increasing number of foreigners living and working in Poland have started reporting sudden account freezes in major financial institutions such as PKO BP, PEKAO, and Revolut. These restrictions are linked to tightened security and regulatory requirements (KYC/AML) that banks now strictly apply to customers without valid residence documents.
Below you will find a detailed explanation of why banks block foreigner accounts, what documents are now required, and how to prevent losing access to your funds.
Why Are Banks in Poland Freezing Foreigners’ Accounts?
Since 2024–2025, Polish banks have significantly tightened identity verification procedures. This affects especially non-EU citizens, who must present a valid Polish visa or a valid residence card (TRC) to maintain full access to their bank accounts.
Banks now require:
a valid visa or residence card,
proof of current legal stay,
updated documentation whenever a document expires.
If the foreigner cannot provide a valid document, the bank may freeze the account until updated proof is delivered.
Are passport stamps or proof of application accepted?
No.
Banks clearly state that:
passport stamps,
application submission confirmations,
letters from the immigration office
are NOT accepted as proof of legal stay.
Even if the foreigner is legally in Poland while waiting for a decision on a residence permit, this is not sufficient for banks. Only a valid visa or valid residence card meets their requirements.
PKO and Revolut: Many Reports of Account Freezes
In 2025, dozens of users across Poland reported blocked accounts, especially in:
PKO BP,
Revolut,
and to some extent PEKAO.
Customers report that:
the account becomes fully inaccessible,
outgoing transfers are blocked,
funds are frozen until a valid residence document is presented.
This creates serious problems for foreign workers who may suddenly lose access to their salary or savings.
Who Is Most at Risk of an Account Freeze?
Freezes most often affect:
foreigners whose visas have expired,
people awaiting residence permit decisions,
seasonal workers,
users with accounts in PKO, PEKAO or Revolut,
anyone without a currently valid physical document confirming legal stay.
Even if a person is legally in Poland, without a valid physical card or valid visa, the bank may apply AML restrictions.
How to Avoid Having Your Bank Account Blocked in Poland
To reduce the risk, foreigners should:
Submit the TRC (residence card) application immediately after arriving in Poland.
Track the validity dates of their visa and residence card.
Notify the bank before documents expire.
Remember that application confirmations are not accepted by banks.
Respond quickly to any message from the bank requesting updated documents.
What should employees using PKO or Revolut do?
Foreign workers are advised to:
withdraw their money from PKO or Revolut as soon as possible,
store funds in cash or transfer them to a secure account,
regularly check the validity of their residence documents.
Additionally, many companies use a safe temporary solution:
an employee may sign a statement authorizing salary payments to a colleague’s account (a colleague who has valid residence documents).
This is a common and legal procedure that ensures uninterrupted salary payments.
Summary
The risk of bank account freezes for foreigners in Poland in 2025 is real and documented by many PKO, PEKAO and Revolut users. To protect your funds:
keep a valid visa or residence card,
apply for the TRC immediately after arrival,
update your documents with the bank on time,
if necessary, withdraw funds and arrange an alternative salary payment account.
If you need additional guidance regarding residence procedures in Poland, our team is here to help.