How to open a bank account in poland for non-residents?

The banking sector in Poland is highly advanced and competitive. While this level of competition might pose challenges for the banks, it typically results in more favorable conditions for customers. Having a bank account in Poland is nearly indispensable, as everyday transactions and financial operations become cumbersome without one. For instance, employers require a bank account to deposit salaries through automated systems, tax refunds are transferred directly to individual accounts, and even casual transactions among friends often involve transfers through Polish bank accounts. The banking institutions in Poland tend to follow uniform regulations and policies, making it straightforward for Polish citizens to open an account. However, immigrants to Poland may wonder about the process to establish a bank account upon their arrival.

Those Polish banks are loyal for the foreigner and do not have many requirements to open the bank account or take a micro loan.

If you're an EU citizen looking to open a bank account in Poland, the primary query from the bank will concern whether you possess an EU registration residence permit in the country. Absence of this permit may generally decrease the likelihood of opening an account; however, the aforementioned banks may occasionally make exceptions and facilitate the creation of your account. Polish banks prefer their clients to have legal status, especially since EU citizens are allowed to stay in Poland for a maximum of 90 days without a permit. For guidance on obtaining a residence permit as an EU citizen in Poland, please refer to our detailed article Poland residence permit for EU Citizen | Step-by-step guide.

For non-EU individuals seeking to open a bank account in Poland, expect a thorough verification process. Be aware that citizens from certain countries, such as the Philippines, Iran, Iraq, may face sanctions, and Polish banks have been known to reject applications from countries like Nigeria. This section will guide you on preparing a successful bank account application in Poland:

1. Don’t be deterred by nationality concerns. Many from your home country reside in Poland with bank accounts, having passed the necessary verifications and managed their accounts without issue.
2. Ensure your visa or residence permit is up to date. Your documents should be valid for at least six more months. A Schengen visa may not hold as much weight as a D-type visa in this context.
3. Clarify your purpose in Poland. Employment requires a work contract, business owners should present income proof and company registration details (KRS/CEIDG), and students need to show enrollment confirmation and academic records.

If a bank officer cannot open your account on the spot, your application will require further review. At your meeting, the officer will file your application and collect the necessary documents, which are either returned to you post-verification or retained by
the bank. After a positive verification, they'll proceed with the account setup.

Yes, you can open a bank account in Poland with a PESEL number and your passport, provided you have a valid visa or residence permit. You might also be able to open an account with just the stamp in your passport, as long as your country is not on any sanctions list that would prevent this. High reputed banks only can ask you for the PESEL, but for others the requirement it is upon request.

In Poland, receiving your salary in cash is permissible. Nonetheless, for the annual PIT tax return after a year of employment, having a bank account is necessary.

Holding a Residence Permit is a sign of official recognition as a resident in Poland, granting you the ability to use both public and private services with confidence. This permit is essential for opening a bank account at your preferred institution. Interestingly, the banks favored by expatriates and those favored by Polish citizens often differ. The reason? Service quality. Some banks, particularly those that offer quicker account openings, might compromise on service, leading to longer wait times for customer support or an inclination to block cards for transactions deemed suspicious by their systems.

A case in point is an incident involving one of our clients on December 23rd, where ING bank froze their card due to a routine Uber payment, leaving them without card access for three days over the Christmas break due to bank closures. Such scenarios underscore the importance of choosing a reliable bank, particularly for foreigners who may require more attentive customer service.

Securing a Polish Residence Permit is thus doubly beneficial, as it not only legitimizes your stay but also enhances your banking experience. For more detailed information on this topic, we encourage you to read our full article about Residence Permit in Poland.