Local Registration in Poland: Obligations, Examples, and Penalties for Foreigners

When moving to Poland, whether for a short-term stay or long-term relocation, one of the most overlooked—but legally required—steps is local address registration, commonly referred to as "meldunek". This article outlines what foreigners need to know about proof of zameldowanie Poland, gives a zameldowanie example, and explains what happens if you fail to comply with this obligation.

"Meldunek" is the official registration of your place of residence in Poland. It applies to both Polish citizens and foreigners. While the system was originally meant for census and administrative purposes, today it's still widely used for bureaucracy—banking, insurance, healthcare, and immigration.
There are two types:

• Temporary registration (zameldowanie czasowe)
• Permanent registration (zameldowanie stałe)

According to Article 40-43 of the Polish Residence Registration Act, all foreigners staying in Poland longer than 30 days (for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) or more than 4 days (for third-country nationals) must complete their address registration.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: within 30 days of arriving at a new address
• Third-country nationals: within 4 days of arriving at a new address

You are exempt only if your stay is shorter than 30 days, or if you're a member of diplomatic or consular staff.

Here's a zameldowanie example of how the process works in Poznań ("meldunek Poznań"):

1. Visit the local city office (Urząd Miasta) or file online via the gov.pl portal.
2. Provide:

• Rental agreement or written consent from the property owner
• Passport or valid residence card
• Visa or decision on residence permit (if applicable)

1. Complete the address registration form (formularz meldunkowy)
2. Receive proof of zameldowanie Poland — a certificate that may be useful for banks, schools, and healthcare institutions
3. Note: If you stay in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, the host is responsible for registering you. This is especially important in short-term rentals (poland registration of address Airbnb).

"Meldunek Engels" is not an official term in Polish law but often appears in expat forums and immigration documents referring to English-language-friendly registration services or support for English-speaking foreigners.

While Polish citizens are not penalized for failing to register, foreigners can face fines, particularly:

• If you're a non-EU national and stay beyond 4 days without registration
• If your legal stay depends on providing proof of address (e.g., for a residence card)

The fines can be issued under the Code of Petty Offenses. However, enforcement varies by city, and in many cases, you may receive a warning first.

Whether you're relocating to Poland permanently, staying in Poznań, or booking an Airbnb in Warsaw, it’s essential to understand your local registration duties. Completing your zameldowanie protects your legal stay and helps you navigate Polish bureaucracy more easily.