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    How to open a bank account in Poland and why is it important for a foreigner?

    Posted by atlant.estate on 11.07.25
    Case Study, Kredyt
    0

    More and more citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and other countries are choosing Poland as a place to live, work or study. Already more than one million Ukrainians have established their new lives here after 2022. One of the first and most important steps after arriving in Poland is to open a bank account. Why? Because without it, it is difficult to function normally today – to receive a salary, pay the rent of an apartment or even sign a contract with a telephone operator.

    In this article we will tell you step by step how to open a bank account in Poland, what documents you will need and why a bank account in Poland is the key to a comfortable life.

    Why is a bank account in Poland a must?

    Taxes on a property in Poland, utility charges, internet or loan installments – all this is usually paid by transfer from a local account. Without an account in a Polish bank, it is difficult:

    • receive remuneration from the employer,
    • Receive scholarships or benefits (such as 500+ for children),
    • sign a rental agreement (landlords often ask for a transfer to a Polish account),
    • avoid high currency conversion fees.

    In addition, most payments in Poland are cashless. A debit card for your account allows you to pay in stores, for MPK tickets, order online, and, thanks to Blik, without a card at all.

    How to open a bank account in Poland step by step?

    1. select a bank

    First, check which banks offer service in English, Russian or Ukrainian. Popular among foreigners are:

    • mBank
    • Santander
    • Bank Millennium
    • PKO BP
    • Pekao SA

    These banks also have websites and apps in English, and often branches have advisors who speak Ukrainian or Russian.

    2. prepare documents

    Usually needed:

    • Passport (or residence card),
    • address in Poland (this can be a rental agreement, a statement from the owner or confirmation of registration),
    • PESEL number (if you already have one – it makes it easier to deal with the paperwork, but it is not always required).

    Some banks may ask for additional documents – such as an employment contract or a certificate from your university that you are a student.

    3 Go to a branch or apply online

    The safest way to open an account is at a branch. An employee will fill out an application with you, make a copy of the documents and ask you to sign a contract. The account is usually active right away, and you will get an ATM card in the mail within a few days.

    Some banks (e.g. mBank, ING) allow you to open an account fully online – you need to take photos of your documents and a selfie in the app.

    Can a foreigner without a PESEL open an account?

    Yes. Many customers from Ukraine or Belarus open an account only on the basis of a passport and address in Poland. In practice, each bank has its own rules – sometimes in one branch they will demand a PESEL, and in another they will open an account on the spot. That’s why it’s a good idea to call the hotline in advance and make sure what documents will be required.

    How much does a bank account in Poland cost?

    It depends on the bank and the package. In most cases, the basic account is free as long as, for example, a certain amount of money (salary) is deposited into it every month or you make a few card payments.

    Typical costs are:

    • PLN 0-15 per month for account maintenance,
    • PLN 0-7 per card (often free for multiple transactions),
    • PLN 0 for transfers in PLN in Poland.

    Company account in Poland

    If you have a business in Poland (e.g. a sole proprietorship – JDG or a limited liability company), you must have a separate company account. The opening procedure is similar, but in addition you need company registration documents (NIP, REGON, CEIDG or KRS entry).

    Account for freelancer or remote worker

    If you work online (e.g. IT, graphic design, marketing) and receive transfers from abroad, a regular personal account will suffice. It is then worth choosing a bank with favorable currency conversion terms and cheap SEPA or SWIFT transfers.

    How to effectively use your account in Poland?

    • Pay by card or Blik, avoiding high commissions for cash withdrawals at foreign ATMs.
    • Keep your savings in gold to avoid losing out on currency conversions.
    • Check your transaction history on the mobile app to keep track of your spending and any charges.

    Summary: A bank account is your foundation in Poland

    An account in a Polish bank is not a luxury, but a necessity – whether you’ve come to work, study or to invest in a property in Poland. With it you can easily pay your bills, rent, taxes on your property, and collect your salary or benefits.

    If you are planning to buy an apartment or a house in Poland, our Atlant Estates team will not only help you find the perfect property, but will also suggest the most convenient way to open a bank account. Contact us – we will advise you at every stage of your move and investment!

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