University of Silesia in Katowice

First steps after employment

Dear New Employee, now that you have arrived in Poland there are a few important things you need to do. Below please find a short list with directions:

REGISTRATION OF YOUR PLACE OF STAY

Everyone who lives in Poland should remember that they are obliged to register their residence. It concerns both Polish citizens and foreigners. In order to register you should have:

• EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland nationals:
  • ID or passport
  • a registration form (also signed by the apartment owner or an authorised person from the hotel/dormitory who confirms your stay at the declared address)
  • an apartment rental agreement or hotel/dormitory reservation document
• In case of nationals of other countries additionally:
  • visa or a residence permit.

The application for registration of residence can be filled in every City Hall or online.

When do you submit the documents?

• No later than on the 30th day after arrival to Poland – if you are:

• a citizen of the European Union (EU) member state or a family member of such a citizen,
• a citizen of a Member State of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or a family member of such a citizen.

• Not later than on the 4th day after arrival to Poland – if you do not belong to this group.

How much will I pay?

The check-in service is free of charge. You will not pay anything for the first registration document. Each subsequent document issued after checking in costs PLN 17.

How long will I wait?

The officer will register you as soon as he/she receives your application. After you register, he/she will issue residence registration document.

Where can I register my residence?

In every City Hall of the city where you live. You can do this directly at the City Hall or online.

More information about residence registration:

Register for permanent or temporary residence (for foreigners) – Gov.pl – Portal Gov.pl

https://www.euraxess.pl/poland/registration-municipality/district

APPLYING FOR THE PESEL NUMBER

The PESEL number is an identification number assigned to people living in Poland (its name comes from the Polish acronym for “Universal Electronic System for Population Registration”). The number begins with your date of birth and it is used for general identification. It is very helpful when handling various formalities, such as opening a bank account.

You receive a PESEL automatically when you register your residence. If you are unable to complete registration of the residence, you can apply for a PESEL independently (also in the Town Hall).

More information about PESEL:

Obtain a PESEL Number – a service provided to foreigners – Gov.pl – Portal Gov.pl

SET UP A BANK ACCOUNT

While you can use a foreign credit or debit card in Poland without any difficulty, it’s recommended that you open your own Polish bank account. Using an account from abroad for reimbursements may generate the extra fees due to the currency exchange rates.

If you intend to open a bank account in Poland, remember that each bank may have its own rules about which documents you need to present. Typically, you may be required to show a valid passport or your ID card, along with your PESEL number.

More information about banking and currency in Poland:

https://www.euraxess.pl/poland/information-assistance/daily-life