What documents do you need to open an account (as a foreigner)?
Definition
An overview of the documents institutions typically accept when someone without Polish citizenship opens an account — and how to check this in the comparison.
What it means in practice
The list depends on the institution and your status, but the same items recur across our verified data:
- Identity document — a passport, and for EU citizens also an EU ID/passport.
- Proof of the right of residence — for non-EU people most often a residence permit (or an EU citizen's residence card).
- Proof of address in Poland/EEA — sometimes required separately.
- Sometimes also: a PESEL, a Polish phone number, and at some banks a proof of income (especially when opening in a branch).
Why it affects your choice
Which documents a product accepts decides whether you can open an account at all right now. EU citizens usually have it simpler (EU ID/passport); non-EU people more often need to add a residence permit and proof of address, and Polish banks tend to be more document-heavy than fintechs.
How to check it in our comparison
In the currency accounts comparison every entry has verified "accepted documents", "residence permit / karta pobytu", "Polish citizenship" and "PESEL" fields — with a source and a "Checked" date. The order is alphabetical, not a ranking — we do not point to a "best" option.
Watch out
Document lists are often unpublished and changeable, and requirements can differ by nationality. Confirm your specific set of documents with the provider before a branch visit or registration.
We do not give immigration or financial advice. Confirm acceptance of your documents with the provider. WTP Finance is for information only.