---
title: "PESEL number for foreigners: how to get it | MyPermit.pl"
description: "How a foreigner gets a PESEL number in Poland: automatically when registering for a stay over 30 days, or by application at any municipal office. Free of…"
lang: en
url: https://mypermit.pl/en/guides/pesel-number-for-foreigners.html
---

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# PESEL number for foreigners: how to get it

By [Małgorzata](https://mypermit.pl/en/about.html) · Published 25 Oct 2026 · Updated 25 Oct 2026

You get a PESEL number automatically when you register at your address in Poland for a stay of more than 30 days. If you cannot register but an office requires a PESEL, you apply at any municipal office. It is free, and non-EU foreigners must apply in person. **Short answer.**In the application you must state the real legal basis that obliges you to have a PESEL. If an office such as ZUS or the tax office asks for it, it should tell you that basis. **On this page**1. [Option 1: automatically with registration](#auto)
2. [Option 2: apply if you cannot register](#apply)
3. [Who must apply in person](#who)
4. [Cost and time](#fees)
5. [Why you need it](#why)

## Option 1: automatically with registration

If you register for a stay in Poland longer than 30 days, the municipal office assigns your PESEL ex officio (art. 16–17 of the Act on population records). See [address registration](https://mypermit.pl/en/guides/register-your-address-zameldowanie.html).

## Option 2: apply if you cannot register

- Apply at any municipal office (urząd gminy) if you cannot register but a Polish office requires your PESEL.
- Bring the application form (download it or get it at the office), which you must sign by hand, and a document that confirms your identity and the data you enter.
- In the application, write the actual legal basis that obliges you to have a PESEL.
- The clerk accepts your application at once. If there is a basis, you get a notification that the number was assigned. If something is missing, you are asked to complete it.

## Who must apply in person

If you are not an EU or EFTA citizen (or a Swiss citizen, or a covered British citizen, or their family member), you must file the application in person at a municipal office. This does not apply to children born in Poland.

## Cost and time

The service is free of charge. The clerk takes your application immediately.

## Why you need it

A PESEL is required to set up a trusted profile (profil zaufany), which you need to file residence applications in the MOS portal. See [the trusted profile guide](https://mypermit.pl/en/guides/trusted-profile-profil-zaufany.html). **Not legal advice**This guide explains formalities. It is not legal advice from an attorney and does not replace the official instructions on gov.pl.

## Sources

- [gov.pl: Get a PESEL number (service for foreigners)](https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-numer-pesel-dla-cudzoziemcow)
- [Dziennik Ustaw: Act on population records (consolidated text 2026)](https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2026/384)
- Legal basis: Act on population records art. 7, 16–17 (Dz.U. 2026 item 384); Regulation on assigning PESEL numbers

Facts checked against the official MOS portal on 25 Oct 2026. Rules and amounts change, so check the source before you act. **Need help with this?**[Book a consultation](https://mypermit.pl/en/contact.html)

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Source: https://mypermit.pl/en/guides/pesel-number-for-foreigners.html
MyPermit.pl helps with formalities and is not a law firm. This is not legal advice.