Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in Poland?
Yes — and it's easier than you think. Most Polish banks welcome foreigners, and some let you open an account online in 15 minutes without a PESEL number. Whether you're moving to Poland for work, studying at a Polish university, or just arrived and need a place to receive your salary — this guide covers exactly which banks to use, what documents to bring, and how to avoid the most common mistakes foreigners make.
Short Answer
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Poland. You need a passport and, in most cases, a PESEL number (Polish ID number). Some banks like mBank and Revolut let you skip the PESEL requirement entirely.
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Best Banks for Foreigners in Poland (2026)
Not every Polish bank makes it easy for foreigners. Some require fluent Polish at the branch, others won't accept you without a PESEL. We tested the process at each bank and ranked them by how foreigner-friendly they actually are.
mBank
Best overall for foreigners — easiest English experience
mBank
Best overall for foreigners — easiest English experience
PKO Bank Polski
Best traditional bank — safest choice for newcomers
PKO Bank Polski
Best traditional bank — safest choice for newcomers
Revolut
Fastest option — open before you even arrive in Poland
Revolut
Fastest option — open before you even arrive in Poland
BNP Paribas
Best for corporate expats and international professionals
BNP Paribas
Best for corporate expats and international professionals
VeloBank
Best for cashback and zero-fee banking
VeloBank
Best for cashback and zero-fee banking
What Documents Do You Need?
The exact requirements depend on the bank and your citizenship, but here's what you should prepare. Bring originals — photocopies are not accepted.
Everyone needs:
Some banks also ask for:
Opening a Bank Account Without PESEL
PESEL is Poland's national identification number. Most traditional banks require it, but there are workarounds. Here's the reality in 2026:
Revolut — No PESEL needed at all
Open with just your passport from anywhere in the world. Get a Polish IBAN and BLIK instantly.
mBank — No PESEL for basic account
Open online without PESEL. You can add it later for full functionality (loans, investments).
PKO Bank Polski — They'll help you get PESEL at the branch
Visit a PKO branch and they can process your PESEL application along with account opening.
Getting your PESEL: You can apply for a PESEL number at any municipal office (Urzad Gminy) for free. It takes 1-2 weeks. If you're employed in Poland, your employer will usually help you get one. EU citizens can get it the same day in some offices.
EU Citizens vs Non-EU Citizens
EU / EEA Citizens
Non-EU Citizens
Step-by-Step: Open Your Account Today
Choose your bank
For the fastest, easiest experience, start with mBank (online, 15 min) or Revolut (app, 10 min). If you want a traditional bank with branches, go with PKO Bank Polski.
Prepare your documents
At minimum: passport + Polish phone number. For traditional banks, also bring proof of address and your PESEL (or be prepared to apply for one at the branch).
Apply online or visit a branch
Online banks: download the app, fill in your details, upload passport photos, complete video verification. Traditional banks: visit a branch in a major city where English-speaking staff are available.
Activate your account
You'll get an instant virtual card for online payments. Physical card arrives by mail in 5-7 business days. Set up BLIK in your banking app for everyday payments in Poland.
Set up salary and bills
Share your new IBAN with your employer for salary payments. Set up standing orders for rent and utility bills. You're done!
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
Going to a small-town branch without English support
Always visit branches in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, or Gdansk — staff there are more likely to speak English. Or just open online with mBank.
Not having a Polish phone number
You need a Polish number for SMS verification. Buy a prepaid SIM card from Plus, Play, or Orange before visiting the bank. It costs 5-20 PLN.
Expecting to open an account without any documents
Even the most foreigner-friendly banks need at least your passport. Bring originals, not photocopies.
Not asking about fees upfront
Some accounts are free only with conditions (e.g., minimum card transactions per month). Ask what happens if you don't meet the conditions.
Opening only one account
Smart expats use a Polish bank (mBank or PKO) for daily life + Revolut for international transfers. Both are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Poland?▼
Which bank is best for foreigners in Poland?▼
mBank is the best overall — it has a fully English app, 0 PLN fees, and lets you open an account online in 15 minutes. For a traditional bank with branches, PKO Bank Polski is the safest choice. For instant setup without any Polish documents, Revolut is unbeatable.
Do I need to speak Polish to open a bank account?▼
No. mBank, Revolut, PKO Bank Polski, and BNP Paribas all offer English support. mBank's entire account opening process is in English. At traditional banks, visit branches in Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw where English-speaking staff are available.
Can I open a Polish bank account before arriving in Poland?▼
Yes — with Revolut. You can download the app, sign up with your passport, and get a Polish IBAN before you even land. This is useful for receiving your first salary or paying a deposit on an apartment.
Is my money safe in a Polish bank?▼
Yes. All Polish banks are covered by the Bank Guarantee Fund (BFG), which protects deposits up to EUR 100,000 per person per bank — the same standard as all EU countries. Revolut is protected under its Lithuanian banking license with the same EUR 100,000 guarantee.
How much does it cost to maintain a bank account in Poland?▼
The best banks for foreigners charge 0 PLN per month. mBank, PKO Bank Polski, VeloBank, and Revolut all offer free accounts. Some banks charge 10-50 PLN monthly for premium features, but basic accounts are free.
Ready to Open Your Account?
Start with mBank for the easiest English experience, or get Revolut if you need an account right now — even before arriving in Poland.