Opening a Polish Bank Account in 2025: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Knowing how to open a bank account in Poland in 2025 can save you weeks of frustration, rejected applications, and unnecessary fees. Whether you’re a digital nomad, an expat settling down, or a non-resident setting up a business, this guide unpacks every step — from legal requirements to real-world branch behavior — with zero fluff and maximum clarity.

This isn’t another recycled expat blog post. You’ll get verified laws, current bank policies, practical hacks, and warnings about what really happens at Polish bank branches. We’ve also included direct help options if you want expert support from English Wizards — from in-person bank appointment assistance to full relocation services.

✔️ Already in Poland? Book in-person support to open your bank account faster.
🌍 Still planning your move? Our relocation program includes full banking assistance.
💬 Want insider strategies and support 24/7? Join the English Wizards expat platform now.

Here’s exactly what this guide covers:

Most foreigners assume they can just walk into a bank in Poland with a passport and open an account. In 2025, that’s not even close to reality. Polish banks have tightened their rules, compliance officers have grown more cautious, and KYC procedures vary wildly by institution and location. If you’re not prepared, you’re getting rejected.

Legally, there is nothing in Polish banking law that prohibits a non-citizen or foreign resident from holding a Polish bank account. Under the Banking Law Act and the AML Act (2018), banks are required to confirm your identity and ensure your funds are legitimate. But they are not required to accept your application. That’s up to each bank’s internal risk tolerance — and that’s where most foreigners hit the wall.

✅ Legal Minimum Requirements

• Passport – Required for all foreigners. EU nationals can also use their national ID card.
• Proof of legal stay – Visa, residence card (TRC), or protected status (e.g., PESEL UKR for Ukrainians).
• Proof of address in Poland – A rental contract, utility bill, or official address registration (“zameldowanie”).
• PESEL number – Not always required, but strongly recommended. Many systems require it to register a tax profile or verify identity in databases.
• NIP number – Required if opening a business account or registering for tax purposes as a freelancer or sole trader.
• Polish phone number – Necessary for SMS verification and bank app activation.

📄 What Counts as Acceptable Documentation?

Banks require original documents — no scans or photos. If your documents are in another language (e.g., English, Spanish), many banks will require them to be sworn translations (tłumaczenie przysięgłe) into Polish. Notarized copies may also be required for business registration extracts or tax certificates.

⚖️ Legally Distinct Customer Categories

• Polish citizens – Use a dowód osobisty (national ID) and usually face no restrictions.
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens – Can open accounts with passport and Polish address. No visa or TRC needed.
• Non-EU citizens with residence – Must show valid TRC or visa and proof of legal stay, along with ID and address.
• Tourists – Almost universally rejected. No long-term legal stay, no Polish address, no residency.
• Refugees/Ukrainians with PESEL UKR – Accepted with temporary status under special onboarding policies.

🏢 Business Account Holders (JDG or Sp. z o.o.)

Opening a business account requires more than personal documents. You must present company registration documents:

• JDG (Sole Proprietor) – Requires CEIDG registration + NIP + REGON + proof of business activity + CRBR compliance.
• Sp. z o.o. (LLC) – Requires KRS extract + REGON + NIP + CRBR declaration + passports of all directors/shareholders. Some banks also require a notarized Polish translation of foreign shareholder documents.

Important: Most banks will not open a business account until your NIP and REGON are active and your company is listed in the Beneficial Owners Register (CRBR).

💬 Language Barriers

Polish banks operate in Polish. Contracts, disclosures, and online systems are written in Polish unless the bank explicitly offers an English-language version (very rare). While some staff speak English, they are not legally required to assist in it. You can bring an interpreter, and in some branches, it’s expected. Always ask for copies of contracts and take them home to review with a translator if unsure.

⚠️ Don’t Rely on Consistency

• One branch may accept your documents; another will refuse.
• Online info may say “PESEL not required” — the teller will still demand it.
• Bank staff may give conflicting instructions on which proof of address is acceptable.
• Foreign-issued ID documents might be accepted one day, rejected the next.

Always print everything, prepare backups, and be ready to visit more than one branch. Better yet — let a professional support service handle it. English Wizards offers standalone in-person bank account setup help to save you time, confusion, and rejection.

Is it legally possible to open a Polish bank account without physically walking into a branch? Yes — but only on paper. In practice, almost every foreigner trying to open an account remotely in 2025 hits a wall of outdated systems, internal policies, or staff confusion. Here’s what the law says, what actually happens, and which banks (if any) still support remote onboarding.

📜 What Polish Law Allows

According to Article 37 of Poland’s Anti-Money Laundering Act (2018), banks are legally permitted to verify customers remotely. This includes video calls, digital signature platforms, certified eIDs, and third-party KYC verification. The law makes it possible for banks to onboard both residents and non-residents without requiring a physical visit, as long as they implement proper safeguards.

However, the law does not require banks to offer remote options. It’s entirely up to each institution. Most have chosen not to.

🏦 What Banks Actually Do (2025 Status)

• ING Bank Śląski – Remote opening is not available for foreigners. Only Polish citizens with a national ID can apply online. All others must visit a branch.
• mBank – Previously allowed courier verification and online registration, but tightened policies in 2022. Foreigners without PESEL are often blocked from even starting the application.
• Millennium – Occasionally offers courier delivery for contract signing after online form submission, but requires follow-up KYC checks in person for most foreigners.
• Santander – Has video ID functionality, but it is rarely available for new foreign clients unless they already hold another Santander product.
• BNP Paribas & Pekao – Some of the only banks that still allow limited video call onboarding for certain nationalities, but expect long delays and high rejection rates.
• Alior Bank – Branch-only onboarding for all foreigners as of 2025.

📉 Since 2022, most banks have tightened their remote policies due to fraud concerns, compliance fatigue, and increasing KYC risks. Several banks quietly removed remote onboarding from their public websites and no longer train their staff on how to handle foreign remote applicants. ING, for example, explicitly confirms that only Polish ID holders can use online account opening tools.

🔑 Do You Need a PESEL to Open Remotely?

In 99% of cases, yes. Without a PESEL number, most banks will either block your online application or cancel it during manual review. Even if you have a visa or TRC, banks often treat lack of PESEL as a failure to verify address and tax residency.

🧰 Practical Workarounds

• Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) – If you already hold a PESEL and can activate a Profil Zaufany, some banks may allow contract signing through this eID system. However, this is only useful once you’re already a documented resident.
• Bank courier method – Still used in rare cases by mBank or Millennium, where a courier delivers the contract to your door for signature. You’ll still need to provide identity verification and wait for approval.
• Start with Revolut or Wise – While not Polish banks, these platforms allow you to start receiving EUR and PLN transfers immediately. You can use them as an interim solution until you’re ready for a local account.

⚠️ Staff vs Policy: Expect Inconsistency

Many expats report that the information they get online or via bank call centers doesn’t match what happens in person. Some bank branches will flat-out deny foreign applications even when head office says it’s possible. Others will request additional documents or translations without notice. Always call ahead, ask to speak to the branch manager, and clarify exactly what documents are needed before showing up.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Professional Support if You’re Remote

If you’re still abroad or struggling to get verified, English Wizards offers dedicated in-person bank support in major Polish cities. We can help you coordinate the process with select banks and prepare your paperwork in advance.

There’s no such thing as “the best bank” in Poland — only the one that’ll actually accept your documents and give you functioning access as a foreigner. In 2025, some banks have streamlined digital services and foreign-friendly staff. Others operate like a throwback to 1997, with paper-only processes and branch-by-branch policy roulette.

Here’s how the top Polish banks stack up — based on first-hand expat reports, current account rules, language accessibility, and hidden traps:

🗺️ Other Banks You Might Consider

BNP Paribas and Bank Millennium have mixed reports — some branches are friendly, others are impossible. Citi Handlowy has historically been expat-focused, especially for U.S. citizens and Ukrainians with temporary protection. Smaller banks like Nest Bank or Credit Agricole are often more rigid and require full address verification and PESEL even for EU applicants.

🌍 Which Banks Accept Foreign Documents?

• mBank, Santander, Millennium, Pekao – Commonly accept foreign passports and rental contracts
• ING, PKO BP – Often require zameldowanie or PESEL even if you’re from the EU
• Alior – May accept foreign freelancers with full tax and business registration docs

🧑‍💻 Which Banks Offer English Language Support?

• ING – Good online and mobile UX, English-speaking phone line
• Santander – Partial English support at selected branches
• Revolut – Full English-native app and customer service
• mBank – Some English online content, but contracts often Polish-only unless requested
• PKO BP – Minimal English support, very few bilingual staff

📲 Mobile Apps vs Paperwork Hell

If a sleek mobile app and fast setup are priorities, ING, mBank, and Revolut are miles ahead. Alior and Santander also score high. PKO and BNP Paribas still rely on printed forms, in-person signatures, and bureaucratic duplication — expect a less agile experience.

💬 Want Help Choosing or Applying?

Need help choosing the right bank or navigating a messy rejection? Our modular bank support service can guide you through the application, review your documents, or accompany you to a branch. If you’re relocating soon, our full relocation support program includes banking assistance by default.

Opening a bank account in Poland is only step one. You also need to choose the right type of account — personal, savings, business, or foreign currency — and make sure the bank will actually let you use it for what you need. The wrong account type can get you flagged, frozen, or blocked from international transfers.

🏦 Typical Account Categories

• Personal Account (Konto osobiste / Rachunek oszczędnościowo-rozliczeniowy)
  This is your standard checking account for everyday use. It comes with a debit card, mobile app access, and options for standing orders and bill payments. Foreigners with legal stay and proof of address can usually open this, though requirements vary by bank.
• Basic Payment Account (Rachunek Podstawowy)
  By EU law, all banks must offer a free basic account to EU residents — even those with limited documents. It includes cash deposits/withdrawals and basic PLN transfers. You can’t get a credit line or foreign currency account under this type.
• Savings Account (Konto oszczędnościowe)
  Often paired with a personal account. Offers interest on idle cash but restricts how often you can withdraw or transfer funds. Many banks require you to first open a standard ROR account to qualify.
• Foreign Currency Account (Konto walutowe)
  Lets you hold balances in EUR, USD, GBP, and other currencies. Most Polish banks support EUR, but fewer offer USD or multi-currency management unless you request it. Useful for international freelancers or travelers.
• Business Account (Konto firmowe)
  Designed for sole traders (JDG) or company owners (Sp. z o.o.). Requires proof of business registration, tax numbers, and sometimes beneficial ownership declarations. These accounts unlock the ability to invoice clients, pay ZUS, and connect to accounting software.

📌 Rules for Foreign-Owned JDG and Sp. z o.o.

Polish banks treat business accounts from foreigners — especially non-EU directors — as high risk. This means stricter checks, document verification, and potential delays.

• Opening Before Full Registration: In most cases, you cannot open a JDG or company account before your business is fully registered with CEIDG or KRS, and you’ve received a valid NIP and REGON.
• Required Documents: Banks will ask for:
  • KRS or CEIDG extract
  • NIP + REGON
  • CRBR (Beneficial Ownership Registry) registration confirmation
  • Passport or Polish ID of each director/shareholder
  • Proof of legal stay or Polish address for each stakeholder
• Translations May Be Required: Any foreign company documents (e.g. Articles of Association) may need to be translated by a certified Polish translator.
• Account Use Restrictions: Opening the account doesn’t always mean you can use it right away. Some banks impose “activation” thresholds, such as confirmation of tax registration or first deposit made via transfer.

💶 SEPA vs SWIFT Transfers

• SEPA (EUR transfers within Europe): Most Polish banks offer free or very low-fee SEPA transfers. This applies to receiving and sending payments to/from other EU countries in euros.
• SWIFT (Non-EU currency transfers): Transfers in USD, GBP, or other non-EU currencies are processed via SWIFT and usually carry higher fees (PLN 30–50 or 0.2–0.5% of the transaction).
• Holding Foreign Currency: Banks like Alior, Santander, and mBank allow customers to hold multiple currencies and exchange them in-app. Rates vary and spreads range from 0.5–1.5%.

🎯 Need Help Opening a Business Account?

If you’re launching a JDG or LLC and aren’t sure which bank will accept your structure, we offer Company Setup – Individual or LLC support as part of our larger relocation and visa advisory programs.

Even if a bank says it accepts foreigners, that doesn’t mean they’ll accept you. In 2025, the success or failure of your application often depends on how complete your documentation is — and whether the staff member you meet knows how to handle foreign customers. This section explains exactly what to bring, how banks verify your identity, and when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

📄 Required Documents by Profile Type

🔍 Verification Methods in 2025

• In-Branch Visit – Still the most common method. Required for most foreigners unless bank offers verified remote onboarding.
• Video Call (e.g., Santander, Pekao) – Allowed by law under Article 37 of the AML Act. Only available through selected platforms and often restricted to clients with PESEL and Polish address.
• Courier Verification – Previously offered by mBank and Millennium. A courier delivers paperwork for signature at your door. ID and documents are verified on delivery. Rare in 2025.

🗣️ Can You Bring a Translator?

Yes. Polish law does not forbid using a translator or interpreter when opening a bank account. In fact, many banks recommend bringing a Polish speaker if you’re not fluent. However, all official documents — especially contracts — will be written and signed in Polish. You can ask for a second English-language copy for review, but it is usually not legally binding unless explicitly stated.

📵 Is Polish Language Legally Required?

No law requires you to speak Polish. But banks operate in Polish by default. You cannot demand English service. This is why some branches reject foreign applicants — not due to law, but because the staff aren’t trained to handle non-Polish speakers.

🧾 What Documents Must Be Signed in Polish?

• Account opening agreements
• Declarations of residency and tax compliance
• Consent forms for FATCA/CRS compliance
• Risk disclosure forms (e.g., for business accounts or foreign currency use)

You may request a translated copy for review purposes, but the bank will ask you to sign the original Polish version.

📎 Don’t Risk Rejection — Get It Right the First Time

Bringing the wrong set of documents or failing to have a translation prepared is the #1 reason foreigners are rejected. Our banking support service includes a pre-check of your paperwork and optional in-person guidance — especially helpful if you’re applying as a business or non-resident.

Opening a Polish bank account is only the beginning. In 2025, account functionality varies significantly depending on your bank, your legal status, and your setup. This section walks you through exactly how to manage your account day to day — from mobile apps to transfers, ATMs, debit cards, and how to avoid account freezes due to compliance triggers.

📱 Mobile Banking & Online Features

• Mobile Apps: Most major banks offer mobile apps — but not all have full English versions. ING, BNP Paribas, Santander, and Revolut provide clean, intuitive English interfaces. PKO BP and mBank apps are Polish-first, and menus may require translation.
• Online Banking: Available for nearly every account. Use your PESEL and registered Polish phone number for 2FA login. Some banks block certain services (like international wire setup) if your ID verification wasn’t complete in-branch.
• Features: Most apps let you send instant ELIXIR and Express Elixir payments, create standing orders, set payment limits, or block/unblock cards instantly.
• Languages: English interfaces are available with ING, Santander, and Revolut. Some banks default to Polish unless your settings are changed manually after account activation.

💳 Debit Cards, Virtual Cards & Mobile Pay

• Debit Cards: All accounts come with either Visa or Mastercard debit cards. You’ll receive your card by mail or courier within 3–10 working days.
• Virtual Cards: Available with mBank, Revolut, Alior, and ING. Perfect for online payments or while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
• Google Pay / Apple Pay: Supported by most major banks. Setup is instant once your physical or virtual card is added to the app and verified.

🏧 ATM Withdrawals & Cash Access

• ATM Access: All major banks operate their own ATM networks. You can withdraw for free from your own bank’s machines, and some accounts offer 2–5 free withdrawals monthly from any ATM.
• Cash Deposit Machines: Not all banks have them. ING, PKO BP, and Santander offer cash deposit ATMs at select branches.
• Foreign Cards: ATMs in Poland accept foreign-issued Visa/Mastercard cards, but withdrawal fees and currency conversions apply.
• Revolut/Wise: Can withdraw zloty at local ATMs but may have strict monthly caps and high FX margins.

🌍 International Transfers In & Out

• Receiving International Transfers: Use your full IBAN and SWIFT code. Poland’s SWIFT codes always end in “PL”. Some banks may hold transfers for review if they suspect compliance risks.
• Sending Foreign Transfers: SEPA (EUR) transfers are fast and cheap (or free). SWIFT transfers (USD, GBP) carry fixed fees and are processed via intermediary banks.
• Using Wise or PayPal: You can link your Polish account and receive funds, but large inflows may trigger verification requests.

💱 Foreign Currency Balances & Exchange Rates

Many Polish banks offer multi-currency accounts, especially ING, Alior, and Revolut. You can hold EUR, USD, GBP, and convert internally using either spot or market rates. Exchange spreads vary by bank:

• ING, Alior: Offer near-market FX rates inside the app.
• mBank: Decent FX rate engine but with minor fees baked into conversion.
• Revolut: Offers best-in-class rates for day-to-day currency exchanges, but limits apply to free plans.

⚠️ What Triggers Account Freezes or Reviews

• Large foreign transfers without declared source of funds
• Multiple high-value transfers without business registration
• Mismatch in declared residency vs. address listed
• Using your personal account for business activity
• FATCA/CRS forms missing or unsigned after 90 days

To avoid these issues, always respond to bank KYC requests quickly, don’t mix business and personal finances, and if you’re operating a JDG or Sp. z o.o., open a proper business account.

✅ Want Setup Help or an Interim Solution?

Still waiting on your PESEL, or unsure which account type fits your transfers? Our bank account support service can help you avoid early freezes and flagging. We also recommend starting with our expat platform — it includes guides for setting up SEPA routing, mobile payments, and real user advice on what to avoid.

If you’re a foreigner with a Polish bank account, you’re also part of a global reporting network. Banks in Poland are legally required to report certain account data to tax authorities — in Poland and potentially in your home country — under international agreements like FATCA and CRS. Here’s what that means for you, and what documents you may be asked to sign.

🌍 FATCA & CRS: What Are They?

• FATCA – The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act is a U.S. law that requires Polish banks to identify and report U.S. citizens or tax residents to the IRS via Poland’s Ministry of Finance.
• CRS – The Common Reporting Standard is an OECD framework used by Poland and over 100 countries to exchange tax data on foreign residents and account holders.

📄 What Banks Will Ask For

• Tax Residency Declaration: You’ll be asked to declare your country (or countries) of tax residence when opening your account.
• U.S. Citizens: You’ll be required to submit a W-9 form and confirm your U.S. TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number). Banks forward this info under FATCA.
• Other Foreigners: You may be asked to confirm your non-Polish tax residence under CRS rules, especially if you receive foreign transfers or list a non-Polish address.
• PESEL Linkage: If you hold a PESEL, it is linked to your Polish tax profile. This helps banks determine if you’re a Polish tax resident or not.

⚠️ Common Compliance Triggers

• Listing a non-Polish address on your application
• Receiving large foreign income transfers with no business profile
• Not submitting FATCA/CRS forms within the first 90 days
• Opening multiple accounts at different banks with inconsistent residency claims

These can result in transaction holds, suspended accounts, or being reported to local and foreign tax authorities.

🔁 Opening Multiple Accounts in Poland

There’s no law in Poland restricting you from having accounts at multiple banks. However, each bank will independently evaluate your tax status. If you declare different residency info at different banks — for example, “U.S. tax resident” at one, “Polish resident” at another — the discrepancies will eventually be flagged.

If you operate as a freelancer, digital nomad, or have income from multiple countries, expect periodic KYC and tax compliance reviews. These may include source-of-funds questions, travel history inquiries, or requests for foreign tax ID documents.

💡 How to Stay Compliant (and Avoid Freezes)

• Always declare your real tax residence(s) honestly
• Complete all FATCA/CRS forms when asked — don’t delay
• Open a business account if you’re operating commercially
• Keep your bank informed of address or residency changes
• Use one consistent address across all accounts and documents

📘 Need Help Understanding Your Tax Profile?

If you’re unsure how your tax residence affects your Polish banking status — especially if you’re a U.S. citizen or running a business — book a one-on-one consultation with our experts. We’ll walk you through your FATCA/CRS exposure, help you prepare required declarations, and prevent potential account lockouts.

Banking laws in Poland say one thing — but the way those rules play out at the branch level is often entirely different. Here’s a set of real-world scenarios that show who can (and can’t) open a bank account in 2025, based on actual status combinations like citizenship, visa, PESEL, and business registration.

📌 Pattern Summary

• TRC or PESEL = your best shot — Banks prefer verified, documented residents over tourists or short-term visa holders.
• Remote account opening is nearly dead — Especially for new clients with no residency or local phone number.
• Non-EU applicants need stronger documentation — Expect requests for legalized translations, tax ID, or even rental contracts with Polish signatures.
• Business structure must be complete — No JDG or Sp. z o.o. account without CRBR and active NIP.

🔎 Don’t Risk Assumptions — Get Confirmation First

We’ve seen clients rejected by three branches, then accepted by the fourth — all with the same documents. If you’re unsure where you stand or want someone to review your status before walking into a branch, book a private consultation and avoid wasting time.

Even if you’ve got the right documents, a local address, and a polished smile, you can still be rejected — or worse, have your account frozen later. Here are the most common traps foreigners fall into when banking in Poland, how banks have changed their rules recently, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve.

🧨 Common Expat Complaints

• Rejection Without Explanation: Banks can legally refuse your application with no detailed reasoning. Many simply cite “internal policy” or “risk profile.”
• Contradictions Between Staff & Website: One employee may say PESEL isn’t needed — the next branch says it’s mandatory. Front-line staff often interpret vague policies differently.
• Forced Account Closures: Some foreigners have had their accounts closed after months of use because of missed KYC updates or suspicion over incoming foreign transfers.
• Frozen Accounts During Reviews: If you receive several large international payments without a business profile, banks may freeze the account pending a compliance investigation.

📆 How Often Do Bank Policies Change?

Frequently. Here are some notable shifts since 2020:

• mBank (2022): Rolled back courier account activation for non-residents and introduced stricter in-branch verification.
• ING (2023): Introduced new digital onboarding tools — but limited them to Polish citizens with national ID cards. Foreigners redirected to branch-based onboarding.
• Millennium (2024): Tightened video verification access. Now restricted to citizens and long-term residents with full KYC docs in advance.

Other banks, like Santander and BNP Paribas, introduced or removed video ID systems depending on fraud incidents. Most of these changes are quiet — they’re not announced on websites or social media.

🧠 How to Stay Ahead of Changes

• Join real-time communities like Facebook expat groups or Reddit r/Poland — they flag bank behavior shifts faster than news outlets.
• Follow banks’ official email newsletters for updates on new verification rules or app changes.
• Bookmark and monitor KNF.gov.pl (Polish Financial Supervision Authority) for systemic banking policy announcements.
• Use English Wizards’ expat support platform for translated rule changes and monthly insights.

✅ Best Practices for Long-Term Success

• Always ask for a paper copy of your signed contract — even if it’s emailed later.
• Keep physical and digital copies of every document you submitted, especially translations and address confirmations.
• Ask for a printout or written explanation if your application is rejected — even if they won’t give a reason, staff can sometimes give informal advice.
• Use Revolut or Wise as a backup account — especially helpful while waiting for TRC, PESEL, or KRS numbers.
• Start building a Polish banking history early — even a small overdraft or recurring utility payment improves your profile for future lending or business accounts.

🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t Assume Anything

The only thing consistent across Polish banks is inconsistency. Get help from someone who knows the system. Our bank account support services are updated weekly based on real rejections, policy changes, and verified approvals — and we’ll match you to the right branch, not just the right bank.

🟢 Can a foreigner open a bank account in Poland without a PESEL?

Yes — but not always. Some banks allow it if you have a valid visa or residence card and can prove your Polish address. Others will outright reject anyone without a PESEL, especially online. Having a PESEL number drastically improves your approval odds.

🟡 Can tourists open a bank account in Poland?

No. Almost all major banks in 2025 require you to show proof of legal long-term stay. Short-term visitors (under 90 days) without a visa or residence card are usually rejected automatically.

🟢 Can I open a business account before my company is fully registered?

No. You need your NIP, REGON, and either CEIDG (for JDG) or KRS (for Sp. z o.o.) registration to open a business account. Some banks also require your CRBR status and translated shareholder documents if non-Polish.

🟡 Which banks allow video ID or remote opening?

In 2025, only a few — like Santander, BNP Paribas, or Pekao — offer limited video verification. ING, mBank, and Millennium mostly require in-person visits for foreign customers. Revolut is the only mainstream option offering fully remote account setup for non-residents.

🟢 Do Polish banks report account info to foreign tax authorities?

Yes. Under FATCA (for U.S. citizens) and CRS (for other foreign tax residents), your account information may be reported internationally. You’ll be asked to declare your tax residence during the onboarding process.

🟢 Can I use my personal account for freelance or business income?

You can, but you shouldn’t. Regular business transactions into a personal account will flag your profile and may trigger account review or closure. Register your business and open a proper firm account instead.

🟡 Are banks allowed to reject my application without reason?

Yes. Under Polish banking law, banks can refuse service without explanation. That said, it’s always smart to politely request a written reason or ask what document was missing.

🟢 What happens if I miss a FATCA or KYC update request?

Your account can be frozen or placed under review. Polish banks are required to lock accounts when compliance checks are overdue. Always respond to document requests quickly, especially if you’re a non-resident or U.S. person.

🟢 Should I open a currency account if I get paid in EUR or USD?

Yes. Holding foreign currencies in dedicated subaccounts (EUR, USD, GBP) helps avoid conversion fees. ING, Alior, Santander, and Revolut support multi-currency accounts with fair exchange rates.

🟢 What’s the easiest “backup” solution while I wait for TRC or PESEL?

Use Revolut. It allows foreigners to open a Polish account remotely, get a virtual card, receive PLN/EUR transfers, and avoid delays. Wise and Payoneer also offer alternatives but may not support all SEPA features.

All legal, policy, and regulatory information in this guide was sourced directly from official Polish and EU institutions, financial supervisory authorities, and verified banking documentation. If you want to dive deeper or need to cite these for your own application, here are the links:

• KNF – Polish Financial Supervision Authority
  https://www.knf.gov.pl/
  The central regulatory body overseeing all banks in Poland. You’ll find official bulletins, licensing data, and risk warnings.
• Ustawa Prawo Bankowe – Polish Banking Law Act
  https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20210002350
  The foundational legal act that defines banking operations in Poland, including who can open accounts and under what conditions.
• AML Act (Ustawa o przeciwdziałaniu praniu pieniędzy) – 2018
  https://mf-arch2.mf.gov.pl/en/web/bip/ministry-of-finance/aml-ctf/legislation/-/asset_publisher/Xds6/content/text-of-the-act-of-1-march-2018-on-counteracting-money-laundering-and-terrorist-financing
  Includes Article 37 which permits remote identity verification. Also covers FATCA/CRS duties for financial institutions.
• Związek Banków Polskich (ZBP) – Polish Banking Association
  https://zbp.pl/
  Offers industry guidance, customer protection materials, and public bulletins for both banks and clients.
• European Commission: Banking & Finance
  https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/banking-and-finance_en
  Home of EU-wide banking directives that impact how non-EU nationals are treated and what SEPA/SWIFT rules apply.
• Official Bank Pages for Foreigners
  • ING Bank Śląski – Konto Direct
  • mBank – eKonto
  • PKO BP – Personal Accounts
  • Santander – Personal Accounts
• Expat & Peer-Reviewed Sources
  • Reddit: r/poland
  • Facebook: “Foreigners in Poland”, “Expats in Warsaw”, “Poland for Digital Nomads” (search by name)
  • English Wizards: Expat Platform & Verified Document Support

Always check these sites directly before applying — especially after mid-year policy changes or if you’re relying on remote verification tools that may have been discontinued or reinstated.