Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Polish Bank Account
Follow these 8 steps to successfully open your Polish bank account from start to finish
Gather Required Documents
Step 1Collect all necessary documents based on your situation
1-2 days
What to do:
- Valid passport (original)
- Residence permit or visa (if non-EU)
- Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or zameldowanie)
- PESEL number (if you have one)
- Polish phone number
- Proof of income (optional but recommended)
Tips:
- • Bring original documents, not photocopies
- • Some banks may require sworn Polish translations
- • Check specific requirements with your chosen bank beforehand
Check Eligibility
Step 2Verify that you meet the bank's requirements
30 minutes
What to do:
- Confirm if the bank accepts foreigners
- Check PESEL requirements for your chosen bank
- Verify proof of address requirements
- Ensure you have a valid residence permit or visa (if required)
- Check minimum age requirements (usually 18+)
Tips:
- • Call the bank's English hotline to confirm requirements
- • Ask if they need to schedule an appointment
- • Verify branch opening hours and English support availability
Choose Your Bank
Step 3Select the bank that best matches your needs
15-30 minutes
What to do:
- Use our wizard to get personalized recommendations
- Compare fees and features across banks
- Check English language support availability
- Review ATM network size if cash access is important
- Consider mobile app quality for digital banking
Tips:
- • Don't just pick the first bank you see
- • Consider long-term needs, not just opening convenience
- • Read recent reviews from other expats
Book Appointment (if needed)
Step 4Schedule a visit to the bank branch
Immediate - 1 week wait
What to do:
- Check if appointment is required (most banks recommend it)
- Look for branches with English-speaking staff
- Book during weekday mornings for shorter wait times
- Some banks allow online/phone appointment booking
- Bring appointment confirmation (if provided)
Tips:
- • PKO, mBank, and Millennium often have better English support in Warsaw/Kraków
- • Avoid end-of-month rushes
- • Allow 1-2 hours for the appointment
Visit Branch or Apply Online
Step 5Complete the application process
30-90 minutes in branch
What to do:
- Arrive 10 minutes early with all documents
- Bank representative will verify your identity
- Fill out application forms (often in Polish)
- Answer questions about your income and employment
- Some banks offer online opening if you have PESEL
Tips:
- • Bring a Polish-speaking friend if language is a concern
- • Ask questions if anything is unclear
- • Take photos of forms for your records
Sign Contract
Step 6Review and sign your bank account agreement
15-30 minutes
What to do:
- Review fee structure carefully
- Check overdraft and credit card terms
- Understand account closure procedures
- Ask about any unclear clauses
- Request English version if available
Tips:
- • Don't sign anything you don't understand
- • Watch out for hidden fees
- • Take a photo of the signed contract
Activate Account
Step 7Complete activation and receive your bank card
5-10 days for card delivery
What to do:
- Debit card usually arrives within 5-10 days
- Activate card at ATM or online
- Set up online banking login
- Download mobile app and configure
- Set PIN for card and online banking
Tips:
- • Activate your card as soon as you receive it
- • Memorize your PIN, don't write it down
- • Set up app notifications for transactions
Set Up Services
Step 8Configure additional banking features
1-2 hours
What to do:
- Set up direct deposits (salary payments)
- Configure standing orders for bills
- Enable contactless payments
- Set transaction limits for security
- Link to mobile payment apps (Google Pay, Apple Pay)
Tips:
- • Start with essential services first
- • Enable two-factor authentication
- • Set up transaction notifications for security