Yes, but you need a residence permit or a Polish tax ID
A foreigner can open a bank account in Poland, but most banks require either a residence permit (even a temporary one) or a Polish tax identification number (NIP). A few banks will open accounts for people on tourist visas if you have a Polish address and can show proof of income or employment, but this is less common and depends on the bank's internal policy.
The easiest path is to get a temporary residence permit first if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. If you are only visiting, some banks like mBank and ING will work with you if you have a Polish address (an apartment rental, a friend's address, or a business address) and can provide a utility bill or rental contract showing that address. The process takes longer and may require a video call with a bank representative.
What you cannot do is open an account entirely remotely from outside Poland without any Polish documentation or address. Banks are required by Polish anti-money-laundering law to verify your identity in person or through a video call with a representative present, and they need a verifiable Polish address on file.
Key Takeaways
- A temporary residence permit or Polish tax ID (NIP) makes opening an account straightforward at any major bank.
- Without a residence permit, you need a Polish address and proof of residence (utility bill or rental contract) plus a video call with the bank.
- Tourist visas alone are not enough; banks need either legal residence status or a documented Polish address.
- Bring your passport, proof of address, and proof of income or employment; requirements vary by bank.
- The process typically takes one to three weeks from application to account activation.
What documents you need to bring
Your passport is non-negotiable. Banks will not open an account without it, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Poland.
Proof of Polish residence is the second requirement. This can be a rental contract, a utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) in your name, or a letter from your employer or a Polish institution confirming your address. If you are staying with a friend or family member, some banks will accept a notarized letter from the resident stating you live there, though this is less reliable and may require additional verification.
Proof of income or employment strengthens your application. Bring a recent employment contract, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or bank statements showing regular deposits. Self-employed foreigners should bring tax documentation or business registration papers. If you have no income yet (for example, you are moving to take a job that starts later), bring the job offer letter and explain the timeline to the bank.
If you have a Polish tax ID (NIP), bring that as well. You can obtain one from the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy) before opening the account, or the bank may help you apply for one during the account-opening process.
Which banks accept foreigners without a residence permit
mBank, ING, and PKO BP are the most foreigner-friendly for remote or video-call openings. mBank explicitly states it will open accounts for people on tourist visas if they have a Polish address and can complete a video verification. ING requires a temporary residence permit or a Polish tax ID but sometimes makes exceptions for people with employment contracts or rental agreements. PKO BP, the largest bank in Poland, is stricter and usually requires a residence permit, but branches in major cities (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław) may work with you if you have strong proof of residence and income.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions (spółdzielcze kasy oszczędnościowo-kredytowe) vary widely. Some are more flexible with foreigners; others are not. Your best move is to call the branch nearest you, explain your situation, and ask what documents they will accept.
Do not assume online-only banks are easier. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer accounts to foreigners but are not traditional Polish banks and do not offer the same services (no overdraft, no loans, limited branch support). They work well for transfers and spending, but if you need a full Polish bank account for salary deposits or local payments, you need a traditional bank.
How to get a temporary residence permit quickly
If you are staying in Poland for work, study, or family reasons, a temporary residence permit (pobyt czasowy) is the fastest way to unlock full banking access. You apply at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in the region where you live, and the process takes four to eight weeks.
For work, you need a job offer or employment contract and proof that no Polish citizen can fill the role (your employer handles this). For study, you need an acceptance letter from a Polish university. For family reasons, you need proof of relationship and financial support from a Polish resident.
While your permit application is pending, ask the Voivodeship Office for a receipt (zaświadczenie o złożeniu wniosku). Some banks will accept this receipt as proof that you have applied for legal residence, which may speed up account opening. It is not may provide, but it is worth asking.
What happens during the verification call
If you are opening an account by video call, the bank will ask you to show your passport, proof of address, and proof of income. The representative will ask basic questions: why you are moving to Poland, how long you plan to stay, what you will use the account for, and where your income comes from. Answer honestly and directly.
The call usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes. The bank may ask you to sign documents electronically or to return to a branch in person to sign them. If you are opening an account in person at a branch, the process is faster (usually 30 to 60 minutes) and you walk out with a card and online banking access the same day, though the account may not be fully active for a few hours.
After the call or visit, the bank will send you a confirmation email with your account number, IBAN, and instructions for setting up online banking. You can usually start using the account within one to three business days.
What to do if a bank refuses you
If a major bank turns you down, do not assume all banks will. Call three or four branches of different banks and ask their specific requirements. Smaller banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible, especially if you have a Polish employer or a Polish co-signer.
If you are stuck, consider opening a Wise or Revolut account first. These are not Polish bank accounts, but they give you an IBAN you can use for salary deposits and bill payments while you work on getting a traditional bank account. Many Polish employers and landlords accept Wise IBANs.
Another option is to ask your employer or a Polish friend to help you apply. Some banks will fast-track an application if a current customer refers you or if your employer vouches for you. This is not a may provide, but it removes some of the friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Polish tax ID before opening a bank account?
No, but having one makes it easier. You can obtain a NIP from the tax office (Urząd Skarbowy) before opening an account, or the bank can help you apply during the account-opening process. Some banks require it; others do not.
Can I open a Polish bank account entirely online from my home country?
No. Polish banks require in-person or video verification with a representative present. You must be in Poland or able to join a video call during Polish business hours. You also need a Polish address on file.
What if I do not have a Polish address yet?
Get one before you apply. This can be a rental agreement, a hotel booking confirmation, or a letter from your employer or a friend. Without a Polish address, most banks will refuse you. If you are arriving soon, book an Airbnb for your first week and use that address.
How long does it take to open an account?
If you apply in person at a branch with all documents, one to two hours. If you apply by video call, one to three weeks from application to full account activation. The bank will send you your card by mail, which adds another week.
Can I use a residence permit from another EU country to open a Polish bank account?
No. Polish banks require a Polish residence permit or a Polish tax ID. A residence permit from Germany, France, or another EU country does not satisfy Polish banking law. You must obtain Polish legal residence status or a Polish tax ID.