How to open a bank account in Poland for a foreigner
How to Open a Bank Account in Poland or Any Other Country (for Foreigners)
To open a bank account as a foreigner, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport – this can be a biometric passport or a residence card (karta pobytu)
- PESEL number, if available – or any national identification number
- Proof of address in Poland – this can be a rental agreement or local registration
🏦 Popular Banks in Poland:
- PKO Bank Polski
- Bank Millennium
- ING Bank Śląski
- mBank
- Alior Bank
- Santander Bank Polska
👉 In these banks, you must be present in person to open an account.
📱 Online banking options
You can also open an account fully online and order a physical debit card from providers like:
- Revolut
- ZEN
- mBank
🕓 How long does it take to open an account?
- In person: about 30 minutes to 1 hour, if you have all required documents
- Online: from a few minutes up to 1–2 days, depending on verification time
💡 Tips:
- Choose a bank with a mobile app in English
- Check the maintenance fees – many accounts are free if you meet certain conditions
- Ask if you can open a EUR account or request a multi-currency card
