Documents

📜 How to Get a Meldunek

Meldunek (formally: zameldowanie) is Poland’s address registration system. It is an official record that you live at a specific address in Poland. It does not grant ownership rights, does not replace a visa or residence card, and does not give you the right to stay in Poland — but it is the official record of where you live.

Is Meldunek Mandatory?

Registration is a legal obligation in Poland for both citizens and foreigners. The general rule: register within 30 days of moving into your new address. Non-EU nationals are expected to comply promptly. Failure to register can result in administrative complications and theoretically a fine of up to 5,000 PLN, though in practice fines are rarely issued. Based on my own experience, you can normally live in Poland without meldunek. No one has ever asked me about it anywhere..

📚 Types of Meldunek

  • Zameldowanie na pobyt czasowy (temporary): For stays over 3 months with a defined end date. Most relevant for foreigners renting under a visa or fixed-term residence card.
  • Zameldowanie na pobyt stały (permanent): For your primary, indefinite place of residence. Used if you have permanent residency status.

🪪 Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Visa or residence card — proof of legal basis of stay in Poland.
  • Rental agreement (umowa najmu) — confirms your right to reside at the address.
  • Landlord’s signature on the confirmation form (potwierdzenie pobytu) — the landlord confirms you live at their property. You can bring this signed form, or in some cases the landlord must come in person.
  • Completed registration form — available at the office (Urząd Miasta)

🔢 Step-by-Step: How to Get Meldunek

  1. Get your landlord’s signature on the confirmation of stay form before your visit.
  2. Find the right office. Meldunek is handled by the Urząd Miasta (city hall) or Urząd Gminy (commune office) for your address — not the voivodeship office (where residence permits are issued). Search “urząd miasta [your city] zameldowanie” for the address.
  3. Visit in person and bring all documents.
  4. Fill out the registration form. Forms are available at the office
  5. Request a PESEL at the same time. Tell the clerk you need a PESEL assigned. Tick the relevant box on the form. The PESEL is issued automatically during registration if you do not already have one.
  6. Receive your certificate. You will get a “Zaświadczenie o zameldowaniu na pobyt czasowy” (Certificate of temporary residence registration). The procedure takes 15–30 minutes.

Registration is free of charge