Updated: July 2026 · no login
A Polish bank account for foreigners
We compared where a foreigner — including a Ukrainian citizen without a residence card — can realistically open an account: which documents are enough, which bank serves you in Ukrainian, and where you’ll get a welcome bonus.
A passport is usually enough
Several banks open an account on a valid passport alone — no residence card, no registered address.
Mostly: a branch visit
Most banks open accounts for foreigners in person. Bring your passport and a Polish phone number.
An account unlocks Profil Zaufany
With a Polish account you activate the e-signature for MOS, ZUS and public offices online — in 5 minutes.
Advertising material
This section contains affiliate links. If you open an account from this page, Dopomo may receive a commission from the bank — this does not affect which banks are listed and costs you nothing. Bonus amounts are indicative (as of July 2026) and depend on the terms of each bank’s promotion.
Easiest start for a foreigner
ad
up to1200zł bonus
eKonto możliwości / eKonto UA
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App and hotline in Ukrainian
Opens online
Documents: UA citizens: Ukrainian passport or ID + PESEL or residence card (eKonto UA).
Open accountad
up to600zł bonus
Konto Otwarte na Ciebie
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: Usually a valid passport alone is enough — opened at a branch.
Open accountad
up to300zł bonus
Konto Przekorzystne
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App and hotline in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: UA citizens: passport + PESEL certificate and a declaration. Others: passport + residence document.
Open accountAll banks compared
ad
up to1000zł bonuswith a promo code
Konto Jakże Osobiste
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App and hotline in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: A valid passport (Ukrainian too) — opened at a branch.
Open accountad
up to700zł bonus
Konto 360°
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App and hotline in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: Passport + residence card (EU citizens: passport or ID alone).
Open accountad
up to600zł bonus
Konto z Lwem Direct
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: Passport; UA citizens after 24 Feb 2022: + a declaration and address of stay.
Open accountad
up to600zł bonuswith a promo code
PKO Konto za Zero
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App and hotline in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: Passport + residence card or PESEL UKR certificate — at a branch.
Open accountad
Current offer on the bank’s site
Konto Santander
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: Passport + proof of legal stay — at a branch.
Open accountad
Current offer on the bank’s site
VeloKonto
Activates Profil Zaufany online
App and hotline in Ukrainian
Opened at a branch
Documents: Passport or residence card (either) + IPN number for UA citizens.
Open accountad
Current offer on the bank’s site
Konto dla Ciebie
Activates Profil Zaufany online
Opened at a branch
Documents: Passport + residence document + PESEL number.
Open accountad
up to100zł bonus
Konto Standard (IBAN litewski)
Does not support Profil Zaufany
App in Ukrainian
Opens online
Documents: Passport alone — sign up in the app, no branch visit.
Open accountHow to open an account — step by step
1
Pick a bank and check the documents
The list above shows what to prepare. Only have a passport? Pick a bank marked “passport is enough”.
2
Get a Polish phone number
Almost every bank requires a Polish number for SMS codes. A prepaid SIM for a few złoty is fine.
3
Visit a branch (or apply online)
You’ll sign the agreement on the spot; many branches hand you the card immediately. You don’t need Polish — big banks serve customers in Ukrainian or English.
4
Provide your PESEL — now or later
A PESEL isn’t always required for the account, but without it you can’t activate a Profil Zaufany. If you get your PESEL later, add it at a branch.
No residence card? Not a problem
On a valid passport alone you can open an account at BNP Paribas, Alior Bank and VeloBank, among others. Ukrainian citizens get extra simplifications: Bank Pekao accepts a passport with a PESEL certificate, ING — a passport with a declaration of arrival after 24 Feb 2022, and mBank runs a dedicated eKonto UA on a Ukrainian passport or ID.
What about Revolut?
You can open Revolut in 10 minutes with just a passport, without leaving home — a good card for right now. But it has a Lithuanian IBAN: it won’t activate a Profil Zaufany, and some employers and offices require a Polish account number. Treat it as a supplement, not a replacement for a Polish bank.
Why you need a Polish bank account
Salary from your employer
Employers pay wages to a Polish account number (IBAN PL). Without one, you’re stuck with cash.
Benefits: 800+, ZUS
Family benefits and ZUS payments go exclusively to a Polish bank account.
Profil Zaufany in 5 minutes
Bank login is the fastest activation of the e-signature for MOS, the CUKR card and e-offices.
BLIK and no fees
BLIK payments, instant transfers and ATMs without foreign-card conversion fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open an account at a Polish bank?
Yes. Both EU citizens and people from outside the EU — including Ukrainians — can open an account. Only the required documents differ: from a passport alone to a passport plus residence card. Banks have no common rules, so check the specific bank’s terms before visiting.
Can I open an account on a passport alone, without a residence card?
At several banks, yes — BNP Paribas, Alior Bank and VeloBank accept a valid passport alone. Ukrainian citizens can also open an account on a passport at Bank Pekao (with a PESEL certificate), ING (with a declaration) and mBank (eKonto UA).
Do I need a PESEL number?
Usually not for the account itself — most banks open one without a PESEL. But without a PESEL linked to your account you can’t activate a Profil Zaufany. If you get your PESEL later, be sure to add it at a branch or via the hotline.
Can I open an account online, without a branch visit?
Usually not — banks require foreigners to verify documents in person at a branch. Exceptions: Revolut (fully online, but a Lithuanian IBAN) and mBank’s eKonto UA route for Ukrainian citizens.
How much does a Polish bank account cost?
With a sensible choice — 0 zł. The accounts in this comparison are free unconditionally or on simple activity terms (e.g. 1000–2000 zł of monthly inflows or a few card/BLIK payments). Check the bank’s fee table before signing.
Do welcome bonuses apply to foreigners too?
Yes — promotion terms speak of “new customers”, not citizenship. You must meet the standard conditions: no account at that bank in the last 12–36 months, inflows and card or BLIK payments. Always read the promotion terms.
Is a Ukrainian bank account enough for life in Poland?
Only short-term. Employers, ZUS and public offices expect a Polish account number, and payments with a Ukrainian card carry currency-conversion fees. A Polish account is free, so it’s worth opening one as soon as possible.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Account-opening terms depend on your citizenship, documents and the bank’s internal procedures — a bank may request additional documents or decline to open an account. As of July 2026.