Complete Guide for Telugu Expats | PoTA
🏡 Welcome to Poland – Start Your New Chapter
Moving to Poland is a life-changing experience filled with opportunities, new friendships, and cultural discoveries. Whether you’re here for a short stay or to build a permanent life, Poland’s welcoming communities and dynamic environment make it feel like home.
Welcome to Poland – your new adventure starts here!This guide is designed to help newcomers and expats settle in quickly and make the most of their life in Poland.
Most Important Things to Do When You Arrive in Poland
Register Yourself with the Indian Embassy in Poland
One of the first and most important steps for every Indian citizen arriving in Poland is to register with the Embassy of India in Warsaw.
Why this is important:
Helps the Embassy reach you quickly in case of emergencies (natural disasters, accidents, legal or medical situations).
Makes it easier to access consular services such as passport renewals, OCI/PIO services, or other documentation.
Allows you to receive important updates, announcements, and invitations to community or cultural events organized by the Embassy.
🔹 How to register:
Visit the Embassy of India, Warsaw website: https://www.indianembassywarsaw.gov.in
Navigate to the “Registration of Indian Nationals” section.
Fill in your personal details, passport information, address in Poland, and contact details.
Submit the form online and keep a digital/printed copy for your records.
🏡 Register Your Home Address (Zameldowanie)?
In Poland, Zameldowanie means officially registering your place of residence. It’s required if you plan to stay longer than 30 days.
Where to do it:
At your local Urząd Gminy (municipal office) or Urząd Miasta (city office).
Bring your passport/ID, rental agreement or property ownership papers, and residence permit/visa (if applicable).
Registration is free and takes a few minutes. You need to pay to get a paper confirmation.
🆔 PESEL Number in Poland: What It Is and How to Apply”
A PESEL (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności) is a Polish national identification number given to every resident in Poland. It’s an 11-digit number used for government records, healthcare, banking, taxes, and more.
Where to Apply:
At your local Urząd Miasta (City Office) or Urząd Gminy (Municipal Office).
📝 What to Bring:
Passport or valid ID
Residence permit or visa (if applicable)
Proof of address (rental agreement, zameldowanie confirmation, etc.)
Completed PESEL application form (available at the office or online at gov.pl)
⏳ Cost & Processing:
Applying is free of charge.
Your PESEL is usually issued immediately or within a few days.
❓ Do You Need It?
Yes, in most cases. A PESEL is essential if you plan to:
Work or run a business in Poland
Pay taxes or get a tax refund
Access public healthcare (NFZ)
Open a bank account
Sign long-term contracts (like renting an apartment)
💼 How to Get a NIP (Tax Identification Number)?
A NIP (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) is your Polish Tax Identification Number used for filing income taxes.
Where to get it:
Apply at your local Urząd Skarbowy (Tax Office).
Required documents:
Passport
Residence card or visa
PESEL (if you already have one)
Completed NIP-7 form (download from gov.pl).
🏦 How to Register in ZUS (Social Insurance)?
ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) is Poland’s Social Insurance Institution for pensions, sickness benefits, and more.
How to register:
If you are employed, your employer registers you.
If you are self-employed, you must register yourself using the ZUS ZUA form at your nearest ZUS office or online via PUE ZUS.
Bring your ID, residence permit, and PESEL or NIP.
🏥 Purchase NFZ Insurance (for Students Only)?
NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) is Poland’s official public health insurance provider, ensuring access to healthcare for residents and students.
For Students Applying for NFZ:
Visit your nearest NFZ office.
Bring the following documents:
Passport and student ID
Proof of address (zameldowanie)
Secure your Polish health insurance quickly and easily by registering with NFZ today.
Apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Once you are insured through NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) or ZUS (Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych), you are eligible to receive your National Health Insurance Card or, if applicable, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards provide proof of your health coverage and access to public healthcare services.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Determine Your Eligibility
Ensure you are officially registered and paying contributions through NFZ (for residents, students, or employees) or ZUS (for employees/self-employed).
Students, workers, and residents all need valid insurance registration to apply.
Prepare the Required Documents
When applying, bring:Photo ID (passport or national ID card)
Proof of insurance (e.g., NFZ or ZUS registration confirmation)
PESEL number (Polish personal identification number) – this is mandatory for the application
Where to Apply
In person: Visit your nearest NFZ branch. Staff can guide you through the application and issue the card on the spot or provide a collection date.
Online: Use the official government portal https://pacjent.gov.pl/ to submit your application electronically. Online applications may take a few days for processing.
Card Benefits
The National Health Insurance Card proves your coverage and allows you to access public healthcare services in Poland.
If you apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can also access medical services in other EU countries under the same public health insurance conditions.
The card is issued for free.
What Is a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) and How to get it?
A Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany, PZ) is a secure digital identity used in Poland for signing official documents online. It allows you to access government services electronically without visiting offices in person. It is linked to your PESEL number and can be used via the ePUAP platform.
Steps to Apply for a Trusted Profile
Option 1: Online via ePUAP
Create an ePUAP account
Go to https://epuap.gov.pl
Register using your email and PESEL number
Start Trusted Profile application
Log in to your ePUAP account
Select “Załóż Profil Zaufany” (Set up Trusted Profile)
Follow the instructions and verify your identity
Identity verification
You can verify your identity in two ways:Online via your bank: Some banks in Poland allow instant verification if you have a bank account with electronic banking.
In person at an authorized office: Visit a NFZ branch, city hall (Urząd Miasta/Gminy), or other designated government office with your ID (passport or national ID card).
Confirmation
Once verified, you will receive an email confirmation that your Trusted Profile is active.
You can now use it to sign documents digitally and access e-government services.
Option 2: In-Person Application (without online ePUAP account)
Go to an authorized office (e.g., city hall or NFZ)
Fill out the Trusted Profile application form
Show your ID
The staff will create and activate your Trusted Profile, which can then be linked to your ePUAP account
Benefits of a Trusted Profile
Sign official documents online without visiting offices
Access government services like tax filings, social security, healthcare, and education
Submit applications for permits, registrations, or benefits digitally
