Registering residence for longer stays in Poland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Foreigners in Poland must register their address with the municipality, except for stays of up to 30 days. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have until the 30th day after arrival; other foreigners until the 4th day. EU citizens staying more than three months must also register their stay and receive a certificate valid for 10 years.

RuleWhat applies
Duty to registerMoving for a longer stayRequired for longer stays [1]
DeadlineMoving for a longer stayEU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, must register no later than the 30th day after arriving at the place of stay. Other foreigners must register no later than the 4th day. [1]
Where to registerMoving for a longer stayThe municipal authority (organ gminy) for the location of the dwelling. Registration can be on paper or electronically with a qualified, trusted or personal electronic signature. [1]
Document for EU citizensMoving for a longer stayAn EU citizen staying in Poland for more than three months must register the stay, applying in person no later than the day after three months from entry, and receives a registration certificate valid for 10 years. Non-EU family members must obtain a residence card. [2]
Deregistration on leavingMoving for a longer stayA person who leaves the place of permanent stay, or leaves a place of temporary stay before the declared period ends, must deregister. Deregistration can be done in person, electronically, or by registering at the new address. [1]

Notes

  • Foreigners must register their address with the municipality (meldunek); foreigners whose stay does not exceed 30 days are exempt. Poland also has a separate registration of stay for EU citizens staying more than three months.
  • This is a separate procedure from municipal address registration. The obligation does not apply to EU citizens with a right of residence in the circumstances in Art. 15(1)(2) of the act.
  • The article read states no number of days for deregistration.

Sources

  1. Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej: Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 12 marca 2026 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy o ewidencji ludności (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 384) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej: Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 31 lipca 2026 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy o wjeździe na terytorium Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, pobycie oraz wyjeździe z tego terytorium obywateli państw członkowskich Unii Europejskiej i członków ich rodzin (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 1065) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.