What Is Meldunek and Why Do Ukrainians in Poland Need It?

Meldunek is sometimes called "Polish propiska," but in essence it is a residence registration. All foreigners who have arrived in the country and intend to stay for more than 30 days are required to register.

In this article we explain what meldunek is, when and why you need to obtain it, and how Ukrainians in Poland can do so.

Why Do I Need Meldunek?

Have you come to Poland and plan to stay for more than 30 days? You are required to complete residence registration — that is, to obtain meldunek. The purpose of your visit does not matter — whether you came to work, study, rest, or visit family. If you left Ukraine because of the war, arrived in Poland, and are living in rented accommodation or state-provided housing — you still need meldunek. Meldunek is divided by duration.

• Zameldowanie stałe — permanent registration, obtained by Polish citizens, EU nationals, and everyone who holds a permanent residence permit in the country.

• Zameldowanie czasowe — temporary registration, most commonly obtained by Ukrainians (including workers, students, refugees, and tourists). This registration is valid for the duration of the rental agreement and may be limited by the expiry dates of a PESEL, residence card, or visa. Ukrainians must register within 30 days of crossing the Polish border. If you hold Polish citizenship or are a citizen of one of the European Union countries, this period is extended to 3 months for you. In general, Polish institutions ask Ukrainians only for a PESEL UKR and a rental agreement. However, in certain cases meldunek is also required. Without it in Poland you cannot:

• register a vehicle;

• obtain a driving licence;

• take up permanent or temporary employment;

• open a bank account;

• apply for a loan;

• visit a medical facility;

• interact with Polish government bodies. As you can see, the list is quite long, so this simple procedure is not something to overlook.

How to Obtain Meldunek?

For those who have recently arrived in Poland, it is worth knowing that meldunek will be issued automatically when you obtain a PESEL. The registration will remain valid until your current documents expire. However, if you change your place of residence — you must update your meldunek. You can register on your own once you are 18 years old. The registration application states your place of residence — a house, flat, or dormitory. If you are renting not an entire flat but a room or a bed — you can still register. It is important that the rental agreement does not contain a clause prohibiting registration. If you are renting accommodation for a period of more than 30 days, such a clause would clearly be unsuitable for you. If you intend to register, inform your landlord in advance. They will need to confirm your residence. Physical presence of the property owner when submitting the documents is not required — the rental agreement simply needs to include your first and last name. If you have come to Poland with your family, remember that meldunek must be obtained for each family member individually, so the rental agreement must list everyone who will be living with you.

Obtaining Meldunek at the Municipal Office

To submit documents for meldunek in person, you need to go to the nearest municipal office (Urząd Gminy). The set of documents for residence registration in Poland includes:

• an identity document (passport or other);

• the property owner's consent to your residence;

• confirmation of the owner's title to the property they are renting to you;

• the rental agreement;

• a document confirming your legal stay in Poland (residence card or PESEL). The procedure is as follows:

• you go to the nearest municipal office;

• you fill in the application;

• you submit the full set of documents;

• you pay 17 zloty for the registration certificate (the amount as of July 2023). A member of staff will process your application. The registration procedure usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes.

Obtaining Meldunek Online

To submit documents for meldunek online, you need to have a Profil Zaufany (trusted profile) on the Electronic Platform of Public Administration Services (ePUAP). For registration you need to scan all the required documents and pay 17 zloty for the certificate (payment details are available on the municipal office website). The online submission procedure is as follows:

1. Log in to ePUAP.
2. Click Zamelduj się.
3. Select the type of accommodation in which you are registering.
4. Enter who you wish to register.
5. Upload scans of the documents.
6. Fill in the fields — personal details and registration address.
7. Upload a scan of the payment receipt.
8. Check that everything is filled in correctly.
9. Sign the application electronically. If the submission goes smoothly, you will receive a confirmation document — to your personal ePUAP inbox. In rare cases you may be asked to come in person to the municipal office to clarify information. As a rule, however, everything goes through without any additional complications.

Looking for work in Poland? Submit your application right now or call +38 (050) 334-93-51 or +48 525 275 003 or +38 (050) 334-93-51 or +48 525 275 003. Gremi Personal prepares useful articles about working in various cities in Poland. You can read articles and watch videos — choose the format that suits you.

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