If you want to open a bank account in Poland, you’re in luck… it’s 100% possible.
But, to open an account here with the best European banks for expats, you better have a cousin in Warsaw or know how to speak Polish. Otherwise, you might be struggling to get past “hello”. That said, if you can get your foot in the door, a bank account in Poland might just be the gateway to EU banking you’ve been looking for, especially if you’ve struggled to open elsewhere in Europe.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Banking in Poland is a gateway into EU banking for non-EU residents
- Not all banks in Poland accept non-resident clients
- Account opening requirements will vary between banks
- Documents will likely need to be translated into Polish by an official translator before submitting
Many non-residents and foreigners get rejected because they don’t provide the right information, they don’t know which branches to target, and they aren’t sure which bankers to contact.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about how to open a bank account in Poland, keep reading as we’ll cover all the important topics you need to know and more below.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Open a Bank Account in Poland
- Who Should Open Bank Accounts in Poland?
- What Are the Benefits of Banking in Poland?
- What Are the Challenges of Opening a Bank Account in Poland?
- How to Open Bank Accounts in Poland
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
Open a Bank Account in Poland
To open a bank account in Poland as a foreign non-resident, you’ll need to locate a branch that accepts non-resident applications, provide the necessary documents, and meet the account opening requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to overcome some unique account opening challenges and language barriers. But, with some direction, you should be able to open a bank account in Poland as a non-resident.
In fact, non-residents and foreign companies view Poland as an easy entry point to EU banking. In other words, non-residents and foreign companies who are looking to acquire an EU bank account but struggle to open elsewhere can open a bank account in Poland.
But, it doesn’t come easy.
Before diving in any further, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your free Non-Resident Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts in top banking hubs around the world.
Who Should Open Bank Accounts in Poland?
Poland is probably best known for its majestic castles, beautiful cities, and hearty meals. But, Poland is also becoming known as an entry point to EU banking for non-EU residents and businesses.
In other words, Poland can be a useful banking option for certain foreign non-residents. And, there are many benefits you can tap into when you open a bank account in Poland as a non-resident.
In particular, Poland has become an accessible banking jurisdiction for foreign non-residents and foreign business owners who are looking to open an EU bank account but are struggling to open it elsewhere in the EU.
But, it isn’t for everyone…
So, when it comes to opening, maintaining, and benefiting from bank accounts in Poland, certain clients typically benefit more than others.
At the top of the list of potential beneficiaries are foreign non-residents with connections to Poland and foreign non-residents looking to access EU banking for the first time.
Here’s a look at the groups that could benefit from opening a bank account in Poland:
- Expats living, working, studying, or retiring here
- Digital nomads who can’t open elsewhere
- Non-residents interested in a European bank account with low minimums
- Individuals visiting Poland who want a European bank account
- Non-EU and offshore companies with ties to Poland
- Non-resident companies that want a European bank account
- Foreign companies that want remote opening
- Foreign companies that want a European bank account & are struggling to open accounts elsewhere
Although this is only a suggested list of non-residents who can open a bank account in Poland, it doesn’t mean your banking needs are best suited to banking here. And, it doesn’t mean you’ll get immediate approval either.
But, if you know which banks and bankers to target and you go about the account opening process properly, you may be able to successfully open a bank account in Poland.
That said, you may still be wondering why a non-resident would open a bank account in Poland in the first place. And, how they could benefit from having a Polish bank account.
Well, there are many reasons…
What Are the Benefits of Banking in Poland?
For the right clients, opening a bank account in Poland can have many benefits. But, like banking anywhere, it may be right for you.
But, if you fit into one of the groups listed above, you could be in a position to benefit from a Polish bank account. Here’s how…
Potential Benefits Offered When You Open a Polish Bank Account:
- Access to the EU banking
- Access to multiple currency accounts
- Low-cost transfers via the SEPA system
- Low monthly maintenance fees
- Very low minimum balance requirements
- Easier payment system for local services
- English language banking (if you know the right bank)
- Deposit Insurance up to the equivalent of €100,000
Of course, to take advantage of these benefits, you need to know how to successfully navigate the account opening process. That means knowing which bank and banker to contact, what banks accept foreign non-residents, and understanding the challenges you may face.
So, with that said, let’s look at the challenges and difficulties foreign non-residents can run into when opening a bank account in Poland.
What Are the Challenges of Opening a Bank Account in Poland?
As a foreign non-resident, opening a bank account in Poland comes with its challenges. And, if you’re not well prepared, your application will likely be denied.
Needless to say, if you don’t know which banks and bankers accept non-residents and don’t know how to properly approach the account opening process, you’re going to face some obstacles.
But, these challenges can be overcome with the proper guidance, the right information, and the right account opening strategy.
Not All Banks in Poland Accept Foreign Non-Residents
Similar to European banking jurisdictions, like opening a bank account in Hungary, many banks will only open a bank account in Poland for residents and citizens. However, there are banks in Poland that cater to foreign non-residents.
Requirements for Opening a Polish Bank Account
Additionally, the account opening process can become expensive and time-consuming when dealing with some banks in Poland. This is because certain banks may require proof of a local address, a valid visa, and a letter of Polish employment. And, in some circumstances, they may request proof that you’re a European citizen. Obviously, if you’re unable to meet any of these requirements, you shouldn’t be applying at banks that demand them.
Language Requirements When Opening in Poland
You may need to translate your documents into Polish by an official translator. This can get expensive quickly if you don’t know which translator to use, or which documents to translate. Checking with the bank first, or choosing a bank that doesn’t require this, are always good starting points to avoid confusion later.
Additional Account Opening Challenges
Other challenges you could face include, how many times you physically have to visit the bank. Or, whether or not you need a local phone number for both opening or maintaining the account. Additionally, you should also confirm the process for closing the account in the future.
Of course, these challenges can vary from bank to bank. In fact, you can completely avoid these challenges when you deal with the right bank and banker who understands non-resident applications.
How to Open Bank Accounts in Poland?
Like everywhere, each Polish bank will have its own set of account opening requirements and quirks for non-resident applicants.
Of course, before you even begin applying to open an account, you’ll need to find a branch that will accept foreign non-residents. And, not to mention, find a branch with English-speaking customer support.
But, with the right help and guidance, it can be done.
Also, if you’re interested in learning more about Polish bank accounts for non-residents, you can read our article, “How to Open a Polish Bank Account as a Non-Resident” for further information.
For now, let’s take a look at the pre-account opening checklist and questions you should ask before you apply to open a bank account in Poland.
Pre-Account Opening Checklist
- Find a bank that accepts non-residents
- Find a bank that accepts non-residents remotely
- Does the bank have English-speaking staff?
- What are the opening requirements?
- What documents do you have to present?
The pre-account opening checklist may look easy.
But, if you’re planning to call every bank in Poland to get these answers, expect to set aside time. And, don’t be alarmed if you don’t get a direct answer or the information you were looking for.
That said, we highly recommend you not go down this route.
Instead, consider joining GlobalBanks Insider, our flagship account opening service. When you join GlobalBanks Insider, our team will share specific suggestions based on your banking goals and requirements. This includes specific Polish banks, branches, and even bankers for you to consider.
Of course, if you still want to try opening accounts on your own, you’ll need to know the standard documents and process to open accounts.
Standard Required Documents:
- Passport or national ID card
- Proof of address (may vary from bank to bank)
- Proof of employment (to acquire a credit card)
- PESEL number (for Polish citizens only)
It’s important to note that these requirements are constantly changing. But, if you want to avoid the headache and want to know which bank and bankers best match your personal banking objectives, then we’re happy to help.
If you’re looking to open a bank account in Poland today, here’s how to start…
Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks Insider and start the process of applying for an offshore account in a few clicks.
GlobalBanks Insider is a dedicated account opening solution that involves direct support from our team and direct introductions to the banks of your choosing. It gives you instant access to the…
+ Direct support from a team of banking experts
+ Direct introductions to your desired banks
+ Answers to your most pressing questions and challenges
+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why
+ Plus FULL access to our entire suite of account opening tools and intelligence!
And “yes!” GlobalBanks Insider is designed to help foreign and non-resident individuals and companies open bank accounts.
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