Non resident business accounts in Poland what foreign founders can expect

Snapshot

A non resident or foreign founder can open a business account in Poland, but the process is slower than for a resident. Banks run enhanced anti money laundering checks, some still ask for a PESEL number, and many ask a non resident to attend a branch in person. The business itself usually needs to be registered in Poland first.

Possible for non residents?: Yes, with enhanced checks and often an in person visit, as of 1 April 2026.
PESEL number: Not always required upfront. Some banks ask for it, others let you add it later.
Remote option: Revolut Business offers app onboarding with a Polish IBAN. Many banks still require a branch visit.
Company first: A Polish company account needs the KRS entry, NIP, REGON and CRBR filing in place.

Fees and features as of 1 April 2026Last reviewed 1 April 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A non resident or foreign founder can open a business account in Poland, but expect a slower path than a resident faces. Banks apply enhanced anti money laundering reviews on foreign owners and beneficial owners, some still ask for a PESEL number, and many require a non resident to verify identity in a branch for a business account. Revolut Business is the most common fully remote route and gives a Polish IBAN. The business itself usually has to be registered in Poland first. Details below are shown as of 1 April 2026.

Opening a Polish business account as a non resident

Poland does not bar foreign owners, but its banks run stricter onboarding because of anti money laundering rules, so a non resident usually faces more documents and more verification than a resident. The exact requirements differ by bank and by your situation, including whether you are an European Union national, whether you have a Polish residence card, and whether the account is for a sole trade or a company. Details below are shown as of 1 April 2026.

The PESEL question

A PESEL is the Polish personal identification number. Several banks no longer require it upfront for a basic account and let you add it later, and some open a limited account before the PESEL is issued, while others still ask for it for a business account. There is no single rule across the market, so the practical step is to ask the specific bank what it requires for your case before you apply. As of 1 April 2026.

Remote versus in person

Revolut Business is the most widely used fully remote option for non residents, with onboarding through the app, passport verification and a Polish IBAN. Many traditional banks, including some that serve foreign customers, still ask a non resident founder to verify identity in a branch for a business account, although a few offer limited video verification. If you cannot travel, a remote provider or a representative acting under a power of attorney may be the route, subject to the bank rules. Confirm the current options with the provider.

Before you apply

Prepare the company side first, since most banks will not open a company account until the registration is complete. Requirements vary by bank, verify before applying

Register the business in Poland, in the CEIDG for a sole trade or the KRS for a company, and confirm the NIP and REGON are active, as of 1 April 2026.
File the beneficial owners in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners for a company, and gather passports for all owners and board members.
Ask the bank whether it needs a PESEL, whether it accepts remote verification, and whether foreign documents need a certified Polish translation.

Compare business accounts available in Poland

These providers accept business customers in Poland, and some onboard non residents remotely. Fees and eligibility shown as of 1 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about non resident accounts in Poland

Can a non resident open a business account in Poland?

Yes, but expect more checks. Banks run enhanced anti money laundering reviews on foreign owners and beneficial owners, and many ask a non resident founder to attend a branch in person, as of 1 April 2026. The business itself usually needs to be registered in Poland with an active NIP and REGON first. Confirm the current process with the bank.

Do I need a PESEL to open a business account in Poland?

Not always. Several banks no longer require a PESEL number upfront for a basic account and let you add it later, while some still ask for it for a business account, as of 1 April 2026. Requirements differ by bank, so confirm before applying.

Can a foreign founder open a Polish business account remotely?

Some can. Revolut Business offers remote onboarding through its app with a Polish IBAN, while many traditional banks still ask a non resident to verify identity in a branch for a business account, as of 1 April 2026. Confirm the current remote options with the provider.

Does the company need to be registered in Poland first?

For a Polish company account, yes. An sp. z o.o. must be entered in the National Court Register with an active NIP and REGON and the beneficial owners filed in the CRBR before a company account opens, as of 1 April 2026. A non resident sole trader registers in the CEIDG. Verify the route that fits your case with a local adviser and the bank.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 1 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.