After successfully registering your company in Poland, the next critical step is to establish a corporate bank account at a Polish financial institution. While this may appear simple given the company’s incorporation, challenges often arise due to changing pan-European banking trends.

In this context, choosing the right bank in Poland becomes crucial. Several major domestic banks have an extensive branch network and proven reliability. They offer convenient online banking services and mobile applications, ensuring secure and global access to manage finances. Strict privacy policies protect clients' funds and transaction details, but in the case of international agreements such as CRS or FATCA, some information may be disclosed to relevant tax authorities.

For non-resident founders seeking to open a settlement account in Poland, there are currently only three banks facilitating this process:

• Banco Santander (part of Spanish financial group)

• PKO BP (a Polish bank with public investments)

• BNP PARIBAS (part of the French financial group)

However, it is important to note that individual branches or regions of these banks may have different internal policies, which may still result in a rejection despite the bank's overall approach to non-residents.

For foreigners, choosing the right bank among the many available can be overwhelming. Our advice is to go with a large, reputable bank to ensure a smoother process. Fortunately, the process of opening a bank account in Warsaw is relatively quick and takes about half an hour. The bank representative collects passport information, clarifies the account terms and mobile banking features, and then sends the card by mail within a week.

Most banks offer an online application option through their website, which allows you to submit your documents remotely. Additionally, a phone request can also avoid a visit to a bank branch.

If you need help setting up a business bank account in Poland, our team   is ready to support. Drawing on our extensive network of trusted partners in the European financial services industry, we aim to provide tailored and cost-effective solutions that optimize the operations of the businesses we serve.

Opening a bank account in Poland

When you come to Poland, whether you live temporarily or permanently, everyone may need to open an account and apply for a card in a Polish bank, which may be used when shopping or traveling.

After fully conducting business in Poland and the company registration procedure is complete, you will be faced with the need to open a current account in a Polish bank. It seems that there should be no difficulties at this stage, since the company itself is already registered. But it turns out that everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.

The European-wide trend towards restrictions on banking work with non-resident clients has also affected the Polish banking sector. These new trends will be familiar to entrepreneurs doing business in the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), the Czech Republic and many other European countries. In these jurisdictions, not only insurmountable difficulties arise in opening company accounts, but also cases occur where accounts of long-standing and well-run companies, whose beneficiaries are non-residents, are blocked.

How to choose a bank in Poland?

It is up to you to choose which bank to open an account. Each of the banks listed below has an extensive network of branches in the country and is considered one of the largest and most reliable banks in Poland. To manage your funds more conveniently, we offer Internet banking services and the use of dedicated applications for mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.). The application program is improved and well protected so that customers can manage their funds from anywhere in the world. Customers can rest assured that the capital they deposit with the bank is safe. Employees do not have the right to disclose information about accounts and transactions to anyone, unless required by international agreements, such as CRS or FATCA. If your country of nationality has signed a corresponding agreement with Poland, it is very likely that the tax authorities in your country will receive information about all open accounts and the amounts of funds.

Reliability

If you want to open a bank account in Poland, pay attention to his age. In this case, it is better not to consider a "serious" Polish financial bank, which has only been established for a month. The reliability is also emphasized by the number of branches and ATMs of a Polish bank. Pay attention to who owns the bank. If it is part of an international company, the reliability factor increases. We work only with banks with a good reputation.

Convenience

The availability of Internet banking is a necessary service in the modern world, which allows to easily manage your money, day or night, wherever you are. Applications for mobile phones and tablets will undoubtedly be popular with customers. The ability to perform all operations remotely may also be an important criterion when choosing. Our company cooperates with five banks in Poland: ING Bank Śląski, Millennium bank (Millennium), Bank BNP Paribas, Pekao Bank, PKO Bank Polski.

PKO Bank Polski is the oldest and largest bank in Poland, founded in 1919. It has the most extensive network of branches and ATMs in the country and is also technologically advanced. It offers services in Ukrainian.

ING Bank Śląski is one of the largest commercial banks in Poland. It was founded in 1989 and has about 400 branches. It has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 1994. It participates in the deposit insurance system and cooperates with pension savings. ING Bank Śląski ranks third in terms of importance in Poland.

ING Bank's personal limit

There are restrictions when withdrawing cash from ATMs: a maximum of PLN 10,000 (about EUR 2,300) can be withdrawn per day. ING customers can withdraw any amount from their accounts over the counter at any branch, but they need to make an appointment in advance. If the amount of a transaction exceeds EUR 5,000, it is necessary to notify the bank's employees in advance by phone.

Millennium (Millennium)

Founded in 1989. It is part of the structure of a Portuguese financial holding. It has a large number of ATMs and branches. If you have any difficulties using the services, telephone consultants who speak Russian and Ukrainian will answer all your questions.

Pekao Bank was founded in 1929 and is one of the oldest banks. There are 1,000 branches in the country. In Poland, Pekao Bank was the first bank to start operating on the stock market. It ranks second in terms of assets. Each of these Polish banks belongs to the reliable category, so you can open a bank account in any of them. They all work with foreigners (non-residents) and provide Internet banking services. You should pay attention to the conditions for opening an account and holding a card, as well as the conditions for its subsequent maintenance. These conditions are different in each bank in Poland. You should also know that in Polish banks there is a strict distinction between the concepts of account and card. First you need to open an account, and then you can get a card as a possible means of access. When transferring money, you should provide the account number, not the card number.

In this respect, Poland's situation is much better, but it also has its own characteristics.

We will not consider cases where the non-resident founder has a Polish card, residence permit or permanent residence in Poland or citizenship of an EU country - in this case everything is much simpler. We are interested in cases where the non-resident founder is a citizen of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine or any other independent country (not only) and does not have any status in Poland. In this case, will there be problems in opening a corporate bank account for a Polish company?

Opening a bank account for a Polish company with non-resident founders

So far, only three banks in the country offer the opportunity to open settlement accounts in Poland for legal entities whose founders are non-residents, i.e.

• Santander Bank (Spanish financial group),

• PKO BP (Polish bank with public investments),

• BNP PARIBAS (French financial group),

You should also take into account the fact that the work of many branches and sub-branches of these banks is regulated at the provincial, municipal and sometimes even internal directives of the specific branch, which means that you may be refused to open an account at a specific branch despite the bank's general policy of working with non-residents.

The key to deciding whether to issue a bank card is employment needs. Most employers transfer wages to the card.

Which bank should I contact to open an account in Poland?

There are many banks in Poland that offer customers various conditions for opening and servicing bank accounts.

Foreigners don't know which bank is better to apply to. We advise our clients to only work with large banks.

The main problem is that not all Polish banks are willing to open checking accounts for foreigners, some only allow cardholders to open an account, and some only require a personal ID number.

Pay attention to whether the bank is a member of the Bank Guarantee Fund. Also find out whether the bank has branches and ATMs in all cities. Ask the manager how much the service costs and choose the bank that offers you the most favorable conditions. Also find out whether mobile banking can be connected.

We help our clients decide on a bank based on the purpose for which you need to open a bank account.

What do I need to open a bank account in Poland?

In Poland, banks are willing to cooperate with tourists from other countries, and managers always inform in detail about the conditions of use and issuance of cards.

It is not required that the client is fluent in Polish.

Banks generally ask the same questions, so in order not to spend too much time opening an account, we recommend studying the list of questions in advance and preparing the answers. Opening a bank account is not difficult for Belarusians, managers are determined to get new customers.

Therefore, bank staff may verify the following information with you:

• Your parents' first, last and patronymic names;

• Mother's maiden name;

• Your physical address in Poland where you reside or are registered;

• Are you formally employed?

• Telephone number at which you can be reached in Poland.

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Poland?

In order to open a bank account in Poland, you need to prepare the necessary documents in advance.

The list of documents may vary as each bank may have its own list of documents to be used when opening a bank account.

The checklists are generally the same, so here is a list of the documents most commonly requested:

• Document proving your legal presence in the country (for those who came to the country under the visa-free system; if you hold a visa, present your visa).

• Your national identification number in the country of your choice.

• Personal identification number in Poland: PESEL.

• A statement indicating where you live.

To make it easy for you to open a bank account in Poland, our experts will help you collect all the necessary documents.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Warsaw?

Opening an account does not take too long. The whole procedure takes about half an hour.

Therefore, in order to open an account for you, the Manager will do the following:

Enter your passport data into a specific program and make copies of the documents;

He will ask you some questions and inform you about the services and conditions of use of your account and card, explain the features of mobile banking and how to use it;

Your card will be dispatched. Cards are not issued at bank branches, but are sent by mail to the mailing address you specified in the questionnaire. Delivery takes about a week.

You can fill out an application to open a bank account online. Almost every bank in Poland has its own website where you can fill out a questionnaire and attach documents, and in addition, in order not to have to go to the bank office, you can call the bank and leave a telephone request.

Business bank account in Poland

Opening a business account in Poland is an important step for entrepreneurs looking to develop their business in this country with a vibrant economy and a good business environment. Poland offers a wide range of banking services and convenient account opening conditions, making the process simple and affordable. In this article, we will look at the key aspects and procedures for opening a business account in Poland.

Advantages of opening a business account in Poland

1. Good business environment: Poland offers a good business environment with a well-developed infrastructure and plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs.

2. Diversified financial services: Polish banks provide businesses with a wide range of financial products, including accounts, loans, investments, etc.

3. Technological Innovation: Many Polish banks are actively implementing modern technologies such as online banking and mobile applications to provide convenience and ease to their customers.

4. Expertise: Banking experts in Poland are highly qualified and can provide professional advice on financial matters.

How to open a business account in Poland

1. Choose a bank: Research different banks and choose the one that is right for you. Consider the bank’s reputation, terms of service, fees, and other parameters.

2. Prepare documents: Prepare the documents required for account opening, such as identity card, company registration certificate, shareholder register extract and other documents that may be required.

3. Apply in person at the bank or online: Apply in person at the bank of your choice or fill in the online account opening application through the official website. Provide all the required documents and fill in the account opening application form.

4. Application review: The bank will review your account application and verify the documents provided. This process may take several business days.

5. Account Activation: Once your application is approved, your business account will be activated and you will have access to banking services.

in conclusion

Opening a business account in Poland is an important step to successfully doing business in this developing economy. With an attractive business environment, diverse financial services and a high level of service, your business account will become a reliable tool for managing your company's finances. When choosing a bank, pay attention to its reputation, terms of service and technological capabilities to ensure the best fit for your needs and requirements.

 Personal bank accounts in Poland

Opening a personal bank account in Poland is an important step in effectively managing personal finances in this developed and dynamic economy. Polish banks offer a variety of financial services and innovative solutions to make the account opening process affordable and convenient. In this article, we will look at the key aspects and procedures for opening a personal bank account in Poland.

Advantages of opening a personal bank account in Poland

1. Diversified Banking Services: Polish banks offer a wide range of financial products, including debit and credit cards, savings accounts, deposits, and investment options.

2. Technological innovation: Many Polish banks are actively implementing modern technologies such as online banking and mobile applications to provide convenience and ease to their customers.

3. Professional services: Banking experts in Poland are highly qualified and can provide professional advice on financial issues.

4. Security and Reliability: Polish banks adhere to strict security and data protection standards, ensuring your finances are safely stored and managed.

How to open a personal bank account in Poland

1. Choose a bank: Research different banks and choose the one that is right for you. Consider the bank’s reputation, terms of service, fees, and other parameters.

2. Prepare documents: Prepare the documents required to open an account, such as proof of identity, proof of residential address, and possibly proof of income.

3. Apply in person at the bank or online: Apply in person at the bank of your choice or fill in the online account opening application through the official website. Provide all the required documents and fill in the account opening application form.

4. Application review: The bank will review your account application and verify the documents provided. This process may take several business days.

5. Account Activation: Once your application is approved, your personal bank account will be activated and you will be able to use banking services.

in conclusion

Opening a personal bank account in Poland is an important step in effectively managing your personal finances in this advanced and innovative country. With a wide range of financial services, technological innovations and professional services, your personal account will become a reliable tool for managing your finances. When choosing a bank, pay attention to its reputation, terms of service and technological capabilities to ensure the best fit for your needs and requirements.