Poland plans to change the principle of storing addresses in the PESEL register: instead of the registration address, they want to specify the actual place of residence. Information can be updated via mObywatel. The change is important for Ukrainians, for whom PESEL opens access to services. This is reported by InPoland.
What will change in the PESEL register in Poland
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration of Poland is working on a reform of address data. The main proposal is that the PESEL should store the actual residence address of a person, not just their registered address—adres zameldowania.
Currently, the Polish system uses different types of addresses: registration, actual residence, and address for receiving documents during administrative procedures. If they do not match, official correspondence may be sent to a place where a person no longer lives.
The reform aims to simplify the exchange of information between citizens and public institutions. A person will be able to self-report their actual address via the mObywatel application, without the need to always use the formal registration address.
The application already plays an important role for Ukrainians in Poland. In particular, it is through mObywatel that the electronic document Diia.pl is available, which PESEL UKR holders can use.
Will the new PESEL address grant housing rights
A separate mechanism is planned to be introduced to protect apartment and house owners. They should have the opportunity to respond if a third party indicates their property as their actual residence.
However, entering an address into the register will not create ownership rights or rights to use the housing. Current registration of residence also does not confirm that a person owns or rents a specific property.
In Poland, there is an obligation to register a permanent or temporary place of residence. According to current regulations, this must be done within 30 days.
It is important for Ukrainians not to confuse the future address reform with separate requirements for PESEL UKR status. In 2026, some citizens of Ukraine will need to update PESEL UKR data if the number was issued without a valid foreign passport or if the passport data needed updating.
The new reform is still at the initial stage of preparation. The Ministry plans that the changes in the address data of the PESEL register will come into force in 2028.