Trusted Profile for a foreigner — how to set it up (with and without a PESEL)

Since 27 April 2026 residence applications are filed exclusively online via the MOS portal, and you log in to MOS through login.gov.pl. In practice this means that without a Trusted Profile (or an e-ID card or a qualified signature) you will not file an application for a residence card. We explain how a foreigner can obtain a Trusted Profile — and what to do without a PESEL number.

1. What the Trusted Profile is

The Trusted Profile is a free means of electronic identification with which you confirm your identity in Polish e-government services and sign documents (trusted signature). To set it up you need a PESEL number — which is why for many foreigners the first step is precisely obtaining a PESEL.

2. Step one: the PESEL number

Register your residence — when registering for a stay of more than 30 days the PESEL number is assigned automatically.

Or file an application for a PESEL number at any municipal office — as the legal basis indicate the need to use the administration's electronic services (Trusted Profile). You will need a passport and a completed form.

Tip: Ukrainian citizens with UKR status have a PESEL assigned at registration — they can proceed straight to setting up the Trusted Profile.

3. Step two: setting up the Trusted Profile

You have several paths — choose the most convenient one:

Method	For whom	How it works
Online banking	People with an account in a Polish bank that supports the Trusted Profile	The fastest path — you confirm your identity by logging in to your bank, everything online.
Online application + visit to a confirmation point	People without a Polish bank account	You register at pz.gov.pl, then within 14 days you confirm your identity in person (tax office, ZUS, selected offices) — take your passport.
e-ID card with an electronic layer	Very few foreigners (a document for Polish citizens)	Usually unavailable to foreigners — in practice skipped.

A common problem: a discrepancy in the spelling of the first name and surname (transliteration from Cyrillic) between the passport, the PESEL database and the bank account may block the creation of the profile. Before visiting a confirmation point, make sure the data in the PESEL register is identical to the passport.

4. Alternatives to the Trusted Profile

Qualified signature — paid (approx. PLN 200–400 per year), purchased from certified providers. Issuance requires identity verification but does not require a PESEL number — a real option for people who cannot obtain a PESEL quickly. You can use it to sign an application in MOS.
Help of a representative — a representative cannot log in to MOS „on your behalf”, but a lawyer will help you prepare the documents, set up the Trusted Profile and correctly complete the application during a joint session.

5. Frequently asked questions

Can I set up a Trusted Profile without a PESEL?

As a rule no — a PESEL is required. The solution is to obtain a PESEL (point 2) or to buy a qualified signature.

How long does it take?

PESEL: usually from immediately to a few days. Trusted Profile via a bank: a dozen or so minutes. The confirmation-point path: 1–3 working days with an in-person visit. Plan it before your legal stay expires.

Does the Trusted Profile expire?

Yes, it is valid for 3 years — it can be renewed online before it expires.

We will guide you through PESEL, the Trusted Profile and MOS

We lead the client by the hand: from the assignment of a PESEL number to a signed application with the official receipt confirmation (UPO). In Polish, English and Russian.

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Legal notice: this article is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Legal status: July 2026. Procedures of confirmation points and bank requirements may differ — verify the details before your visit. Data controller: Dariusz Włodarczyk Kancelaria TRC.

Trusted Profile for foreigners — how to set it up in order to file an application in MOS