Nigerians and the Polish Law on Minors: How to Open a Bank Account in Poland
A Nigerian has expressed his frustration and anger on a ban the Polish government has put on Nigerians. He claimed that Nigerians are not allowed to open bank accounts in Poland as he was trying to open one for his seemingly young daughter who appears to be a minor.
In his video, he blamed the “mad lazy boys” also known as “Yahoo Boys” who have caused harm for the next generation.
Minors – Underage Students
In other parts of the world, there are laws to protect minors.
According to Polish law, a minor (underage) is a person who is under 18 years of age. Parents, legal guardians or appointed representatives shall act on his/her behalf in official matters.
Minors can also study at the Maritime University of Szczecin, but it requires parents/guardians of minors to submit a written consent for their minor child/children to study and undertake work placements at the Maritime University of Szczecin.
The following official matters require special steps if you are under 18 years of age:
Registration of foreigner’s address of residence in Poland and obtaining PESEL number
According to Polish law, each foreigner is obligated to register their current residence in Poland. This is also an occasion on which you are given a PESEL number (a unique, once in a life time Polish personal identification number). However if you’re not 18 years of age you may not register your address by yourself.
For underage students to register their address:
a) his/her parents/guardians must do it on his/her behalf (the presence of one of them is sufficient), or
b) parents/guardians submit a written authorization to the International Students and Mobility Office (DOiWM) of the MUS to act on behalf of their minor child/children at the City Hall in Szczecin.
If you want to use the second option, remember to take with you the authorization form – duly filled in and signed by your parent/guardian. The form was attached to the other admission application documents that we sent to you in paper and digital version. If for some reason you did not receive this form, please contact us by e-mail. Thanks to this, an employee of the Office will be able to register your residence and obtain a PESEL number for you.
Medical insurance with the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ)
For all foreigners living in Poland it is mandatory to have at all times a valid medical insurance to cover costs of potential medical treatment. Being insured in Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) offers you the same rights and level of health care services as they are available to all Polish citizens. The cost of such insurance for students amounts to 56PLN /month.
If a minor wants to be insured with the NFZ, when going to the NFZ seat in order to sign an insurance contract, he/she should have on them a written consent of the parents/guardians to sign such a contract. If the consent is written in a language other than Polish, it should be translated into Polish.
Visiting a doctor
In accordance with the regulations in force in Poland:
- a person under 16 years of age may only see a doctor in the presence of a parent or designated adult guardian;
- a minor who is over 16 years of age can go to the doctor alone with a written consent of his/her parents/guardians.
- A printout of parents/guardians’ written consent to a medical examination of their underage child/children without the presence of a parent or designated guardian has been provided to you during admissions. You should submit it at the reception desk of a selected health care center when filling in the doctor’s selection declaration.
Applying for a Temporary residence permit (temporary stay card)
Temporary residence permits can only be submitted by a person who is over 18 years old. Otherwise:
a) the presence of a parent/guardian is necessary in order to sign the application in the presence of a staff member of the City Hall
or
b) it is possible to submit documents by a person of your choice to represent you in Poland (for example, a member of your family living in Poland or a trusted friend). If you do not have such a person, an employee of the International Students and Mobility Office (DOiWM) may be your representative.
In both cases, you must submit an original power of attorney for a legal representative in Poland signed by your parents/guardians in the presence of a Polish consul or notary public (if the notarial confirmation is drawn up in any language other than Polish, it is necessary to provide a translation into Polish done or
certified by a Polish sworn translator or at a Polish consulate).
Applying for a Permanent residence permit
Only a person over 18 years old can apply for permanent residence.
Opening a bank account
In accordance with the regulations in force in Poland, a bank account may be opened for a person who is at least 13 years old. However, until the age of 18, all matters are handled by a parent/legal guardian on behalf of the minor. Therefore, the presence of one of the parents/guardians is required to open an account for a minor. In this case it is not possible to grant someone a power of attorney.
Please remember that as a minor in Poland you:
- are not allowed to buy alcohol or enter night clubs / discos
- may not be employed except for practical training (education)
- may not sign any formal agreements / contracts.
How to Open a Bank Account in Poland for Non-Residents
The banking sector in Poland is highly advanced and competitive. While this level of competition might pose challenges for the banks, it typically results in more favorable conditions for customers. Having a bank account in Poland is nearly indispensable, as everyday transactions and financial operations become cumbersome without one. For instance, employers require a bank account to deposit salaries through automated systems, tax refunds are transferred directly to individual accounts, and even casual transactions among friends often involve transfers through Polish bank accounts. The banking institutions in Poland tend to follow uniform regulations and policies, making it straightforward for Polish citizens to open an account. However, immigrants to Poland may wonder about the process to establish a bank account upon their arrival.
For non-EU individuals seeking to open a bank account in Poland, expect a thorough verification process. Be aware that citizens from certain countries, such as the Philippines, Iran, Iraq, may face sanctions, and Polish banks have been known to reject applications from countries like Nigeria. This section will guide you on preparing a successful bank account application in Poland:
- Don’t be deterred by nationality concerns. Many from your home country reside in Poland with bank accounts, having passed the necessary verifications and managed their accounts without issue.
- Ensure your visa or residence permit is up to date. Your documents should be valid for at least six more months. A Schengen visa may not hold as much weight as a D-type visa in this context.
- Clarify your purpose in Poland. Employment requires a work contract, business owners should present income proof and company registration details (KRS/CEIDG), and students need to show enrollment confirmation and academic records.
If a bank officer cannot open your account on the spot, your application will require further review. At your meeting, the officer will file your application and collect the necessary documents, which are either returned to you post-verification or retained by the bank. After a positive verification, they’ll proceed with the account setup.
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