-- main -- ### title Registering a Child: Birth Certificate and PESEL ### summary [⏱️](21 days|Deadline) [🆔](PESEL|Assigned) [🏥](3 days|Hospital notice) ### description After a child is born in Poland, you must register the birth at the Civil Registry Office (USC - Urząd Stanu Cywilnego) within 21 days and obtain a PESEL number. Registration must take place at the USC appropriate to the place of birth. The PESEL is assigned automatically after registration if at least one parent has a PESEL number or the child has a registered address in Poland. Every child born in Poland must be registered regardless of parents' nationality or immigration status. > Many municipalities allow online birth registration via [Profil Zaufany](https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/zaloz-profil-zaufany). The hospital must forward the medical certificate of birth to the registry office within 3 days of delivery. ### Documentation Checklist for Registration Before going to the registry office, ensure you have: **For Married Parents:** - ✓ Passports or valid ID cards of both parents - ✓ Medical certificate of birth from hospital (issued by doctor or midwife) - ✓ Marriage certificate (original with sworn Polish translation and apostille if issued abroad) - ✓ Current residence documents or proof of address - ✓ PESEL numbers of parents (if already assigned) - ✓ Residence permit/visa (for non-Polish parents) **For Unmarried Parents:** - ✓ Passports or ID cards of both parents - ✓ Medical certificate of birth from hospital - ✓ Mother's birth certificate (original with sworn Polish translation and apostille if issued abroad) - ✓ Father's birth certificate (original with sworn Polish translation and apostille if issued abroad) - ✓ Proof of legal residence in Poland - ✓ Residence permit/visa (for non-Polish parents) **Additional Documents for Migrants:** - ✓ Certificate of no birth registration in another country (if applicable) - ✓ Proof of accommodation or rental agreement - ✓ Employment or student status confirmation - ✓ Health insurance documents or NFZ registration proof ### benefits **Legal identity in Poland** Birth certificate and PESEL enable all official procedures --- **Access to healthcare** NFZ insurance registration requires PESEL number --- **Family benefits eligibility** 500+ and other benefits require registration --- **Citizenship determination** Automatic Polish citizenship if one parent is Polish --- **School enrollment** Birth certificate and PESEL needed for education --- **Travel documentation** Required for passport applications ### Pre-registration stage **1. Understand the 21-Day Deadline** The 21-day deadline starts from the date the medical certificate of birth is issued by the hospital. This is a strict legal requirement that applies to everyone, regardless of nationality or immigration status. **Consequences of missing the deadline:** - If you do not register within 21 days, the head of the Civil Registry Office will choose a name for your child and register the birth on their own authority - You can appeal this decision within 14 days to the voivode (regional governor) - Delayed registration may incur fees (PLN 17-50) and require additional documentation **2. Identify the Correct Registry Office** **Territorial jurisdiction principle:** - Registration must take place at the Civil Registry Office appropriate to the **place of birth**, not where you live or where parents are registered - If your child was born in a hospital, the medical staff will inform you which registry office has territorial competence - Find all registry offices in Poland using the official database at: **dane.gov.pl/dataset/149** **3. Determine Who Can Register** **For Married Parents:** - Either the mother OR the father can register independently (you don't need both to be present) - Minimum age: 16 years old - Must have full legal capacity (not be deprived of parental rights) **For Unmarried Parents:** - **BOTH parents must attend together** to complete the paternity acknowledgment procedure - Exceptions: If paternity was already recognized before birth **4. Prepare Required Documents** **For all cases:** - Gather passports or valid ID cards of both parents - Obtain medical certificate of birth from hospital - Collect current residence documents **If parents are married:** - Original marriage certificate (Polish or foreign) - If foreign: sworn Polish translation and apostille/legalization **If parents are unmarried:** - Both parents' original birth certificates - Sworn Polish translations of both birth certificates (if not originally in Polish) - Apostille or legalization of foreign birth certificates **For migrants:** - Sworn translations of all foreign documents made by a translator registered on the list of the Polish Ministry of Justice - Apostille (Hague Convention certificate) or legalization from country of origin - Proof of legal residence in Poland (residence permit, residence card, or visa) - Certificate of no birth registration in another country (if applicable) **Translation requirements:** - All foreign-language documents must include sworn translation into Polish - Translator must be: registered on Polish Ministry of Justice list, OR authorized in EU/EEA countries, OR a Polish consul - Costs: approximately PLN 34-50 per page for sworn translation - Original documents must be brought for inspection; only photocopies with sworn translations are typically submitted **5. Decide on Child's Name** - Choose 1-2 given names (first and middle names) - Check Polish naming rules (names should not be offensive or ridiculous) - Be prepared to justify names if they seem unusual - For unmarried parents: discuss and agree on name before registration visit to avoid disputes ### Registration process **1. Before You Go to the Registry Office** **Verify hospital submission:** - The hospital must forward the medical certificate of birth to the registry office within 3 days - Contact the registry office to confirm receipt (usually done automatically, but verify to avoid delays) **Schedule appointment (if required):** - Some offices require appointments, others accept walk-ins during office hours - Check the website of your specific registry office - Call ahead to confirm opening hours and requirements **Prepare all documents:** - Make copies of all documents - Have originals ready for inspection - Ensure all translations are completed and apostilles obtained **If you don't speak Polish:** - Arrange for a certified translator or interpreter (typically costs PLN 100-200 for a brief session) - The registry office may provide access to an interpreter or allow you to bring one - Translation services are paid for by you **2. At the Registry Office: The Registration Appointment** **Step 1: Document Check (10-15 minutes)** - Present all documents to the officer - They will verify originals against copies/translations - They will check that your documents meet requirements - If documents are missing or incorrect, they will inform you immediately **Step 2: Interview and Protocol Preparation (15-30 minutes)** - The head of the registry office (or their deputy) will ask you questions: - Child's name(s) - Parents' full names and dates of birth - Current address and residence status - Marital status and details - Whether the child is legitimate (born to married parents) or non-matrimonial (born to unmarried parents) - For non-married couples: Answer questions about paternity acknowledgment - Information is recorded in an official protocol **Step 3: Protocol Signature** - You will be asked to review the information in the protocol - You or both parents (if unmarried) sign the protocol - The head of the office also signs - This is the official record of the registration **Step 4: Birth Certificate Preparation** - The officer prepares the official birth certificate based on the protocol - Includes child's name, date and place of birth, parents' details - The birth certificate is typed or printed **Step 5: Receipt of Documents** The registry office provides you with: - **One free abridged (short) copy of the birth certificate** - suitable for most purposes, includes essential information only - **PESEL notification certificate** (if PESEL number was assigned) - lists your child's unique 11-digit PESEL number - **Certificate of child registration** (if child was successfully registered) - confirms registration completed - **Residence registration certificate** (if applicable) **Entire process:** Typically 30-60 minutes if everything is in order **3. If Documents Are Missing or Incorrect** **Minor issues:** - Officer may allow you to provide missing documents within a specified timeframe (usually 7-30 days) - You may be able to submit documents by post or have a representative deliver them - Registration can often proceed with a note that documents are pending **Major issues:** - If fundamental documents are missing (birth certificate, both parents' IDs), registration cannot proceed - You will be informed what documents must be obtained - You must return within the 21-day deadline with complete documents **Defects in documents:** - Incorrect translations must be corrected - Missing apostilles must be obtained - You may be required to return with corrected documents **4. Online Registration Option** **Available through:** - Government portal with eGO trusted profile or e-identity card - More limited availability at some offices - Still requires that the birth certificate is first submitted by the hospital **Requirements:** - Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) account - All documents must be prepared and translated in advance - May require follow-up visit to collect physical documents ### PESEL Number Assignment **What Is PESEL?** PESEL (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności) is an 11-digit unique identification number that identifies each person in Poland. The number contains: first 6 digits (date of birth YYMMDD), next 3 digits (serial number), 10th digit (gender - even = female, odd = male), 11th digit (checksum). **Who Gets PESEL Automatically?** **Polish citizens:** - Automatically assigned at birth during registration - Parents receive notification certificate at registry office **Children born in Poland to non-Polish parents:** - **Only if** at least one parent already has a PESEL number OR - The child has a registered address in Poland - Assignment is automatic during registration **When PESEL Assignment May Be Delayed** Situations requiring additional steps: - Both parents are foreigners without Polish PESEL numbers - Child doesn't have registered residence address yet - Temporary residence documentation is still being processed - Citizenship status is unclear **Getting PESEL if Not Automatically Assigned** **Step 1: Register Temporary Residence** - Register at municipal office (Urząd Gminy or Miasta) - Provide passport, residence permit/visa, and proof of accommodation (minimum 31 days) - PESEL automatically assigned during residence registration - Typically within 3-7 days **Step 2: Apply Directly at Municipality Office** - Go to the Civil Affairs Department (Wydział Spraw Obywatelskich) - Bring: Child's birth certificate, parents' passports, proof of residence - Fill out PESEL application form (available at office) - Fee: Usually free for children - Processing: 3-7 days **Step 3: For Foreigners Without Residence Registration** - Apply at voivodship office (Urząd Wojewódzki) - Bring all residence documents and proof of legal stay - May require consultation with immigration office - Processing: 7-14 days **Why PESEL Is Critical** Without a PESEL, your child cannot: - Register with a doctor (NFZ health insurance) - Attend school or kindergarten - Receive family benefits (Family 500+, etc.) - Have a Polish passport - Have a bank account - Get a SIM card for phone - Receive social services **Action item:** If PESEL is not assigned within one month of birth, actively pursue it through the municipal office. ### Citizenship Determination **Automatic Citizenship Rules** **Child automatically receives Polish citizenship if:** 1. **At least one parent is a Polish citizen** - Citizenship passes automatically regardless of where the child was born 2. **Both parents are foreign but child is born in Poland and:** both parents are unknown/deceased AND their citizenship cannot be determined (very rare) **Important:** Place of birth does NOT matter for Polish citizenship - a Polish citizen's child gets Polish citizenship even if born abroad. **If One Parent Is Polish, One Is Not** **Your options:** - Child automatically receives Polish citizenship - OR file a **citizenship selection declaration** within **3 months of birth** with the voivodship office to give the child the other parent's citizenship instead - Both parents must consent to the selection - Changing citizenship has legal consequences (residence permit requirements change) **If Neither Parent Is Polish** **Your child receives:** - Polish birth certificate (mandatory) - **NOT** automatic Polish citizenship - **Possible residence status based on:** - One parent has permanent residence permit → child may receive same - One parent has temporary residence permit → child may receive same if born during permit validity - Parents on visa → child may receive same visa type/validity **Citizenship Determination Process** **At birth registration:** - The registry office will determine citizenship based on parents' documents - If one parent is Polish, this is noted automatically - Citizenship is written in the birth certificate - No separate application needed if one parent is Polish **If status is unclear:** - You will be given information about citizenship options - You have 3 months to make a selection (if applicable) - File form at: Voivodship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in your area - Bring: Birth certificate, parents' documentation, citizenship documents - Fee: Usually around PLN 17-50 ### Health Insurance Registration **Automatic Health Insurance** In Poland, children are entitled to health insurance through the National Health Fund (NFZ - Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia), either as dependents of working/insured parents, OR as separate insured persons if registered. **How to Register Child for Health Insurance** **Step 1: Automatic Registration (if one parent is employed/insured)** - If mother or father has NFZ insurance through employment or self-employment - Child is automatically added to parent's insurance - Typically happens automatically after birth registration and PESEL assignment - No action needed by you in most cases **Step 2: Manual Registration (if parents unemployed or self-employed)** **You must register your child within:** - **Immediately after birth** (ideally before leaving hospital) - **Or within the first month after arriving in Poland** **Where to register:** - Your nearest NFZ branch (find at: www.nfz.gov.pl) - Your GP clinic where you register with a doctor - Municipal office (Urząd Gminy/Miasta) - Social Assistance Division **Documents needed:** - Child's birth certificate - Parents' PESEL numbers - Proof of legal residence in Poland - Parents' identity documents - Employment documentation (if self-employed) or unemployment certificate - For migrants: residence permit/card **Step 3: For Special Status (Refugees, Protected Persons)** - Refugees and persons with subsidiary protection automatically get NFZ insurance - Insurance assigned after positive decision - Temporary insurance may be issued during asylum proceedings - No action needed, automatic assignment **What Health Insurance Covers** **For children under 18:** All medical services are **free of charge**, including: - Regular check-ups and preventive care - Vaccinations and immunizations - Dental care (basic services) - Prescription medications - Hospital treatment - Emergency care - Specialist consultations (with GP referral) - Laboratory tests and imaging **Important:** Your child must have health insurance to: - See a doctor (pediatrician) - Receive vaccines - Get prescriptions - Be admitted to hospital **Finding a Doctor for Your Child** **Step 1: Register with a Primary Care Doctor** - Contact any public clinic or health center accepting NFZ patients - Many hospitals have pediatric clinics - Show: Child's birth certificate, your PESEL numbers, health insurance proof **Step 2: Choose a Pediatrician or Family Doctor** - Can be at: Health clinic (poradnia), medical center, or family health center (przychodnia) - Doctor will provide registration confirmation - Important: You typically cannot change doctors frequently **Special Considerations for Migrants** **EU/EEA citizens:** - Can use EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) from your country - Or register for NFZ insurance in Poland - Children automatically covered under parent's insurance if parent has valid EHIC **Third-country nationals:** - Must have valid residence permit or visa - Children get NFZ insurance based on parents' insurance status - May need to register manually - Cost: Free for children under 18 **Ukrainian refugees/UKR status holders:** - Automatic NFZ insurance upon UKR status assignment - Children covered under parent's insurance - No additional action required - Free for all ages during UKR status validity ### Post-registration steps **1. Immediate Actions After Registration (First Month)** **Register child's residence (if not already done):** - Go to municipal office (Urząd Gminy/Miasta) - Register at least your child's residence address in Poland - Bring: Birth certificate, parent's PESEL, proof of residence (rental contract, deed, etc.) - Takes 10-20 minutes - Get residence registration certificate **Register with doctor and health insurance:** - Find pediatrician or family doctor accepting NFZ - Bring: Birth certificate, parent's PESEL, insurance information - Register child in their medical system - Ensure child is added to NFZ insurance system **Obtain additional birth certificate copies:** - Get at least 2-3 abridged copies free or paid - Used for: School enrollment, healthcare, passport applications, etc. - Easier to obtain now than later - **Costs:** Abridged copy: PLN 22-24, Full copy: PLN 33-38, Multi-language copy: PLN 22 - **Free additional copies available for:** Obtaining identity card or passport, social benefits applications, ZUS registration, alimony proceedings, custody matters, employment claims **Plan vaccination schedule:** - Your doctor will provide vaccination schedule - Mandatory vaccines: Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, meningococcal, measles, mumps, rubella - Optional vaccines: Rotavirus, hepatitis A, chickenpox (available for cost) - Schedule appointments with pediatrician **2. Obtaining Passport for Your Child** **Polish passport (if child has Polish citizenship):** - Go to: Passport office (Urząd Paszportowy) or municipal office - Bring: Birth certificate, parent ID, child's biometric photo (35x45mm) - Requirements: Both parents must consent and apply together (or one parent with certified consent of other) - Cost: PLN 70 (child passport), takes 2-4 weeks - Valid: Until child turns 18 **Foreign passport (if child has non-Polish citizenship):** - Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Poland - Requirements vary by country - Bring: Birth certificate, parent's passport, proof of citizenship of non-Polish parent - Typically takes 2-8 weeks **3. Family Benefits and Social Support** **Family 500+ (Rodzina 500+)** - Amount: **PLN 500 per month per child** under 18 years old - Eligibility: EU/EEA citizens, third-country nationals with bilateral social security agreement (includes Ukraine, USA, Canada, South Korea, Moldova), or temporary residence permit with "access to labour market" annotation - Application: Municipal office, social assistance center (PCPR), or online through Empatia system - Required: Child's birth certificate, parent's PESEL, proof of income (if required), bank account for transfers - Processing: 1-3 months from first disbursement after application **Becikowe (Birth Allowance)** - Amount: **PLN 1,000 (one-time payment)** - Eligibility: Family income under PLN 1,922 per person per month, child's mother was under medical care from at least 10th week of pregnancy through delivery, must apply within **12 months of child's birth** - Application: Municipal office, social assistance center, or PCPR - For Ukrainian refugees: Can be submitted through Empatia system or in person - Required: Birth certificate, income documentation, medical confirmation of prenatal care, PESEL numbers - Processing: Up to 1 month **Family Allowance (Zasiłek Rodzinny)** - Amount: **Varies by child's age** - PLN 95 per child under 5 years, PLN 124 per child aged 5-18 years, PLN 135 per child aged 18-24 (if still in education) - Eligibility: Family income threshold: PLN 674 per person per month (PLN 764 if family member is disabled) - Available to: Polish citizens, EU citizens, third-country nationals with bilateral agreement or permanent residence, refugees - Application: Municipal office or social assistance center (PCPR) **Good Start (Dobry Start) - School Support** - Amount: **PLN 300 per child per year** - Eligibility: Each child from age 6 until 20 (if still in education), universal - regardless of income - Application: Municipal office or school - Processing: Usually within 2 weeks - Paid before school year starts **Child Tax Credit (Ulga na dziecko)** - Amount: Varies by family structure - PLN 1,112 for one child (income limit: PLN 112,000/year), PLN 1,112 per child for two children (no income limit), PLN 2,000 for third child (no income limit), PLN 2,700 for each additional child (no income limit) - Eligibility: Working parents filing annual tax return (PIT), child under 18 (or 25 if in education and income below PLN 3,089/year) - Claim: On annual PIT (tax return) form - check "ulga na dziecko" (child tax credit) box **Parental Allowance (Świadczenie Rodzicielskie)** - Amount: **PLN 1,000 per month** - Eligibility: Parents who cannot claim parental leave from employer (students, farmers, self-employed, unemployed) - Duration: 52-72 weeks (depending on family circumstances) - Application: Social assistance center (PCPR) or municipal office **4. Updating Other Official Documents** **Your documents (as parent):** - If you got married in Poland and had a child, update your civil status record - No action needed if information is automatic **Family status (for future immigration status):** - If applying for residence permit extension, mention child as family member - Can strengthen application for permanent residence ### Special situations **What If You Miss the 21-Day Deadline?** **Within 30 days (total):** - You can still register but must file a special application with the head of the registry office - Include written explanation for the delay - Processing may take longer (up to 30 days) **Between 30 days and 16 years:** - The head of the registry office has authority to register the child - You must file a formal application - May require judicial decision - Stamp duty (fee) may be charged (typically PLN 17-50) **After child reaches age 16:** - Can only register with permission of a guardianship court - Must provide compelling reasons for delay - More complicated and expensive process **Both Parents Cannot Attend (Unmarried Couple)** **Problem:** The father cannot attend the registration (out of country, work, illness, etc.) **Solutions:** 1. **Delayed paternity acknowledgment:** Mother registers child alone; father acknowledges paternity later (within years, not months, but easier at registry office or before court if mother agrees within 3 months) 2. **Power of attorney:** Father provides written power of attorney authorizing mother to represent him (requires notarization); both can attend at separate times using this 3. **Virtual attendance:** Some registry offices may allow video call or digital signature; contact your office in advance **Note:** If father doesn't acknowledge paternity, child is registered under mother's name only; father's name will NOT appear on birth certificate **Parents Don't Agree on Child's Name** **Solutions:** 1. **Reach agreement before visiting:** Discuss and decide name before going to registry office (easiest solution) 2. **Mother decides:** If unable to agree and father hasn't acknowledged paternity, mother's choice prevails (father's name not on certificate anyway) 3. **Head of office decides:** If both parents registered but cannot agree, head of office may refuse the name and choose one themselves 4. **Appeal to court:** Either parent can appeal naming decision within 14 days to voivode (regional governor); court may order mediation **Timeline:** Name change request can be made within 6 months of registration for a fee; after 6 months, requires court order **No PESEL Number Assigned After Registration** **Solutions:** 1. **Check registry office:** Call to confirm if PESEL was assigned; sometimes they mail it separately 2. **Register residence:** Go to municipal office to register child's residence; PESEL automatically assigned during residence registration 3. **Apply directly:** Go to municipal office's Civil Affairs Department with birth certificate and parents' documents; apply for PESEL specifically 4. **Wait longer:** For some complex cases (special migration status), PESEL assignment can take 2-4 weeks; don't panic if not immediate **Action:** If no PESEL by end of first month, actively follow up - child cannot access healthcare without it **Registry Office Rejects Foreign Birth Certificate Translation** **Causes:** - Translation not by sworn translator - Missing apostille - Apostille on wrong document - Sworn translator not registered in correct country **Solutions:** 1. **Verify translator credentials:** Check that translator is on Ministry of Justice list (www.mswia.gov.pl) 2. **Check apostille:** Ensure apostille is affixed to original document (or is separate document with seal), not to translation 3. **Get new translation:** If old translator was not certified, obtain new sworn translation from official list 4. **Contact Polish consulate:** If in doubt, ask Polish consulate for direction; they can sometimes resolve issues 5. **Appeal decision:** If office still refuses, ask to speak with head of office; get their decision in writing with reasons **Paternity Issues (Unmarried Parents)** **Problem A: Father wants to acknowledge paternity but mother refuses to attend** - Father can declare paternity alone before registry office or court - Mother has 3 months to confirm; if she doesn't, paternity not legally established - Can be resolved by: Court order or mediation **Problem B: Father doesn't acknowledge paternity; mother wants him on certificate** - Cannot force father's name on certificate without his consent or court order - Mother must initiate paternity establishment lawsuit in court - Takes several months to resolve through court **Problem C: Father not present at birth; wants to acknowledge paternity later** - Can be done at any registry office (not just birth location) - Requires mother's confirmation within 3 months - Takes 1-2 weeks after both parents sign **Concerns About Child Not Getting PESEL or Residence Status** **Why this happens:** - Both parents non-Polish without valid residence permits - Citizenship status unclear - Immigration office has not yet processed application - Documentation incomplete **Solutions:** 1. **Register parents' residence:** If parents haven't registered residence (zameldowanie), do this first 2. **Apply for child's residence:** Submit application for child's temporary residence based on parent's permit 3. **Complete citizenship application:** If one parent is Polish, ensure Polish citizenship is confirmed 4. **Contact immigration office:** Go to voivodship office (Department for Foreigners) with all documentation **Timeline:** Can take 2-8 weeks; get confirmation letter showing application is pending if child needs healthcare in interim **Missing Apostille or Document Legalization** **Solutions:** 1. **Return to country of origin:** Most efficient way - go back or have family member obtain apostille 2. **Use consulate services:** Contact your country's consulate in Poland; they can often obtain apostilles for documents issued by their country 3. **Contact document issuer:** Reach out directly (e.g., courthouse, government office) where document was issued; request apostille by mail (usually costs $10-50) 4. **For non-Hague countries:** May need legalization instead of apostille; follow similar process **Timeline:** Apostille can take 2-4 weeks by mail; often faster in person ### Who can register **General rule:** Every child born in Poland must be registered in the Civil Registry Office (USC), regardless of the nationality of the parents or the child's citizenship status. **Polish Citizens** - Full registration rights - Automatic PESEL assignment - No special restrictions - Can register online or in person **EU/EEA Citizens** - Same registration rights as Polish citizens - Child can be registered with full birth certificate details - PESEL number assignment may be automatic if you have one - Residence permit procedures are simplified - Your child can receive temporary or permanent residence status **Ukrainian Citizens and Other Bilateral Agreement Countries** - Children born during your valid residence in Poland can be registered - You can apply for: - **"Becikowe"** (one-time birth allowance of PLN 1,000) within 12 months - Health insurance for the child through NFZ - Family benefits (Family 500+, Family 300+) under specific conditions - Must have PESEL number to claim benefits **Non-EU Third-Country Nationals** - Child receives Polish birth certificate - Citizenship status depends on: - Whether one parent has Polish citizenship (automatic Polish citizenship) - Whether one parent has permanent residence (child may receive same status) - Temporary residence conditions at time of birth (child may receive temporary residence) - PESEL number assignment may be conditional on residence status - You may need separate passport for the child **Stateless Persons** - Child receives Polish birth certificate - PESEL number assigned if child has registered address in Poland - Consult with immigration authorities about legal status **Parents Without Valid Residence Permits** - Children can still be registered in Poland - However, they will not receive PESEL numbers or residence permits - This creates complications for education, healthcare, and benefits - Legal advice recommended before registration **Parents in Asylum Procedures** - Children of asylum seekers can be registered - PESEL numbers typically assigned after asylum status determination - Temporary residence certificate often issued pending decision - Children can access health insurance during the procedure **Parents with Different Nationalities** - If one parent is Polish citizen, child automatically receives Polish citizenship - If both are non-Polish, child receives temporary residence status matching the parent with longer/better permit - Can change citizenship within 3 months of birth through voivodship office **If One Parent Is Unknown** - Child can be registered with the known parent's details - Paternity acknowledgment can be done later if the father appears - Child still receives birth certificate and PESEL number ### common mistakes **Missing deadline** Register within 21 days; mark deadline in calendar immediately after birth --- **Wrong registry office** Go to USC for place of birth, not where you live --- **Incomplete documents** Verify all translations and apostilles before visit --- **Missing sworn translations** All foreign documents must have sworn Polish translation from certified translator --- **Missing apostilles** Check if your country requires apostille or legalization --- **Name spelling errors** Double-check names before confirming in protocol --- **No update of parental data** Inform USC about any changes in your IDs or marital status before the visit --- **Unmarried parents not both attending** Both must attend together for paternity acknowledgment --- **No PESEL follow-up** Actively pursue PESEL if not assigned within one month --- **Delayed health insurance registration** Register immediately after birth registration --- **Missing residence registration** Register child's address to enable PESEL assignment --- **Not requesting additional birth certificate copies** Get 2-3 copies while at registry office (easier than later) --- **Missing benefit applications** Apply for 500+ and Becikowe within statutory deadlines --- **Not verifying hospital submission** Confirm hospital forwarded medical certificate to USC --- **Language barrier without interpreter** Arrange certified translator if you don't speak Polish ### checklist **Before registration** **Understand deadline** 21 days from hospital certificate issue date --- **Identify correct registry office** USC for place of birth (not where you live) --- **Determine who can register** Married: one parent; Unmarried: both parents --- **Prepare all documents** IDs, birth certificates, marriage certificate (if applicable), translations, apostilles --- **Obtain sworn translations** All foreign documents from certified translator --- **Get apostilles/legalizations** For all foreign civil status documents --- **Decide on child's name** Agree on name before visit (especially for unmarried parents) --- **Verify hospital submission** Confirm hospital forwarded medical certificate to USC --- **Schedule appointment (if required)** Check office requirements and opening hours --- **Arrange interpreter (if needed)** Certified translator if you don't speak Polish **During registration** **Present all documents** Originals and copies with translations --- **Complete interview** Answer questions about child, parents, address, marital status --- **Review protocol** Check all information is correct before signing --- **Sign protocol** Both parents if unmarried; one parent if married --- **Receive birth certificate** One free abridged copy --- **Request PESEL confirmation** Ask for PESEL notification certificate --- **Request additional copies** Get 2-3 extra copies if needed (may be free for specific purposes) --- **Get residence registration certificate** If applicable **After registration (first month)** **Register child's residence** At municipal office to enable PESEL --- **Register with doctor** Find pediatrician and register for NFZ insurance --- **Follow up on PESEL** If not received, apply at municipal office --- **Obtain additional birth certificate copies** If needed (for passport, school, etc.) --- **Plan vaccination schedule** With pediatrician --- **Apply for family benefits** 500+ and Becikowe within deadlines --- **Update employer/university** If planning parental leave or student allowances --- **Apply for passport** If needed (Polish or foreign) ### links [Government portal (birth registration)](https://www.gov.pl/) [Online birth registration form](https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/zglos-urodzenie-dziecka) [PESEL information](https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-numer-pesel-dla-dziecka) [Patient portal](https://pacjent.gov.pl/) [Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile)](https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/zaloz-profil-zaufany) [Civil Registry Offices Database](https://dane.gov.pl/dataset/149) [NFZ (Health Insurance)](https://www.nfz.gov.pl) [Ministry of Justice (Sworn Translators)](https://www.mswia.gov.pl) [Obywatel (Citizen) portal](https://www.obywatel.gov.pl) [ePUAP (Electronic Platform)](https://www.epuap.gov.pl) -- end main --