zameldowania

Zameldowanie is the Polish administrative procedure of registering a person’s place of residence with the local gmina (municipality or city). It forms part of the official ewidencja ludności and is distinct from the legal right to reside at a given address. The registration serves demographic statistics and helps determine access to certain public services, including schooling, healthcare, social benefits, and local voting. There are two main forms: zameldowanie na pobyt stały (permanent) and na pobyt czasowy (temporary).

Registration is processed at the competent gmina or city hall. Applicants typically provide identity documents and proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement, ownership documents, or other evidence of actual residence, and in some cases may need the owner’s consent. For minors, a parent or guardian can register on the child’s behalf. The gmina records the address in the ewidencja ludności and issues a confirmation of zameldowanie (potwierdzenie zameldowania).

Moving to a new address requires updating the registration, with deadlines and requirements varying by locality. In practice, failure to update can complicate access to services and may affect participation in local elections, since electoral lists are linked to registered residence.

Foreigners: residents with legal stay, including EU and non-EU nationals, may register their address with the municipal office under the same rules. Zameldowanie does not grant any new right to stay or work; it is an administrative registry used by authorities for public administration and planning.