Glossary of Polish terms and abbreviations
Official Polish terms and abbreviations, explained in plain English in one sentence. Click a term to read the full article, if one exists.
A certificate that authenticates a foreign public document (e.g. a birth certificate) for use in Poland, issued by the country that originally issued the document.
The Central Registration and Information on Business — where sole traders register their business activity in Poland.
The physical residence card that proves a non-EU citizen's right to stay in Poland — needed for things like work, opening a bank account, or signing a lease.
The permanent residence card, issued after meeting the requirements for long-term residence in Poland.
The official registration of a foreigner's address of residence in Poland.
The Polish government's official mobile app that stores digital versions of your documents (ID, driving licence, and more).
Poland's National Health Fund — provides publicly-funded healthcare to insured residents.
A tax identification number, mainly needed if you run your own business or need to be identified as a taxpayer separately from your PESEL.
A universal number that identifies a person in Polish government registers — needed for almost everything: work, school, healthcare, banking.
An annual statement from your employer showing your income and tax withheld — needed to file your PIT-37 tax return.
The annual tax return form for people employed under a Polish employment contract (umowa o pracę).
A free way to confirm your identity electronically, letting you handle many official matters online without visiting an office in person.
A certified translation done by a court-registered sworn translator — usually required for official documents submitted to Polish authorities.
The Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców) — the central Polish authority overseeing residence and international protection matters.
A specific-task civil contract — the most flexible contract type, but with the fewest employment protections and (usually) no social insurance contributions.
A standard employment contract — gives the most employee rights (paid leave, sick pay, protection from dismissal) compared to other contract types.
A civil-law contract of mandate — more flexible than an employment contract, but with fewer employment protections.
The Voivodeship (regional) Office — handles residence permit applications, among other things, for foreigners in that region.
An official summons or request from an institution asking you to appear, respond, or submit something by a given date.
The Social Insurance Institution — responsible for pensions, sick pay and other social insurance benefits in Poland.