NIP Number in Poland: How to Get Tax ID
Learn who needs a NIP, how to fill out the NIP-7 form, and register with Urząd Skarbowy.
The NIP (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) is a 10-digit tax identification number in Poland used by individuals, sole proprietors, and legal entities to settle taxes with the Polish Tax Office (Urząd Skarbowy). Unlike the PESEL number, which serves as a general citizen identification number used for health insurance and daily services, the NIP is strictly focused on tax administration. It is a mandatory requirement for anyone running a business (Jednoosobowa Działalność Gospodarcza) or operating as a VAT taxpayer.
For employees who do not run a business, the PESEL number has largely replaced the NIP for standard personal tax filings (PIT). However, you still require a NIP if you are not eligible for a PESEL number, if you operate as a freelancer under specific civil contracts, or if you run any commercial enterprise. Additionally, employers might occasionally request a NIP from foreign employees who have recently arrived in Poland and are still waiting for their PESEL registration.
Applying for a NIP is free of charge and involves submitting the NIP-7 declaration form for individuals, or the NIP-2 form for legal entities, to the Tax Office corresponding to your registered address. The application can be submitted in person, sent by registered mail, or filed electronically if you possess a trusted profile (Profil Zaufany) or qualified electronic signature.
📋 Steps to Obtain a NIP Number
- 1
Determine NIP Eligibility
Confirm if you need a NIP. You must apply if you are starting a sole proprietorship, registering for VAT, or if requested by tax authorities.
- 2
Select the Correct Form
Download form NIP-7 (for individuals) from the official government tax portal. Use NIP-2 if representing a company or legal entity.
- 3
Fill Out the NIP-7 Declaration
Complete the form with your personal details, registered address, and bank account information for tax refunds.
- 4
Locate Your Tax Office
Identify the local Tax Office (Urząd Skarbowy) responsible for your place of residence in Poland.
- 5
Submit the Application
Submit the completed NIP-7 form in person at the Tax Office window, mail it by registered post, or submit online via the tax portal.
- 6
Receive Your Decision
Wait for the Tax Office to process your request and issue the official certificate containing your NIP number.
✅ Required Documents
- ▸Completed NIP-7 application form
- ▸Valid passport and copy of residence card (Karta Pobytu) or visa
- ▸Address registration document (Meldunek) if available
- ▸Copy of your employment or civil contract (Umowa o Pracę / Zlecenie)
- ▸Bank account confirmation document (for refund registration)
- ▸Company registration documents from CEIDG (if registering a business)
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ✕Applying for a NIP when a PESEL is sufficient (employees without a business do not need a NIP; PESEL is used for PIT-37 forms)
- ✕Failing to update your bank account or address (any change must be reported to the Tax Office using an updated NIP-7 within 7 days)
- ✕Submitting the application to the wrong Urząd Skarbowy (it must be sent to the office based on your residential address)
- ✕Providing incomplete bank details (if you request tax refunds to be paid to a bank account, you must provide correct IBAN formats)
💶 Fees, Processing Times & Location
Obtaining a NIP number is completely free of charge (approx. on 2026). There are no state fees for submitting the NIP-7 form. The processing time at the Urząd Skarbowy ranges from 3 to 14 days, and the document is sent by post or picked up in person.
📖 Useful Tax Terms
- numer NIP
- Tax identification number (NIP)
- Urząd Skarbowy
- Tax office
- NIP-7
- Tax registration form for individuals
- działalność gospodarcza
- Sole proprietorship / business activity
- podatnik
- Taxpayer
- identyfikator podatkowy
- Tax identifier
- decyzja o nadaniu NIP
- Decision on assigning the NIP number
- zgłoszenie identyfikacyjne
- Identification / registration submission
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PESEL and NIP?+
PESEL is a general national identification number for individuals. NIP is a tax identification number used for business activities and tax payments.
Do I need a NIP if I am just a regular employee?+
No. If you do not run a business, you use your PESEL number for your yearly tax returns (PIT-37) and work contract registrations.
How can I apply for a NIP online?+
If you have a Profil Zaufany, you can submit the NIP-7 form electronically through the tax portal (Biznes.gov.pl or e-Deklaracje).
Can a foreigner get a NIP number in Poland?+
Yes. Any foreigner who is a taxpayer under Polish law or starting a business can obtain a NIP by submitting the NIP-7 form.
How long is the NIP number valid?+
The NIP number is issued once and is valid for life. It does not change if you change jobs, address, or name.
Where can I find my assigned NIP number?+
You can find it on the official paper decision sent by the Urząd Skarbowy, or look it up online in the CEIDG registry if you are registered as a business.
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