You're studying in Poland, and you've probably noticed something: Poland is surprisingly digital. Like, really digital. You can pay for parking with your phone. Your student ID might be in an app. You can do most government paperwork online. And everyone seems to pay with their phone using something called "BLIK" that you've never heard of.

Here's what happened: Poland quietly became one of Europe's leaders in digitalization. While you might be used to standing in long lines at government offices back home, in Poland, you can often do the same things online in minutes. But here's the catch: most of this digital infrastructure is built for Polish citizens, and as an international student, you might not have access to everything. Yet.

This guide will walk you through Poland's digital ecosystem – from government services like ePUAP and mObywatel to payment systems like BLIK to city apps that make daily life easier. We'll talk about what works for international students, what doesn't (yet), and how to make the most of Poland's digital services. Because once you understand how this stuff works, life in Poland gets a whole lot easier.

The Numbers: Poland's Digital Transformation

Before we dive into specific services, let's understand the big picture. Because Poland's digitalization story is actually pretty impressive.

mObywatel has over 9 million users – that's about a third of the population. ePUAP is the central platform for all public administration services. BLIK? Nearly 17 million active users, 2.4 billion transactions processed. Poland was the first in Europe to give digital documents full legal status. Over 2.8 billion PLN invested in e-services development.

What does this mean for you? Poland is ahead of many Western European countries in digitalization. Government services are online. Payments are mobile-first. Apps are everywhere. But there's a catch: many services require PESEL (Polish ID number) or Polish citizenship, which means some features aren't available to international students yet.

The situation is improving. More services are becoming available to non-citizens every year. But for now, you'll have access to some things (banking, payments, city apps) but not others (full ePUAP access, all mObywatel features). The good news? The services you can use are the ones you'll use most often.

ePUAP: The Government's Digital Front Door

ePUAP (Elektroniczna Platforma Usług Administracji Publicznej) is Poland's central platform for all public administration services. Think of it as the government's digital front door.

You can submit applications for residence permits, visas, and other documents. Request certificates like birth or marriage certificates. Submit tax declarations. Register businesses. Apply for various permits and licenses. Communicate with government offices electronically without visiting them.

Getting Access

You need a Profil Zaufany (Trusted Profile) – this is your digital identity for ePUAP. You'll usually need a PESEL number, which is where it gets tricky for international students. Sometimes a Polish bank account is needed for identity verification.

For international students, access is limited. Many ePUAP services require PESEL, which you might not have immediately. Some basic services work – basic information and some applications can be submitted. It's getting better – more services are becoming available to non-citizens.

Even if you can't use all ePUAP features yet, it's worth creating an account. You'll need it eventually, and some basic services might work for you.

Creating a Profil Zaufany

Profil Zaufany is your digital identity that lets you log into ePUAP and other government services. It's like a digital signature that proves who you are online.

Here's how to create it: Go to profilzaufany.gov.pl. Choose your verification method. If you have a Polish bank account, this is easiest – just use bank verification. Mobile phone verification works if you have a Polish phone number – you'll get SMS verification. If other methods don't work, you can do it in person at a government office, though it takes longer.

Follow the instructions – the process is straightforward if you have the required documents. You'll get a confirmation when your profile is activated.

Creating a Profil Zaufany is easier if you have a Polish bank account and phone number. If you don't have these yet, you might need to wait until you do. But it's worth doing – it makes everything else easier.

mObywatel: Your Digital Wallet

mObywatel (mCitizen) is Poland's official government app that stores your documents digitally. It's like having a digital wallet for your ID, driver's license, and other documents. Since July 2023, digital documents stored in mObywatel are legally equivalent to physical documents. Over 9 million people in Poland use it.

You can store your digital ID card if you have a Polish ID (e-dowód). Your driver's license can be stored digitally. Some universities integrate student IDs into mObywatel. For international students, you can store your residence permit. You can also store health insurance card information, vaccination certificates, vehicle registration if you have a car, and various certificates like birth or marriage certificates.

What You Can Actually Use

The app lets you store digital versions of your documents that are legally equivalent to physical documents and accessible from your phone anytime. There's mStłuczka (Accident Report) – you can report car accidents electronically without filling out paper forms, and it's faster. Some universities integrate student IDs into mObywatel, which can be used for student discounts – check if your university participates. You can store health insurance information and access vaccination records, which is useful for medical appointments.

For International Students

What works: You can store your residence permit digitally. You can store your vaccination records. If you have Polish health insurance, you can store that info. Some universities integrate student IDs – check with your university.

What doesn't work (yet): Full digital ID requires Polish citizenship and e-dowód. Driver's license usually requires a Polish license. Some advanced features require PESEL or citizenship.

How to get started: Download the app – it's available on iOS and Android. Create an account – you'll need PESEL if you have it, or other verification. Add documents – start with what you can (residence permit, vaccinations). Check university integration – see if your student ID can be added.

Even if you can't use all mObywatel features, storing your residence permit and vaccination records digitally is useful. You'll always have them with you, and it's one less thing to worry about losing. The app is free, so there's no reason not to try it.

BLIK: The Payment System Everyone Uses

BLIK is Poland's mobile payment system, and it's everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. You'll see it at shops, restaurants, online stores, and even ATMs.

BLIK is Poland's instant mobile payment system, used by nearly 17 million people. It's processed 2.4 billion transactions worth 350 billion PLN. It's available through most Polish banks and works for online payments, in-store payments, ATM withdrawals, and money transfers.

Here's how it works: You initiate a payment – online, in-store, or at an ATM. You get a 6-digit code generated by your bank's app. You enter the code where you're paying. Payment is instant – money transfers immediately.

Why is BLIK so popular? Payments happen immediately. It's secure – no need to share card details. It's convenient – works everywhere. And it's free – no fees for most transactions.

Using BLIK as an International Student

You need a Polish bank account – BLIK is linked to your bank account. You need your bank's mobile app – each bank has its own app with BLIK. That's it.

How to set it up: Open a Polish bank account first – you'll need this. Download your bank's app – PKO, mBank, ING, etc. all have apps. Activate BLIK – usually done in the app settings. Start using it – generate codes when you need to pay.

Where you can use BLIK: Most Polish e-commerce sites accept BLIK for online payments. Many shops have BLIK terminals for in-store payments. A growing number of restaurants and cafes accept BLIK. You can withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Send money to friends instantly. Pay for parking via apps. Some cities accept BLIK for public transport tickets.

Once you have a Polish bank account, set up BLIK immediately. It's the most convenient way to pay in Poland, and you'll use it constantly. Plus, it's more secure than using your card everywhere.

BLIK is amazing, but you need a Polish bank account first. If you're still using your home country's bank, you won't have access to BLIK. But once you get a Polish account, BLIK becomes your best friend.

Online Banking: Better Than You'd Expect

Polish banks are surprisingly good at online banking. Like, really good. Most banks have excellent mobile apps, and you can do almost everything from your phone.

Most banks have excellent mobile apps. Many banks offer English interfaces. You have 24/7 access – check balances, transfer money anytime. BLIK is built into most banking apps. You can pay utilities, rent, everything online. Instant transfers between Polish accounts. You can block/unblock cards, set limits. Some banks offer investment options.

Best banks for students: mBank has the best mobile app, is very student-friendly, and has English support. PKO Bank Polski is the largest bank with good coverage and student accounts. ING Bank Śląski has a good app and student discounts. Santander is reliable with good online banking.

When choosing a bank, check if their app has English language support. mBank is particularly good for international students because their app and website are fully available in English.

Setting It Up

Open a bank account first – you'll need this (see our guide on opening bank accounts). Download the bank's app for iOS or Android. Log in – usually with your account number and password/PIN. Set up security – two-factor authentication, biometric login. Activate BLIK if you want to use it. Explore features – bill payments, transfers, etc.

Security tips: Use strong passwords – don't use obvious passwords. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra security layer. Use biometric login – fingerprint or face ID if available. Don't share your login details – ever. Check your account regularly – monitor for suspicious activity.

Polish online banking is excellent, but it's all in Polish by default. Some banks offer English interfaces (mBank is best for this), but you might need to use Google Translate for others. Still, it's worth learning – online banking makes everything easier.

City Apps: Making Life Easier

Polish cities have their own apps for public transport, parking, and city services. These apps make daily life much easier.

Public Transport: Jakdojade

Jakdojade is the gold standard for public transport in Poland. It does route planning, schedules, and ticket purchasing. It works in most major Polish cities. You can plan your route, see real-time arrivals, buy tickets in some cities, check schedules, and find stops near you.

City-specific apps: Warsaw has Jakdojade and ZTM Warszawa. Kraków has Jakdojade and MPK Kraków. Wrocław has Jakdojade and MPK Wrocław. Gdańsk has Jakdojade and ZTM Gdańsk.

Download Jakdojade immediately. It's the most useful app for getting around Polish cities, and it works in almost every city. Plus, it's free.

Parking Apps

SkyCash, mPay, and moBILET are apps for paying parking and buying tickets. They let you pay for parking, buy public transport tickets, and pay for bike rentals. Why you need them: Parking meters don't always accept foreign cards, and buying tickets from machines can be confusing.

How they work: Download the app – check which one works in your city. Register – create an account. Add payment method – card or BLIK. Pay for parking – enter zone number, pay. Buy tickets – public transport tickets via app.

Which app to use: In Warsaw, SkyCash is widely accepted. In other cities, check local information. Most work similarly – choose based on what's available in your city.

These apps are lifesavers when you need to park in the city center. Instead of hunting for coins or dealing with confusing parking meters, just open the app and pay. Much easier.

Other City Services

Many Polish cities have their own apps for waste collection schedules (when to put out trash), city news and events (what's happening in your city), service requests (report problems like broken streetlights), library services (access to city libraries), and cultural events (museums, theaters, events).

How to find them: Search app stores for your city name. Check your city's official website. Your university might have information.

Not all city apps are available in English, but they're still useful even if you need to use Google Translate. The convenience is worth the language barrier.

e-Delivery: Digital Mail from the Government

e-Delivery (e-Doręczenia) is Poland's new system for digital communication with public administration. Think of it as digital registered mail.

e-Delivery is the digital equivalent of registered mail with confirmation of receipt. It's legally binding communication with government offices. It's secure and official. It's been available since January 2025.

What it means: Instead of receiving paper letters from government offices, you'll receive them digitally in your e-Delivery inbox. This is legally equivalent to receiving physical mail.

Setting It Up

You need an account on mObywatel.gov.pl or edoreczenia.gov.pl. You need a Profil Zaufany for identity verification. You usually need PESEL.

For international students, availability is limited – many features require PESEL or citizenship. It's getting better – more services are becoming available. It's worth setting up even if you can't use everything yet.

e-Delivery is becoming mandatory for some communications, so it's worth setting up even if you can't use all features yet. You'll need it eventually.

What Works, What Doesn't

As an international student, you'll have access to some digital services but not others. Here's the reality:

What Works

Banking and payments: Online banking works with full access if you have a Polish bank account. BLIK works with a Polish bank account. Mobile banking apps have all features available. Card payments work everywhere.

City services: Public transport apps like Jakdojade work for everyone. Parking apps like SkyCash and mPay work with any payment method. Most city apps are available to everyone.

Basic government services: Some ePUAP services work – limited but some work. mObywatel basic features work – residence permit, vaccinations. Most information services are publicly available.

What Doesn't Work (Yet)

Full government services: Full ePUAP access requires PESEL for many services. All mObywatel features – digital ID, driver's license require citizenship. e-Delivery full access usually requires PESEL. Some tax services require PESEL and Polish tax ID.

The situation is improving. More services are becoming available to non-citizens every year. But for now, you'll have limited access to some government digital services. The good news? The services you can use (banking, payments, city apps) are the ones you'll use most often.

Practical Tips: Making It Work

Here are some practical tips to make the most of Poland's digital services:

Get a Polish Bank Account First

Most digital services require a Polish bank account. BLIK only works with Polish banks. Many services use bank verification for identity. See our guide on opening a bank account. Choose a bank with good English support (mBank is best). Set up online banking immediately.

Get PESEL as Soon as Possible

PESEL unlocks many digital services. It's required for full ePUAP access. It's needed for many government services. Register your address (zameldowanie) – PESEL is issued automatically. It usually takes a few weeks.

Download Essential Apps

Must-have apps: Jakdojade for public transport. Your bank's app for banking and BLIK. mObywatel for digital documents. SkyCash/mPay for parking if in your city. Google Translate for translating Polish interfaces.

Learn Basic Polish for Apps

Most apps are in Polish only. Even with translation, some things are clearer in Polish. You'll use these apps daily. Learn basic navigation words (menu, settings, pay, etc.). Learn numbers for entering amounts and codes. Learn common phrases (confirm, cancel, error, etc.).

Use Google Translate's camera feature to translate app interfaces in real-time. It's not perfect, but it helps.

Set Up Security Properly

Use strong passwords for all accounts. Enable two-factor authentication where available. Don't share login details. Use biometric login if available (fingerprint, face ID).

Polish digital services are generally secure, but you still need to protect yourself. Use good security practices, and you'll be fine.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

"I can't access ePUAP services"

You might need PESEL first. Some services require Polish citizenship. Try creating a Profil Zaufany first. Contact the service directly for help.

"mObywatel doesn't work for me"

Many features require Polish citizenship. You can still use basic features (residence permit, vaccinations). Check if your university integrates student IDs. Contact support if you have issues.

"BLIK doesn't work"

You need a Polish bank account first. Make sure BLIK is activated in your bank's app. Check if your bank supports BLIK (most do). Contact your bank for help.

"Apps are all in Polish"

Use Google Translate camera feature. Some banks offer English interfaces (mBank). Learn basic Polish navigation words. Ask Polish friends for help.

Most problems come from not having PESEL or Polish citizenship yet. Once you get these, more services become available. But even without them, you can use banking, payments, and city apps, which are the most important ones.

What's Coming Next

Poland is continuing to invest in digitalization. Here's what's coming:

More services for non-citizens – expanding access to international residents. Better English support – more apps and services in English. EZD RP – full digital document management by 2028. More integration – better connection between different services.

The situation is improving. More services are becoming available to international students every year. If something doesn't work now, it might work in a few months. Stay updated, and keep trying.

The Bottom Line

Here's the truth: Poland's digital services are impressive, and they make life much easier once you understand them. Yes, some services aren't available to international students yet, but the ones that are (banking, payments, city apps) are the ones you'll use most often.

Get a Polish bank account – this unlocks most digital services. Download essential apps – Jakdojade, your bank's app, mObywatel. Set up BLIK – you'll use it constantly. Be patient – some services require PESEL or citizenship. Ask for help – Polish friends, university staff, bank employees can help.

Don't be intimidated by Poland's digital ecosystem. It's actually designed to make things easier, not harder. Once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Banking from your phone? Paying for everything with BLIK? Doing government paperwork online? It's all possible, and it's all easier than the old way.

So embrace digital Poland. Download the apps. Set up the accounts. Learn how it works. Your future self will thank you when you're paying for parking in 30 seconds instead of hunting for coins, or checking your bank balance while waiting for the bus, or doing government paperwork from your dorm room instead of standing in line at an office.

Welcome to digital Poland. It's pretty great. 🇵🇱📱

Need more help? Check out our other guides on opening a bank account, essential apps, and practical tips for international students.