Since December 30, 2025, Polish Bank Has Recognized Temporary Identity Certificate for Foreigners as a Document Confirming Identity

Illustrative photo

Bank Millennium "will provide clients who present a temporary identity certificate for foreigners (TZTC) with the ability to use bank accounts to the extent provided for in the contract, including electronic banking channels," states the official response of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) to a letter from the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Head of NAM Pavel Latushka, regarding difficulties faced by citizens of Belarus when using banking services in Poland.

On November 19, 2025, Pavel Latushka in his appeal to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority noted that, despite significant improvement in the situation regarding Polish banks' recognition of the temporary identity certificate for foreigners as a document confirming identity, citizens of Belarus still face problems in this area. As an example, a specific case was described when a citizen of Belarus whose passport had expired and who had a temporary identity certificate for foreigners was denied continuation of account services at Bank Millennium.

In response to this appeal, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority stated that it "analyzed and discussed with the bank the situation described in relation to the bank's client, in the context of the bank's generally accepted practice in similar cases. The bank stated that as of December 30, 2025, it implemented solutions that meet the requirements of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority. These measures ensure recognition of temporary identity certificates for foreigners as documents confirming identity."

Also in his letter, Pavel Latushka requested consideration of the possibility of not blocking accounts of citizens of Belarus whose passports have expired until these citizens receive a decision on granting or refusing a residence permit. It was proposed to recognize as a document confirming the status of waiting for a residence permit in Poland, the corresponding stamp in the passport or another document confirming acceptance of the application.

In response to this request, KNF stated that it is currently conducting a legal analysis, within which it has sought consultations with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The response notes that the final position that can be transmitted to banks "must be previously agreed upon with the General Inspector of Financial Information as the authority competent in matters of combating money laundering and terrorist financing."

"I am grateful to the Polish side for effective interaction and a constructive approach to resolving issues related to the legalization of Belarusians in Poland. Support in resolving banking problems is an important step in ensuring the rights of Belarusians who are forced to be in Poland due to the atmosphere of fear and terror created in Belarus," noted Deputy Head of the Cabinet Pavel Latushka.

---