Opening a bank account in Poland, applying for a loan or mortgage? Banks in Poland often require documents in Polish or with sworn translation. Purchase agreements, income certificates, registry extracts — all of these must be translated by a Polish sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły). An ordinary translation without the translator's seal and signature will usually not be accepted by the bank.
In this article we cover: which documents banks most often request, when sworn translation is needed, how to arrange it and what mistakes to avoid. The information will be useful for both individual clients and businesses working with Polish banks.
Regular translation without a sworn translator's seal is usually not accepted.
QuoteBefore ordering, confirm with the recipient: sworn translation required, full document or excerpts, and how many copies are needed.
LEGIX team
When does a bank require document translation
Banks in Poland request documents in Polish or with sworn translation in various situations: opening an account for a foreigner; applying for a loan or mortgage; confirming source of funds; submitting company documents (statute, registry extracts); concluding a meter rental agreement (for businesses).
Banks in Poland request documents in Polish or with sworn translation in various situations: opening an account for a foreigner
applying for a loan or mortgage
confirming source of funds
submitting company documents (statute, registry extracts)
concluding a meter rental agreement (for businesses).
If the document is issued in a language other than Polish, the bank usually requires sworn translation. The translator must be entered in the Polish Ministry of Justice register — only such translations have legal force and are accepted by banks. For translation of contracts, income certificates and other documents for the bank you can contact a translation bureau with sworn translators.
Which documents are most often translated for the bank
Most often sworn translation for the bank is ordered for: passport or residence permit (if the bank requires); income and employment certificates; tax office extracts; property purchase agreement; land registry extract (KW); company statute and KRS extract; lease agreement; court decisions (e.g. on divorce and property division). The exact list depends on the bank and type of operation.
Most often sworn translation for the bank is ordered for: passport or residence permit (if the bank requires); income and employment certificates; tax office extracts; property purchase agreement; land registry extract (KW); company statute and KRS extract; lease agreement; court decisions (e.g. on divorce and property division). The exact list depends on the bank and type of operation.
Opening an account: When opening an account the bank usually verifies the client's identity (passport or residence card). If documents are in a foreign language, some ban
Loan and mortgage: When applying for a loan or mortgage the bank requests documents on income, employment, property. If you have a purchase agreement, land registry extr
Translation requirements
Give the bureau or sworn translator the original document or certified copy. The translation is made into Polish. Each page is stamped and signed by the translator — this is a requirement for bank acceptance.
Full translation of all pages with seals and signatures.
Data accuracy: names, dates and amounts must match.
Translator from the MS register for the required language pair.
Mistake 1: Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to the bank. It will not be accepted. For official purposes only sworn translation is needed.
What if the translation is wrong?
Submitting an ordinary translation without the sworn translator's seal to the bank. It will not be accepted. For official purposes only sworn translation is needed.
Translating the wrong documents. Each bank has its own list. Confirm in advance which documents are needed and whether translation of all pages or only part is required.
Errors in amounts and dates. In financial documents this is critical. After receiving the translation verify key data against the original.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1. Confirm document list and translation type.
Step 2. Prepare quality scans of all pages.
Step 3. Send scans to the bureau for a quote.
Step 4. Receive sworn translation with seal.
Step 5. Verify names, dates and amounts before submitting.
Cost, turnaround and pre-submission checklist
Cost depends on volume and language. Exact price after reviewing scans — see price list.
Standard turnaround 24–48 hours for typical documents.
Checklist: (1) sworn translation with MS register seal; (2) all pages translated; (3) names and dates match; (4) apostille if required; (5) recipient requirements confirmed.
FAQ
It depends on the bank and the language of the documents. Many banks require sworn translation of passport or residence card if they are in a foreign language. Check requirements at your chosen branch.