The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (UKNF) has responded to a letter from Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights Wojciech Brzozowski. The ombudsman pointed out that Belarusians awaiting decisions on international protection are unable to open accounts in Polish banks. The UKNF acknowledged that problems exist.
Brzozowski noted that Belarusians awaiting consideration of their applications for international protection face refusals from banks due to a lack of identity documents. Temporary foreigner identity certificates issued for the duration of the application process are not considered sufficient grounds for opening an account. In addition, Belarusians awaiting international protection are not allowed to work until a six-month waiting period has elapsed and therefore cannot provide banks with documents confirming employment or sources of income.
The authority stated that in June 2025 it had circulated a letter instructing banks to accept temporary foreigner identity certificates as valid identification documents. The UKNF acknowledged that not all banks comply and said it had contacted them regarding changes to internal identification procedures.
The UKNF also noted that banks are not allowed to refuse services to citizens of countries subject to EU sanctions solely on the basis of nationality. “Each decision concerning such a client must be based on an individual assessment,” the authority emphasized.
The UKNF said it had not previously been aware of the problem related to employment documentation for individuals awaiting decisions on international protection.
The Financial Supervision Authority stated that it is conducting an in-depth analysis of the situation involving Belarusian citizens and their problems with banks and is making every effort to resolve the issue.
