The short answer: check online first, request a certificate only if asked
REGON is the identification number in Poland's national register of entities run by Statistics Poland (GUS, Główny Urząd Statystyczny). Biznes.gov.pl explains that you can check a REGON number online in the GUS search, in the CEIDG search for registered sole traders, or in the KRS search for companies and other entities in the National Court Register.
Biznes.gov.pl also states that publishing the data on the GUS website confirms that the entry was made in the REGON register. In many situations a printout from the GUS search, or the REGON shown in CEIDG or KRS, is all you need. A formal certificate (zaświadczenie) is worth requesting only when an institution, contractor or office specifically asks for one issued by a statistical office.
Where to look up a REGON number
Use the GUS search (wyszukiwarka REGON) for any entity entered in the REGON register, including companies, partnerships, foundations, associations and sole traders. You can search by an identifier, REGON, NIP or KRS, or by address, and see the entity's registered details and the REGON numbers of its local units. For a sole trader, the CEIDG entry also shows the REGON, and for a company the KRS entry does the same.
When you check a business partner, compare the name, address and numbers across the GUS search, CEIDG or KRS and the documents they gave you. A mismatch is not always a problem, since registers update at different times, but it is a reason to ask questions before signing a contract. For a broader explanation of the three numbers, see our guide to NIP, REGON and KRS.
9-digit and 14-digit REGON numbers
An entity such as a company or a sole trader has a 9-digit REGON. A local unit, such as a plant, branch or other site, can have a 14-digit REGON. Biznes.gov.pl explains that the first 9 digits are the entity's identification number, the next 4 digits are a sequence number assigned to the unit, and the last digit is a check digit.
A local unit, in this sense, is a plant, branch or division that forms an organised whole, has its own address and has at least one person working there. Biznes.gov.pl says an application for a 14-digit REGON should be filed within 14 days of creating the unit. For sole traders, adding a new place of business in CEIDG triggers the number automatically, while a KRS company applies to the statistical office on form RG-OP.
When a printout is enough and when you need a certificate
According to biznes.gov.pl, a printout from the GUS search, the REGON information shown in CEIDG or KRS, or a printout of the entry confirmation from the relevant register is often enough. These cost nothing and are available immediately, so check what the requesting party actually wants before you file anything with a statistical office and wait for a reply.
Request a certificate when an institution, contractor or another office requires a document issued by a statistical office. Certificates are available for legal persons such as a limited liability company, for organisational units without legal personality such as a general partnership, and for individuals running a business. A local unit entered in the register can also receive one.
How to request a REGON certificate
You can file the request at any time after the entity or local unit has been entered in the register. Biznes.gov.pl allows an online request through its e-service, signed with a qualified electronic signature or a trusted profile (profil zaufany), or a paper request to a statistical office. Give details that identify the entity, such as its name, REGON if known, registered address and contact details.
If you want the certificate by post, add a correspondence address. You can collect it in person, receive it by post or have a representative collect it. The statistical office checks the register and issues the certificate on the template that matches the entity's legal form. If the office refuses, it issues a decision (postanowienie) that you can appeal within 7 days.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who issues it | A statistical office (urząd statystyczny) |
| How to apply | Online via biznes.gov.pl with a qualified signature or trusted profile, or on paper |
| Cost | Free; costs can arise only if a representative acts for you |
| Time limit | No later than 7 working days from receipt of the request |
| If refused | A decision (postanowienie) you can appeal within 7 days |
Keeping REGON data up to date
For companies and associations registered in KRS, biznes.gov.pl explains that the REGON entry and its changes are made automatically from data sent by the court register. Sole traders update their data through CEIDG, which passes it on. That means you normally correct a REGON record by correcting the source register, not by writing to GUS separately.
The exceptions are local units and entities outside CEIDG and KRS. A KRS company opening a branch, or a civil partnership that is not in KRS, files the local-unit application directly with the statistical office. If the GUS search shows outdated details, check the source register first, because a stale entry there is the usual cause.
Next steps
Open the GUS search, find the entity by NIP, REGON or KRS number, and save or print the result. If someone insists on a formal certificate, file the request through biznes.gov.pl with your trusted profile or qualified signature, and expect it within 7 working days. If you are opening a new site with staff, plan the 14-digit REGON within 14 days.
If you are setting up a company in Poland and want the registrations, numbers and follow-up filings handled in the right order, see our Business Setup in Poland service or contact us. To check a contractor's bank account as well, read our guide to the VAT white list.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a REGON number in Poland?
Use the GUS REGON search for any registered entity, the CEIDG search for sole traders or the KRS search for companies. Biznes.gov.pl states that data published on the GUS website confirms the entry in the register.
GUS REGON search →Is a REGON certificate free?
Yes. Biznes.gov.pl states the service is free, and extra costs can arise only if a representative files the request for you. The statistical office issues it within 7 working days.
Do I need a REGON certificate for my bank or contractor?
Often not. A printout from the GUS search, or the REGON shown in CEIDG or KRS, is frequently enough. Request a certificate only when someone requires a document issued by a statistical office.
What is the difference between a 9-digit and a 14-digit REGON?
A 9-digit REGON identifies the entity itself. A 14-digit REGON identifies a local unit such as a branch: the first 9 digits are the entity's number, followed by a 4-digit sequence number and a check digit.
How do I update REGON data?
For KRS companies the REGON entry updates automatically from the court register, and sole traders update data through CEIDG. Local units of KRS companies and entities outside these registers apply to the statistical office.
Community content reflects individual experiences and should not be treated as legal, immigration, financial or government advice.
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