Life in Lodz – A Guide for International Students

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Immigration matters

In order to legalize the stay with the purpose to study in Poland a foreign student has to apply for the Residence Card in the local Immigration Office.

Please be informed that as of April 27, 2026, a new system for residency card applications has been launched in Poland: the MOS System (Case Handling Module). A guide is attached to this email.

What changes for you?

  • Student Status Confirmation: If you apply through the new MOS system, the University will confirm your student status directly within the system. Therefore, you no longer need to collect a paper certificate from us for this purpose.
  • Contact Details: When prompted for the University’s contact email in the application, please use: deans.office@umed.lodz.pl.

Important Notes:

  • Paper Applications: If you submitted your application in paper form before April 27, the old rules still apply, and you can obtain a paper student status certificate as before.
  • Access Requirements: To log in to the MOS system, you will need either a Polish e-banking app (via Trusted Profile) or a PESEL number.

For more details, please visit the official MOS website: https://mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en/

PESEL number

Moving to a new country involves some paperwork, but in Poland, two digital tools will make your life significantly easier: the PESEL number and the mObywatel app. Here is everything you need to know about why they are essential for your stay.

The PESEL Number: Your Key to Poland

PESEL is an 11-digit national identification number used by everyone living in Poland. As an international student, having one is practically essential for daily life.

Why should you get it?

  • Immigration: It allows you to apply for a residency card in the MOS system.
  • Healthcare: It is required to access public healthcare services (NFZ), identify yourself at clinics, and receive digital prescriptions.
  • Banking & Finance: Most banks in Poland require a PESEL number to open a personal account. It is also mandatory for your annual tax settlements (PIT), which you may need even if you only have a part-time job or internship.
  • Official Matters: From signing a rental agreement to getting a residence permit, the PESEL number is the primary identifier used by Polish authorities.
  • Student Life: It simplifies your registration in university systems and is often needed to buy long-term public transport passes.

How to get it?
The easiest way is to register your address (zameldowanie) at the local District Office (Urząd Dzielnicy/Miasta). If you register for a stay longer than 30 days, you will receive your PESEL automatically and for free.

Note! If you received the PESEL no during your studies, please inform about it your coordinator at the Dean’s Office.

For more info please visit the website:

https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-numer-pesel–usluga-dla-cudzoziemcow-en

mObywatel App

mObywatel: Your Digital Wallet

Once you have your PESEL, you can set up a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) and download the mObywatel app—the official Polish digital identity app.

Why use the app?

  • Digital Student ID: You can use the app to confirm your identity in many “real-life” situations, such as on trains, at the post office, or when checking into a hotel.
  • E-Prescriptions: All your medical prescriptions are stored in the app. You just show a QR code at the pharmacy—no paper needed!
  • Handle Official Matters Online: Combined with your Trusted Profile, the app allows you to sign documents electronically and submit official applications without leaving your room.
  • Safety: You can use the app to “freeze” (block) your PESEL number to protect yourself against identity theft or unauthorized loans.

For more info please visit the website:

https://info.mobywatel.gov.pl/en/o-aplikacji

Migawka – electronic seasonal public transport card

To obtain a MIGAWKA (the electronic seasonal public transport card) in Łódź, you can either complete the process online or visit an office in person. The first card is completely free, but it only becomes active once you purchase a long-term ticket to code onto it.

Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your personalized MIGAWKA. [1]

Step 1: Submit the Application

You have two options to apply for a personalized card: [1]

  • Apply Online (Recommended): Fill out the digital form on the official MIGAWKA Application Page. You must upload a recent passport-style digital photo. [1, 2]
  • Apply In Person: Visit a Customer Service Office (BOK) or Passenger Service Point (POK). You can fill out a paper form on-site and provide a physical photo. [, 2]

Step 2: Choose Your Pickup Location

When filling out the application, select which office you want to collect your physical card from. The two main locations in Łódź are: [1]

  • Biuro Obsługi Klienta (BOK): ul. Tramwajowa 6, Łódź
  • Punkt Obsługi Klienta (POK): pl. Niepodległości, Łódź [1]

Step 3: Wait for Processing

  • Processing Time: It takes up to 5 business days for your card to be verified and printed.
  • Notification: If you applied online or provided an email address, you will receive a confirmation email stating exactly when your card is ready for collection. [1]

Step 4: Collect and Activate Your Card

  • Bring ID: Go to your chosen pickup office and present a valid photo ID (passport, national ID, or student ID).
  • Buy a Ticket: You cannot pick up the blank card by itself. You must purchase a season ticket (e.g., 30-day or 90-day ticket) at the counter, which the clerk will immediately encode onto your new card. [, 2]

Alternative: Digital App & Student IDs

  • The Mobile App: If you prefer not to carry a plastic card, you can download the MigAppka app from the App Store or Google Play to manage and show your long-term tickets digitally. [1, 2]
  • Using Your Student ID: If you are a student at a local university, you can often encode your MIGAWKA ticket directly onto your Electronic Student ID (ELS) without ordering a separate plastic card. [, 2] (option for students with PESEL no)