ING Bank Śląski is one of the leaders in the Polish banking market, renowned for its digital innovation and high service standards. However, for non-residents looking to open a corporate account here, this is a bank with a very serious approach to compliance. There is no “simplified procedure” or “tolerance for non-standard structures.” The bank conducts a thorough verification of both the client and their business.

In this article, we will break down in detail how a foreigner can open an account with ING Bank, what the bank pays the closest attention to, how the interview process works, and why knowledge of Polish or English is mandatory.

🛡️ Important Context: Why ING Verifies Clients So Thoroughly

In 2025, the President of the Personal Data Protection Office (RODO) imposed a record fine of PLN 18.4 million (approx. €4.37 million) on ING Bank Śląski for violations related to the processing of clients’ personal data.

What happened?

Between 2019 and 2020, the bank scanned identity documents for all clients and potential clients-without exception and without individually assessing the necessity of such scanning. This was done even when handling ATM complaints, which is unrelated to AML (Anti-Money Laundering).

Following this precedent, ING began acting even more cautiously. Now, each case is assessed individually, and the risk-based approach has become even stricter. The bank must clearly understand who you are, where your money comes from, and what you do to avoid facing new sanctions.

✅ Specifics of the ING Bank Process

1. Online Application + Mandatory Branch Visit
You can submit an account opening application online, which is convenient. However, after submitting the application, you must visit a bank branch in person for identity verification. It is impossible to open an account remotely (without a visit) for a non-resident at ING.

2. Interview Only in Polish or English
This is a critically important point. The interview with the bank officer is conducted exclusively in Polish or English. The presence of an interpreter or an assistant (e.g., a lawyer) is not allowed. The bank needs to personally ensure that you understand the questions being asked and can provide explanations about your business independently.

3. Timeline: From a Few Days to 2 Weeks

• Application Review: After the visit and submission of documents, the bank conducts its analysis.

• Account Activation: This can take up to 2 weeks. The exact timeframe depends on the complexity of the company’s structure, the transparency of funding sources, and the speed of data confirmation.

📋 ING Bank’s Main Requirements for Foreign Clients

1. Mandatory PESEL Number
As with most Polish banks, a non-resident needs a PESEL number to open a corporate account. The process is impossible without it.

2. Correspondence Address in Poland
The bank will definitely request a Polish address for sending correspondence (adres korespondencyjny). This can be your actual residential address but cannot be the company’s registered legal address.

3. Clear Business Description and Ties to Poland
ING Bank expects the company to have a real economic connection (substance) with Poland. You must convincingly explain and document:

• What exactly your company does

• Who your main counterparties and suppliers are

• Which countries payments come from and go to

• Why you need an account in Poland and how the business is linked to the Polish market (contracts with Polish partners, having an office/employees, development plans).

Without a clear, logical, and documented business description, the bank will likely refuse.

4. Approach to Citizenship: EU Priority, but Ukrainians are Considered.
The bank is more favorable towards citizens of EU countries, as they are considered standard risk. However, ING does work with Ukrainians if the company meets all the requirements listed above: a transparent structure, a clear business model, a clear link to Poland, and impeccable documentation.

5. Strict Currency Control
ING Bank Śląski is known for its rather strict currency control conditions. This means:

• Any transactions, especially in foreign currencies and with foreign counterparties, will be carefully checked.

• You must have supporting documents ready for each payment (contracts, invoices).

• The bank may request information about the source of funds and the economic rationale for the transaction.

⚠️ “Red Flags”: What Can Lead to Rejection

Based on practical experience and the bank’s internal policies, here are the main risk factors:

• Non-transparent ownership structure. Complicated ownership chains, nominee structures, offshore companies – these are almost a guaranteed rejection.

• High-risk business activities (PKD codes). Cryptocurrencies, financial services, gambling, arms trade, and dual-use goods – if your business falls into this category, approval chances are minimal.

• Lack of a clear connection to Poland. If you cannot clearly explain why you need an account in Poland and you have no Polish counterparties or office, the bank will perceive this as a “shell company.”

• Incomplete or contradictory documents. Any mistake or discrepancy between the data in KRS, CRBR, and your application forms is grounds for rejection.

📄 Documents Required to Open an Account

Opening a corporate account in ING Bank requires a standard set of documents:

💰 Service Costs (Approximate)

Exact fees depend on the chosen service package and individual conditions. Current rates should be confirmed on the bank’s official website or with a consultant.

📊 Comparison: ING vs BNP Paribas vs PKO BP

🚀 Our Assistance: How to Increase Your Chances of Success with ING

Opening an account at ING independently as a foreigner is a challenging task. The high compliance requirements, language barrier, and the need to clearly justify your business model often lead to rejections.

How we help:

• ✅ Preliminary Audit. We check your company and documents against ING’s requirements BEFORE submitting the application, identifying and addressing any “red flags.”

• ✅ Business Description Preparation. We help create a clear, logical, and convincing description of your business activities in Polish or English that will appeal to the compliance department.

• ✅ Interview Consultation. We explain what questions ING asks and how to answer them correctly to leave the bank with no doubts.

• ✅ Communication with the Bank. In case of difficulties, we help prepare additional explanations and documents, communicating with the bank in professional language.

ING Bank is an excellent choice for a transparent business with a clear structure and a genuine connection to Poland. But you need to be prepared.

Need help opening an account at ING Bank Śląski? Contact us — we will guide you through all the steps, help you prepare for the interview, and significantly increase your chances of success! 🚀