Foreign nationals in Warsaw have faced significant challenges in registering their vehicles, with reports surfacing of a black market for “queue numbers” required to book appointments at the city’s Bureau of Administration and Civil Affairs. This issue gained attention after an Italian resident, living in Poland since 2008, lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman for Human Rights (RPO). Unable to secure an appointment despite waiting overnight, he was forced to transfer vehicle co-ownership to a Polish citizen to meet registration deadlines.
Ombudsman’s Involvement
The Ombudsman, citing concerns over property rights, non-discrimination, and good administration, called on the Bureau’s director to investigate and address the situation. The Ombudsman also highlighted similar issues reported in the media, including lengthy queues and even physical altercations among those seeking appointments. The Ombudsman urged the Bureau to consider reforms to prevent such problems in the future.
In response, Warsaw City Hall announced changes effective from August 26, allowing foreigners to register vehicles in any of the city’s 18 districts based on their residence. While foreigners must still provide proof of legal residence in Poland, this move aims to alleviate the bottleneck and ensure fairer access to services.