Poland: Legal requirements for accessing deceased persons' bank accounts

In Poland, accessing funds from a deceased person's bank account requires specific legal documentation to avoid potential criminal charges of misappropriation. Upon death, all existing powers of attorney and authorizations expire by law, and banks are obligated to block account access once they receive notification via a death certificate or the PESEL database.

To legally claim these assets, heirs must provide either a court order confirming the acquisition of the inheritance or a notary-issued certificate of inheritance. Without these documents, funds remain frozen in the estate, which can create financial difficulties for families managing immediate funeral and related costs.