Frequently Asked Questions about Poland
What is a PESEL number, and how do I get one?
All new expats moving to Poland for more than three months will need to register at a local district office (urzad gminy), and will need to obtain a PESEL number (Public Electronic System of Population Records). Citizens of the European Union (EU) must register within 30 days of arrival, while non-EU nationals will need to register within four days of arrival.
To register for the PESEL number, expats must bring their passport and appear in person at the public office. This unique 11-digit number reflects one's date of birth, sex and a specific number only allotted to the registering individual. The PESEL is vital for completing many bureaucratic affairs, like opening a bank account or applying for a mortgage.
Do I need a car in Poland as an expat?
Poland's larger urban centres, like Warsaw and Krakow, have cost-effective and efficient modes of public transportation. Buses, trams and state-of-the-art subway systems are available for use, and plenty of package deals exist for ticket purchasing. Furthermore, night buses and meter taxis are plentiful in the main metropolises.
On the other hand, if living outside of any of the large Polish cities, or even if living in a suburb on the periphery of the centre, it will be necessary to buy a car in Poland. There are plenty of "Park and Ride" stops where you can still take advantage of public transportation, if driving is not your preferred method of getting around.
Drivers in Poland tend to be aggressive; often speed limits are not adhered to, and overtaking is the norm.
What kind of salary can an expat working in Poland expect?
According to the 2009 Polish government statistics, the average wage is 3200 zlotys. In reality though, the most common salary earned is more often between 1500-2000 zlotys. If you're an expat who has a quality education, and who has also gained valuable experience in a specialised field, like IT, then you can expect to earn a salary above the average; otherwise, earning potential in Poland is quite limited.
That being said, the cost of living in Poland is among the lowest in continental Europe.
All new expats moving to Poland for more than three months will need to register at a local district office (urzad gminy), and will need to obtain a PESEL number (Public Electronic System of Population Records). Citizens of the European Union (EU) must register within 30 days of arrival, while non-EU nationals will need to register within four days of arrival.
To register for the PESEL number, expats must bring their passport and appear in person at the public office. This unique 11-digit number reflects one's date of birth, sex and a specific number only allotted to the registering individual. The PESEL is vital for completing many bureaucratic affairs, like opening a bank account or applying for a mortgage.
Do I need a car in Poland as an expat?
Poland's larger urban centres, like Warsaw and Krakow, have cost-effective and efficient modes of public transportation. Buses, trams and state-of-the-art subway systems are available for use, and plenty of package deals exist for ticket purchasing. Furthermore, night buses and meter taxis are plentiful in the main metropolises.
On the other hand, if living outside of any of the large Polish cities, or even if living in a suburb on the periphery of the centre, it will be necessary to buy a car in Poland. There are plenty of "Park and Ride" stops where you can still take advantage of public transportation, if driving is not your preferred method of getting around.
Drivers in Poland tend to be aggressive; often speed limits are not adhered to, and overtaking is the norm.
What kind of salary can an expat working in Poland expect?
According to the 2009 Polish government statistics, the average wage is 3200 zlotys. In reality though, the most common salary earned is more often between 1500-2000 zlotys. If you're an expat who has a quality education, and who has also gained valuable experience in a specialised field, like IT, then you can expect to earn a salary above the average; otherwise, earning potential in Poland is quite limited.
That being said, the cost of living in Poland is among the lowest in continental Europe.
