Moving to Poland

Moving to Poland, you can look forward to an extremely safe country with picture-pretty cities and quaint villages. Situated in Central Europe with a long stretch of coast on the Baltic Sea, Poland is strategically positioned for trade, and its growing economy is evidence of that.

Living in Poland as an expat

Poland has never been the most popular expat destination, and when the country officially joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, emigration statistics skyrocketed, leading to a population decrease as thousands of Poles left their homeland for greener pastures. But you might start to realise the merits of living in Poland and that there are many more pros than cons to living here.

A history of foreign occupation, repeated post-war partition and high unemployment rates left a sizeable grey cloud on Poland’s horizon. The dissolution of the USSR, followed by a rapid liberalisation programme known as ‘shock therapy’ has led to an initially struggling market economy that has only truly become successful in recent years.

Poland has transformed dramatically from an emigration to an immigration country, particularly since it welcomed nearly two million Ukrainian refugees in 2022. The country also attracts expats from Western and Eastern Europe. Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, and the Tri-City area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot) are being recognised as hotspots for expats seeking economic stability and quality living at reasonable costs.

Pros and Cons of Living in Poland 
Living in Warsaw 
Living in Kraków

Working in Poland

There is an increase in work opportunities for enterprising internationals, and expats usually find work in industries such as IT, finance, human relations, manufacturing and English-language teaching. The IT sector in Poland is particularly fast-growing.

Finding a Job in Poland 
Work Permits in Poland 
Visas and Residency Permits in Poland

Polish culture

When moving to Poland, you need to prepare yourself for a relatively conservative environment, as strong family values and a powerful traditional Catholic undercurrent still characterise the social milieu.

Another potential difficulty is that, except for Poland's younger population, very few Poles speak English. This can complicate just about everything from assimilation into the working environment to solidifying meaningful social connections.

On the upside, Poland’s largest cosmopolitan centres, Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań are gradually making their names on the international cultural stage, with a growing café culture, a thriving nightlife and an increasingly cutting-edge cuisine scene. Poles are known for their ability to have a good party, and a long legacy of vodka is only one part of the whole.

Local Culture in Poland

Finding accommodation in Poland

Accommodation in Poland presents newcomers with a mix of opportunities and challenges. The rental market has changed significantly since 2022, largely influenced by the influx of Ukrainian refugees. Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk command the highest prices.

You’ll typically find better deals during spring and early summer, while September–October and January see peak rental costs due to academic calendars and post-holiday moves.

Accommodation in Poland

Cost of living in Poland

The cost of living in Poland offers an attractive balance for expats – salaries may be among the lowest on the continent, but the cost of living in the country is also exceedingly low. Although offering limited space, accommodation in Poland is fairly affordable, and you’re likely to find something suitable for your budget and style.

Public transport is also extensive and reasonably priced, so you probably won’t need to purchase a vehicle. If you decide to invest in a set of wheels, you’ll need to account for the cost of petrol, insurance and winter tyres, which can all add up quickly.

Although public healthcare provision is adequate, the government spends the lowest percentage of its GDP on healthcare, and you should research private health insurance options and include the cost of monthly premiums in your budget to access private healthcare facilities. Most expats opt for supplementary private coverage, which provides faster access to specialists and English-speaking doctors.

Cost of Living in Poland

Living in Poland with children

Living in Poland with children offers a rich experience for expat families seeking a balance of traditional values and modern amenities. With strong family values, a religious societal foundation and an emphasis on quality education, Poland is a wonderful country to raise your family in.

As a parent, you’ll also have plenty of weekend entertainment for your tots and teens, even during the brutal winter months. Historical sites and museums abound while there are myriad outdoor spaces for hiking, swimming, kayaking and winter surfing. Winter offers excellent skiing in Zakopane, while summer brings Baltic beach adventures and water sports opportunities at the numerous lake districts. There are also tons of year-round attractions like the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw and the famous salt mines in Wieliczka.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Poland

Finding a school in Poland

Finding a school in Poland offers various options for expat families.

Poland’s public education system has undergone many positive changes in recent years, and tuition is free to all resident children, including expats. Poland's public bilingual programmes offer a practical option for budget-conscious expat families, providing partial English instruction at no cost while following the national curriculum.

As Polish is the language of instruction in public schools, the majority of expats opt to send their children to international schools in Poland. As an expat parent, you should, however, be prepared for the exorbitant costs often associated with international schools.

Schools and Education for expats in Poland

Getting around in Poland

With its extensive public transport network, getting around in Poland is straightforward and efficient. Poland has invested significantly in its transport infrastructure over the past decade, with modern tram systems, bus networks, and the expanding Warsaw Metro. Cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław offer extensive coverage, and month-long transit passes cost just a fraction of Western European prices.

If you prefer driving, note that foreign licences from EU countries remain valid indefinitely, while non-EU licences can be used for only six months before requiring conversion to a Polish licence.

For intercity travel, Poland’s modernised train network provides comfortable connections between major destinations.

Public Transport, Driver’s licences and driving in Poland

Climate and weather in Poland

The climate in Poland is a source of frustration for many Poles and expats alike. Spring typically runs from March to May, summer extends from late May/June through August, autumn spans from September to November, and winter dominates from December through February. Temperatures can drop as low as 14°F (-10°C) during winter months, while summer highs typically reach a pleasant 77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C).

Climate charts for Poland

If you move to Poland with an optimistic attitude, you can certainly succeed and enjoy a fun life here, and its central location means travel to the rest of Europe is a doddle.