Poland is increasingly becoming an attractive place to live, work, and study for citizens from all over the world. Beautiful landscapes, rich history, a dynamically developing economy, and a strategic location in Europe attract many foreigners. If you are also considering moving to Poland, this guide will help you understand the key aspects worth considering when planning your new life by the Vistula River.

Introduction: Welcome to Poland! What to know before you start?

Moving to a new country is an exciting but also demanding undertaking. It requires not only packing suitcases but, above all, handling numerous legal and organizational formalities. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a nutshell overview of the most important areas – from legalizing your stay, through work and finances, to daily life and cultural adaptation. Preparing in advance will help you avoid much stress and make your start in Poland easier.

(Note: Most information regarding visas and residence permits pertains to citizens of countries outside the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Citizens of these countries benefit from the freedom of movement and are subject to much simpler rules for residence and work.)

Step 1: Legal stay – Your legal foundation

This is the absolute foundation of your stay in Poland. Without a regulated legal status, you will encounter difficulties in almost every area of life.

• Visa vs. Residence Permit? Usually, you first need to obtain a visa at a Polish consulate in your country to legally enter Poland for a specific purpose (e.g., work, study). A visa has a limited validity period. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit (most often temporary – TRC, i.e., Temporary Residence Card) while already in Poland.
• Purpose of Stay is Key: A residence permit application must always be based on a specific purpose (work, study, family, business, etc.) and supported by relevant documents.
• Apply On Time! You must submit your residence permit application while legally staying in Poland, no later than the last day of validity of your visa or previous permit. Submitting a timely and formally correct application results in a stamp being placed in your passport, which legalizes your stay while awaiting the decision.
• Types of Permits: Besides the temporary permit (TRC), after several years of legal residence, you may qualify for a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident permit, which offer much greater stability.

Step 2: Work and business – How to earn legally?

• Work: As a third-country national, you usually need a work permit. Currently, it’s often integrated with the temporary residence permit (the “single permit”). Your employer plays a key role, needing to complete formalities. Exemptions exist for certain professions and situations (e.g., graduates of Polish full-time university programs).
• Business: You can start your own business. The most popular form for foreigners (especially initially) is a limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.). Running a sole proprietorship is also possible but often requires already holding a specific residence status (e.g., permanent residence).

Step 3: Daily life – practical aspects

Accommodation and address registration (meldunek)

• Renting vs. Buying: Most foreigners start by renting an apartment. Remember to sign a lease agreement. Buying real estate by a non-EU/EEA/Swiss foreigner is possible, but purchasing land often requires a permit from the Minister of Internal Affairs (with some exceptions).
• Address Registration (Meldunek): Foreigners residing in Poland are obliged to register their permanent or temporary residence address no later than 30 days after arriving at that place (if planning to stay longer than 3 months). Registration facilitates dealing with many official matters.

Banking and finances

• Opening a bank account in Poland is usually straightforward – a passport and proof of address or residence status are typically sufficient. Having a Polish bank account simplifies daily payments and receiving salary.

Healthcare (NFZ and Private)

• If you work legally in Poland and pay ZUS contributions, you are entitled to public healthcare under the National Health Fund (NFZ). It’s also worth considering additional private insurance, which can shorten waiting times for specialist appointments. Having health insurance is mandatory when applying for a residence permit.

The Polish language – Key to integration?

• Although English is often sufficient in large cities and international companies, knowing Polish (even basic) greatly facilitates daily life, dealing with offices, and integrating into society. Consider taking a language course. Polish proficiency is also a requirement for certain residence statuses (e.g., EU long-term resident) or citizenship.

Step 4: Taxes – What you need to know?

• Tax Residency: Your tax liability in Poland depends on your tax resident status. You become one if you stay in Poland for more than 183 days in a tax year or have your centre of vital interests here.
• PIT and ZUS: As a tax resident, you pay Personal Income Tax (PIT) in Poland on your worldwide income (subject to double taxation treaties). If employed under an employment contract, you also pay social security contributions (ZUS).
• PESEL and NIP: For tax identification and official purposes, you’ll need a PESEL number (often assigned upon address registration or by application) or a NIP (if running a business).

Step 5: Culture and adaptation – How to find your way?

Moving to a new country is also a cultural challenge. Poland has a rich history and traditions. It’s worth being open to new experiences. Poles are generally hospitable, though sometimes they might seem reserved initially. Patience when dealing with bureaucracy will certainly be helpful, but over time, most formalities become clearer. Look for expat groups or local organizations that help with adaptation. Understanding local customs and basic legal rules will ease your daily functioning.

Summary: Poland awaits, but prepare well!

Living in Poland as a foreigner can be a wonderful experience. The key to success, however, is good preparation – both logistical and legal. Understanding the rules regarding residence legalization, work, taxes, and daily functioning will help you avoid problems and fully enjoy the opportunities Poland offers.

Planning your life in Poland and feeling overwhelmed by the formalities? Need help obtaining a visa, residence permit, setting up a company, or buying property? Contact our law firm. We offer comprehensive legal support for foreigners at every stage of relocation and adaptation in Poland.