Living and working in Poland
Poland is known for its beautiful and charming cities like Gdansk and Krakow, and its stunning nature and architecture from the Middle Ages. But what would it be like to move to Poland? And what is it like to live there?
Here we will dive deeper into the country and give you a an idea of what your life can look like in Poland.
Latest available jobs in Poland
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Currency
The currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (ISO code: PLN, symbol: zł)
Famous people
Some notable Polish people are Doda, pope John Paul II and Helena Rubinstein
Population
Poland has a population of ~37.75 million people, many living in Warsaw
Typical food
Pierogi (Polish dumplings), Bigos (hunter's stew), Gołąbki (cabbage rolls), Babka (sweet bread-like cake)
Avg. working week
Poland has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily spread over 5 days a week
Location
Poland is located in Central Europe and borders Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia
Languages
The official language is Polish and they use the Latin alphabet
Healthcare
Polish healthcare is generally good and every citizen is granted equal access to public healthcare.
Working in Poland: Everything you need to know
Since Poland joined the EU in 2004 the number of expats has increased significantly, bringing diverse cultures and customs into the country. The main industries in Poland are chemicals, food processing, shipbuilding, coal mining, glass and textiles.
Poland has become one of the most developed economies in the world, which has made it a desirable place to work abroad. It has a high percentage of people who speak English as a second language and because of the diversity there are many job opportunities for expats and multilingual people. The IT industry has found a spot in Poland’s economy, so there are many offers in this field in particular.
Warsaw is the capital of Poland and it’s the country’s biggest city on an economic level. The service sector is the biggest in Poland, with the banking industry leading with many international banks located in the city. Though most of the population speaks fluent English, they do value it when people make an effort speaking Polish.
Taxes in Poland
Your salary is registered to pay at the end of the fiscal year around 17% up to 32% depending on your income. If you need more information about taxes for expats or taxes in general in Poland just visit this site and it will probably solve answer any questions.
What you need to fix when you start living and working in Poland
There are a couple of important things you need to take care of when you make the decision to start living and working in Poland:
- Register your residence; register your stay in Poland
- PESEL Number; this is a identification number, needed for work, banking, healthcare and taxes
- Healthcare registration; Poland has public healthcare
- Open up a Polish bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in Poland
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Poland
Picture yourself strolling through the streets of Krakow’s Old Town, where Middle Age architecture blends with cafes and market squares. Poland is full of historical and cultural attractions. Start by visiting Krakow, a city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. Explore Warsaw, the capital city, with its mix of historic landmarks, modern architecture, and cultural gems. Don’t miss the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a powerful reminder of the Holocaust and an important historical site. These are just a few highlights, as Poland has much more to offer.
5 fun facts about Poland:
- You can eat in the oldest restaurant in Europe. “Piwnica Swidnicka” is located in Wrocław and was opened back in 1275.
- In Białowieża Primeval Forest you can meet the heaviest animal in Europe. Wisent (or bison) weighs 600kg and really makes an impression
- They also have the world’s first upside-down house. Enter it through an attic window in one of the small villages in Poland – Szymbark.
- Castle in Malbork was built in the 13th century and it’s the world’s biggest castle. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (of which Poland has as many as 15!)
- The environment of Poland is very diverse. From mountain chains, beautiful lakes, beaches, sand dunes and forests. Combined with four seasons changing throughout the year it creates a range of beautiful views to see.
Welcoming culture in Poland
Poland is a nation with a strong bond to traditions and focus on family. Despite the destructive effects of World War II, many traditions are still “in use”. Each region of this charming country has its own, unique identity. Polish people pay special attention to hospitality, so you will get a warm welcome everywhere you go.
In big cities like Warsaw, Wrocław or Gdańsk social life is vibrant. You can find many spots to eat, drink, or dance, and you can easily make new friends. Except for the fact that people in Poland, especially elderly ones, might be a bit close-minded when it comes to foreigners, it’s just a matter of time before you will feel at home here.
Well-known cuisine in Poland
Polish food is very rich in flavours due to the many different minorities living in Poland in the past. Nowadays Polish cuisine is a combination of old, traditional dishes and current culinary trends. Delicious bread is commonly made from wheat and rye. Honey has an incredible quality. The most well-known national dishes are:
- Pierogi (dumplings)
- Bigos
- Gołąbki
- Kotlet schabowy
- Gulasz
A good meal at a restaurant will cost €7-9, depending on the dish and location. Beer is around €2.50, similarly for a cappuccino.
Accommodation in Poland
Finding accommodation is sometimes a difficult task when the city you’re thinking of is high-paced and commercial. The recommendation is to live near your office in order minimise the time you spend going to work and getting back home. These are the average monthly rental costs for accommodation in Poland:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €750-€1000
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €500-€750
- Room in a shared apartment: €250-€500
Cost of living in Poland
The cost of living in Poland is lower than in some European countries. Here you have some more detailed information about general costs in Poland:
- Groceries: €200-€400 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €9-€15
- Coffee in a café: €2-€4
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €2-€4
- Gym membership: €30-€40 a month
- Cinema ticket: €6-€8
Expats in Poland
There is a lot of diversity in the big cities of Poland, like Warsaw, Wrocław or Cracow. Therefore, you can find plenty of expat groups on social media. You can also find new friends at work by arranging to meet up one day, or participate in already arranged events. Just grab the opportunities as you go, and also try to merge with the Polish people, and be open to new customs and traditions.
Still not convinced about Poland?
Living in Poland means enjoying the following amazing things:
- Polish festivals are a celebration of life. Experience the atmosphere of the Wianki Festival, where people release wreaths into rivers to celebrate Midsummer’s Eve, or the energy of the colourful St. Dominic’s Fair in Gdansk, one of Europe’s largest open-air markets.
- Dive into the history of Warsaw’s Royal Castle, enjoy the architectural wonders of Wroclaw’s Market Square, or witness the charm of Zakopane nestled in the Tatra Mountains.
- Poland shares borders with several countries, making it convenient for exploration.
- Polish cuisine is a treat for the senses. Try wholesome dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), and the famous kielbasa (sausage). And remember to taste the traditional dessert paczki (Polish doughnut), particularly popular on Fat Thursday.
FAQ
No, if you are an EU citizen you do not need a work permit. You can read more about it here.
The cost of living in Poland is generally lower compared to many other European countries, making it an affordable place to live. The exact cost of living can vary depending on the city or region within Poland. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller towns. Generally, housing costs, including rent and property prices, are relatively reasonable. Grocery prices are also affordable, and you can find a variety of fresh and local produce at reasonable prices. Transportation costs, healthcare expenses, and entertainment activities are generally more affordable compared to Western European countries. However, it’s important to note that living costs can vary depending on personal choices, lifestyle, and individual circumstances.
Poland experiences a temperate seasonal climate with distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are generally mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) on average. It can occasionally reach higher temperatures, especially during heatwaves. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures averaging around -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F). In some regions, temperatures can drop even lower, and snowfall is common. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, with fluctuating weather conditions.
Poland offers a well-developed public transport system to explore its cities and beyond. In urban areas, you can rely on trams, buses, and metro systems in larger cities like Warsaw and Krakow. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available. Inter-city travel is facilitated by trains and long-distance buses, connecting major destinations across the country.
Poland provides a comprehensive healthcare system that ensures access to medical services for its residents. The National Health Fund (NFZ) operates the public healthcare system, offering a range of services including doctor visits, hospital care, and medications. Polish healthcare professionals are highly trained and skilled, and the country boasts modern medical facilities. Additionally, private healthcare options are available for those who prefer additional services or faster access to care. The healthcare system in Poland aims to provide quality medical assistance and promote the well-being of its population.
Even though a large part of the society speaks English, it’s mainly the younger generations. Elderly nationals still find difficulties in speaking English. The official language is Polish and there are several ways to learn the language. Prices vary, but there are also free courses available. Check some examples below:
If you would like to take a paid course, prices are around 15€ for an hour. Another good idea is to find Polish-speaking friends and practice with them as much as you can. The start might be uphill but also funny – but it’s interesting to know even the basics of one of the hardest languages in the world. Another alternative is to use apps like Duolingo to learn the basics.
