Moving to Poland: How I Did It & What I Wish I Knew Beforehand

It’s February 2015.

I’m camping with my family on a river in the middle of country Victoria, Australia. I’m fishing; my dog is next to me, and I’m getting sunburnt.

I’m home; this is where I’m from and what I do on my vacation. Life is good, and it cannot get better.

12 months later, I’m at Melbourne airport with my (then) girlfriend, hugging my parents goodbye as I relocate to Poland. Tears are flowing; emotion is everywhere.

Although the relationship that paved the path for this remarkable chapter of my life didn’t last, my newfound love for this absolute gem of a country did.

Poland’s charm swept me off my feet, from the ankle-breaking cobblestone streets to the well-preserved history etched into the architecture, which is why this blog exists.

The opportunity for professional growth and the promise of exciting adventures led me to call this place home. I have had some of the most enriching experiences of my life here—ones that involved grappling with the Polish language, immersing myself in its fascinating culture, and navigating the alleys of self-discovery and personal development.

Believe me when I tell you, relocating to Poland has changed me.

I am richer – not just in financial terms (yes, richer in Poland than Australia) but also in life experiences and viewpoints. I have become a wiser, more empathetic, and undeniably more intrigued human being.

And if you’re reading this, you’re probably considering making a similar move.

I’m going to share as much as I can about the process of moving here, how I did it, what I’d do differently, and what you’ll inevitably have to do if you make the same move.

And here’s what you need to know about me, as it does set the tone for this article and the advice in it:

White Australian male
Tertiary Education from a technical school (TAFE)
Relocated to Warsaw in 2016 at the age of 28
Hold just an Australian passport, speak no languages other than English

Just a heads up, this article contains affiliate links. If you buy anything as a result of clicking on links in this blog, it won’t cost you any extra, but I’ll receive a small cut that goes towards keeping this site up and running and helping others.

This blog is pretty big, and there’s a lot of info. Jump to something specific here:

Table of Contents

TL;DR:

You don’t need to master the language. Be willing to learn a little Polish and speak it will make a massive difference.
Research is key before relocating. Understand the culture, the way of life, and the costs involved, as well as the obligations.
Challenges will come your way, but they bring the chance to learn, adapt, and grow. Persistence pays off.
Don’t move here just to earn more money or meet hot people. The richness of a journey is not just about financial gain but in the diversity of experiences, wisdom acquired, and memories made. And Poland offers this richness in abundance.

Is Poland A Good Place To Live?

Yes.

Living in Poland offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern lifestyle, rendering it an attractive relocation choice for many – singles, couples and families.

Poland is one of the more affordable places in Europe when it comes to the cost of living. Warsaw, where I live, is relatively cheap by European standards (only just), but it is not cheap by Polish standards.

Pros:

The infrastructure in Poland visibly reflects the nation’s rapid modernisation post-Communism and society’s attitude towards digital infrastructure. Public transportation is efficient, especially in major cities like Warsaw and Krakow.

The health services are commendable—public (NFZ) does leave a lot to be desired, but most public healthcare systems do, especially with an ageing population like Poland’s.

Private healthcare is excellent. Internet and telecommunication services are reliable and reasonably priced, making staying connected with the world an efficient process.

From a security standpoint, Poland is very safe. Low crime rates, political stability, and good law enforcement provide security and tranquillity. As for socio-cultural aspects, the Polish people are known for their hospitality and casual curiosity towards foreigners, which enhances the expat experience.

Poland’s rich history and cultural heritage instil a sense of fascination and discovery. I’ve written a lot of things about a lot of cultural things, and here are some of the best:

Cons:

Expat life is not sexy, and living in Poland can bring its share of challenges. The language barrier can be daunting initially. However, locals are generally welcoming, and many speak English, particularly in larger cities and among the younger population.

Beaucracity is hard. Teaching English in Poland is a simple role that requires so much paper work.

Poles are known to always look miserable and somewhat unhelpful compared to the West. There’s no small talk, very little sense of customer service, and no willingness to go above and beyond to help a stranger. See: Why Are Polish People So Miserable?

The cost of living is affordable, but it is going up.

Every country has idiots.

(ziemnaki dla ziemnakow)

Driving in Poland can be challenging. Road deaths in Poland are among the highest in the EU, so it takes nerves of steel and emotional intelligence to know when to slow down and back off.

Poles are obsessed with the price of real estate. No one cares if your apartment is actually nice, well-furnished or in a good location, it’s all about how much you pay per square meter. Real estate is looked at as an investment for financial benefit well before it’s looked at as an asset, a place to live, be happy and grow. Therefore, the property is a fierce competition about having more.

Advice I Would Give to My Former Self

Here are some quick, punchy dot points about what I wish I had known back in March 2016:

Poles love their documentation. Keep the original forms of everything you submit, and keep them forever.
Never read the comment section of anything.
Politics is very divisive. Left is communist, Right is something else not good. There’s no centre.
Conversations about politics quickly become conversations about religion in Poland and vice versa.
Prepare for winter. It’s cold, dark and seasonal depression is real.
Don’t worry about being perfect when learning the language. Learn words, and the person you’re talking to can figure out the rest.
Be passionate. Showing Poles you’re genuinely interested in their history, culture and way of life makes a world of difference to them.
Be prepared to wait. Poles love to queue for just about anything but will complain about having to do so.
Spatial awareness: In public, Poles have none. Expect to see someone on a video call standing in a busy shop doorway, utterly oblivious to the world around them.

What you can do before the move:

Doing a few things before you move can make things so much easier before getting here.

Research and Resources I Found Invaluable

Joining expat Facebook groups (and reading before posting) helped me learn a lot I didn’t know. Of course, these groups are often full of garbage, but common sense is a good filter.

Websites like Notes From Poland helped me learn about what’s happening in the news. Most news stories have political undertones regardless of who wrote them or what they are about.

Pick your phone, gas, power, and internet providers before moving here—or at least know who you’ll go with. More on this later.

Difficulties I Encountered

Relocating from one town to the next always has its challenges, and those challenges are only exacerbated when you move from one side of the planet to the other.

As mentioned earlier, Poles love documentation. If you want to use your birth certificate, driver’s license, and qualifications in Poland, be prepared to get them translated.

If you’re shipping anything into Poland, be it clothing, homewares, or anything else else, customs duties will be confusing and uncompromising. You’ll declare what’s in there, but be fully prepared for it to arrive at your door, opened and poorly resealed, and you’ll have a tariff to pay for it.

Being neighbourly is…uncommon. You’ll stand in the elevator with a neighbour, and they won’t converse. Well, only if they’re brave. This doesn’t mean they won’t help you if you knock on their door – they more than likely will. Just be aware that it doesn’t happen a lot.

Administrative Essentials: NIP, PESEL & more

In Poland, two primary identifiers—the NIP (Tax Identification Number) and PESEL (Polish National Identification Number)—form the backbone of all official interactions.

From opening a bank account to accessing healthcare services, these numbers expedite seamless integration into Polish society and the use of public Polish services.

PESEL number registration

PESEL is a unique 11-digit number assigned to every Polish citizen (including foreign residents). It consists of your birthdate, a digit for gender, and another unique identifier.

It’s all here in English, but to save you the click:

Find your local city council or district office. (Often referred to as an Urząd or Ratusz)
Fill out the Application form beforehand, and take it with you.
Take along the necessary documents to support the information in your application. Generally, this includes:
1. Passport
2. Proof of address (rental contract)
3. Birth certificate (Translated into Polish if you’re a non-EU citizen
4. Residence registration (meldunek)
5. Legal basis for stay – for Non-EU citizens, you’ll have to show a visa or temporary residence permit
Submit the paperwork and answer any other questions they have for you.
You won’t have to pay anything, and you’ll be issued your PESEL on the spot. You need to hold onto the bit of paper you get forever.

Polish NIP number

The NIP number, akin to the PESEL, is more tax-related. Being employed, owning a business, or even buying a car calls for a NIP number. Here are the steps I followed:

Download the NIP-7 form from the Polish Tax Office’s website and fill it out.
Visit your local tax office, called an Urząd Skarbowy – best to bring a Polish friend.
Submit the document
You’ll get a little white note in the mail (called an Awizo) directing you to your local post office. Show your ID and collect another document that you need to keep forever. This document will have your NIP number on it.

Admittedly, the Polish bureaucracy, though well structured, certainly requires patience and a keen eye for detail.

Profil Zaufany

With the PESEL and the NIP, you can apply for a Profił Zufany (PZ), or a trusted profile.

The PZ is a means of electronic identification. It allows you to confirm your identity online and to sign a document, such as a complaint or application, electronically. An electronic signature carries the same weight as a physical signature, meaning you don’t need to print or scan anything.

Here’s how you can set it up:

Create an account: Visit Poland’s official e-government website (ePUAP) and create an account. You will need to provide some basic personal information to start the process.
Verify your identity: To activate your Profil Zaufany, you must verify your identity. This can be done in several ways, including using your online banking credentials if your bank supports this service or visiting a designated office in person (like a municipal office or a ZUS office).
Using online banking for verification: Many Polish banks offer the option to verify your identity for Profil Zaufany through their online banking system. Log in to your online banking, look for the Profil Zaufany verification service, and follow the instructions.
In-person verification: If you prefer or need to verify your identity in person, you can visit a local municipal office or a ZUS office with your ID card or passport. There, after providing your document, you will complete the verification process for your Profil Zaufany.
Activate your profile: After verifying your identity, you will need to activate your Profil Zaufany by following the instructions provided during the verification process. This typically involves confirming your activation through an email or SMS link.

Phone plans

Having your Polish number makes things a lot easier. You’ll need it to receive two-factor authentication messages and other texts and phone calls.

I’m on a monthly plan with Play. I’m also paying for the phone, and what I pay isn’t breaking my budget. I’m also paying for Netflix and Tidal through Play, which all came with the bundle (pakiet) I’m using.

There’s a weird option to get 10zł off your monthly bill if you sign up to receive advertising calls and texts. It’s up to you whether you take that option!

Cell coverage is excellent in Poland; I’ve never had an issue. However, it’s very unusual for customer service and sales reps to speak English.

Public Transport

In Warsaw, public transport is excellent. It’s fast, cheap, clean and efficient.

I use an app called Jak Do Jadę (How I Get There) to get around. This app allows you to buy tickets you validate with a QR code on the train, tram, or bus. Google Maps also provides the same service but doesn’t provide live tracking of the bus or tram.

If you’re using public transport regularly, get a long-term or 90-day card. More info (in English) here. Yes, it’s just for Warsaw. It costs about 280zł, and you need all the public transport around Warsaw for three months. Pretty damn good.

Home Internet

The Internet makes the world go round these days. While Polish phone providers have high internet speeds and data limits, it’s best to have your own home wifi, especially if you’re using a smart TV, downloading games, films and other internetting.

I use Vectra, and they’ve got incredible speeds and fantastic uptime. They’ve also got a service where you can get cable TV included, including a lot of sports channels and such. Cheap, reliable and fast.

Personal bank accounts

Understanding and efficiently navigating the Polish banking system was essential to my settling process. Like many things, it was unfamiliar at first, but over time, I figured it out, and it helped my Polish skills!

I’ve used Citibank, or Citi Handlowe in Poland, since I moved here. It’s flawless for savings and daily transactions. Mobile and computer access are all in English, security is tight, and customer service speaks English.

Opening an account, I had to go there with my passport. I also took my PESEL document and NIP number for backup. The account was opened, and I had to follow the emails and SMS steps, again all in English, to set up the account and I’ve never had an issue since.

When I travel around Europe and want to exchange money, though, I use Revolut. Revolut is also awesome on my phone.

I’ve got a widget that tells me how much is left in my account. I use Paywave on my phone, and I can easily send money to my friends after splitting a bill or something.

Renting through Otodom

The quest for decent housing in Poland started my true living experience here as an expat. The most widely known marketplaces I came across were Otodom and Olx.

They’re simply sites where landlords list their property to rent. You contact them via the website and start to negotiate.

I’ve signed a contract directly with the landlord in my current place, meaning there’s no real estate agent (nieruchomości) between us. I’ve lived in areas where there’s an agency between the landlord and myself, and it doesn’t make much difference.

Rent is paid monthly on a specific date, as you’d expect. If you decide to move out, you’ll need to give a month’s notice, and a month’s bond must be paid upfront before you move in. It’s a pretty standard affair.

Negotiating with Landlords

As mentioned earlier, Poles buy property as an investment and make money on that investment by renting it out. There’s nothing wrong with that, but prices are high because rental demand is high. If you’re brave enough to try to negotiate with a landlord, don’t expect to win.

It sounds pessimistic, but unless you’re negotiating on a massive house with 43 bedrooms, you’re probably not in a position to negotiate.

Understanding Polish Tax Obligations

Adjusting and navigating Poland’s taxation was a crucial part of my relocation experience as an expatriate. You need to understand this system, as it plays a significant role in every citizen’s financial responsibilities, whether you’re an expat or a local. Let’s dive into it.

Registering for Taxation: A Step-by-Step Guide

First things first, you can’t escape Polish tax registration. It’s mandatory for everyone working and living legally in the country. We touched on getting your NIP number earlier.

Tax brackets:

Earn less than 120k PLN, and you’ll pay 12% tax.

Anything over 120k PLN, and you’ll pay 10,800 + 32%.

Yearly Tax Filing: Mistakes to Avoid

Filing taxes in Poland can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new and unfamiliar with the process. However, with time, I could navigate this path with a few hiccups. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to filing your annual tax declarations:

Missing the deadline: This is crucial. Always check the tax calendar for the filing deadlines to avoid penalties.
Incorrect form submission: Ensure that you’ve filled out the correct forms. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The PIT-36 or PIT-37 forms are commonly used for income tax returns.
Neglecting double taxation agreements: If you maintain fiscal ties with your country of origin, exploring any existing double taxation agreements between Poland and your home country is important to avoid tax errors.
Incorrect tax calculations can lead to over- or underpayment, both of which are undesirable. If in doubt, hire a tax consultant to help you out.

If you have to pay anything extra, you’ll need to provide a bank account and the amount you need to pay.

Navigating the Work Permit Process

This one is tricky.

You need a job if you want to base your stay in Poland on work. To get a job, you need a work permit.

Find a job offering employment on an employment contract (Umowa o Praca, or UoP).
Get the job offer (the easy part!)
Your employer will apply for the work permit on your behalf.
Once the work permit is received, you can start working and getting paid.
Once you have the work permit, apply for the Krata Poibytu (or Temporary residence permit).

I’ve documented my process getting my karta pobytu here.

Here’s what to remember:

It takes time. You can work and get paid in that time though.
You’re not allowed to leave Poland while waiting for your karta pobytu, but no one checks your documents when you drive over the border.
You cannot leave the EU while waiting for your karta pobytu, and the border security (straz granica) are checking. If you leave before your karta pobytu is confirmed, you’ll need a Visa from the Polish Embassy to get back in.

Exploring Employment: Working B2B in Poland

I’m only now able to start working B2B, so I don’t have much experience here. However if you know nothing about it, what I know can set you off in the right direction.

When you’ve got a karta pobytu, you can’t issue invoices. You can’t set up your own business and invoice people. If you work with a company like Twoj Startup you can, but that complicates it even more.

If you’re an EU citizen, you can work B2B.

If you set yourself up as a business, get your own accountant and do your own taxes, you can work B2B. Rather than a work contract, you simply invoice your employer every month. Some companies offer benefits like health insurance and so on, but it can come with less job security.

Car stuff

Driving in Poland is an experience.

Before you go buy a car, rent a car for a weekend, drive around the country and then make your decision.

Then, when you’re ready to buy a car, don’t.

Go sign up to Panek Car sharing. Using an app, you can locate a car near you and rent it for a few hours to get you from A to B. Great when you want to get some stuff at Ikea or a big grocery shop.

Then, when you’re confident that regularly renting a Panek isn’t financially viable, consider buying a car.

Facebook marketplace is a risk, but sure, try it out. The same applies to OLX.

Otomoto is an excellent place to start. Many used cars in Poland are imported from Germany, Switzerland and France, as there’s a bigger market for second-hand cars here than there. There’s nothing wrong with buying a car that is imported from elsewhere in Europe, not at all.

These cars are often very well cared for. This issue comes from precisely that. They’ve been well cared for, attracting a hefty price tag.

When looking on Otomoto, be sure to find a car that’s currently registered in Poland. As I said, cars are often imported here, but they’re sometimes listed for sale before being imported and before being registered. There’s nothing wrong with that—it makes them cheaper—but as a foreigner, you don’t want to deal with that.

Licenses

I’m currently in the process of transferring my Australian license to a Polish one after using an international driver’s license.

I need to go to the local Urząd with a filled-out form, passport photos, my Australian license, photocopies of it, documents from Australia saying that it’s genuine, my passport and receipt that I’ve paid the fee. At the office, I can book my theory test (all done in English). Then, once I’ve passed, I will get my Polish license.

Moving to Poland: Adaptation and Overcoming Challenges

Settling In: Overcoming the Language Barrier

I passed my Polish B1 language test in November 2021.

And it was probably harder than moving here.

I will write more about how I did it, and how I ‘casually’ learned Polish in due time.

My methodology of learning was entirely unique to me.
It consisted of:

weekly lessons online with a teacher
placing flash cards all around the house
chatting with people in real life and on iTalki
always having Google Translate nearby
using an app called Clozemaster (NOT Duolingo)

I also regularly sat practice exams from previous B1 exams to improve my theory and other elements of the language.

If you plan on moving here, learning the basics before moving here will set you up well. When you move here, you’ll quickly learn that many of those basics are wasted, but you’ll pick up on a lot when you’re on the ground here, as long as you’re curious.

Building Connections: Networking and Making Friends

How Poles make friends organically is beyond me!

That’s not a dig at Poles, but I’ve lived in the same building for 3 years, and there are several people on my floor that I’ve never spoken to!

As an expat, your best chance at making friends is through work or expat events. It’s hard and tiring, and it sometimes hurts to put yourself out there and be vulnerable just to make friends, but it’s not going to come to you; you’ve got to go get it.

Dating

This is a loaded topic, but I want to preface this by saying that using dating apps isn’t looked down on here, although some people are a little shy to say they met their partner on Tinder.

The relationship I moved here for is no more, and for the reasons listed above, it’s quite hard to meet Polish people organically, especially romantically. That’s where the apps, mostly Tinder and Bumble, come in.

I’ve written a few articles on dating in Eastern Europe and Polish women. There’s a lot of information there that you can piece together!

Cultural Insights: Embracing Polish Traditions

Why on earth are people eating so many doughnuts on the first Thursday in February?

Why is the middle of Warsaw packed with people on August 1?

Why is everyone breaking wafers, making eye contact with me and wishing me well?

Why is there a fish in the bathtub?

Cultural things here can be really, really weird. But I can promise you that, aside from some pre-existing personal trauma, there’s nothing about weird Polish traditions or culture that will make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

If you’re ever invited to someone’s place for dinner or a holiday, don’t think about it. Just go. You’ll be treated like royalty. You might feel a little awkward sometimes, but just ask your host what’s going on.

Little luxuries that got me settled

Settling in can be hard.

After eight years, homesickness still hits me at seemingly random times like a freight train. Such feelings test your mental resilience like you cannot imagine. Combine that with the usual mental health challenges, managing a professional career and a social life, and yeah, it can be challenging.

I found a few little luxuries that just took the edge off things and made me feel okay about not being perfectly okay.

A good pillow: Poles love Ikea but my god their cheap pillows are bad. You spend ⅓ of your life in bed. Spend money on a good pillow that will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
Get out of the city. Or if you’re in a smaller town, go to the big city. Go visit Warsaw or Krakow as a tourist. If you’re in a big city, jump on Airbnb, find a small cabin in Mazury and go enjoy Polish nature for a weekend.
“I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt in a men’s store, a cat nap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee.” Here’s my favourite Polish coffee brand.
A potted plant. As an Australian who lived in a house, I loved my garden. I’ve got a balcony now, but not a massive garden. A simple philodendron (Lemon Lime to be precise) sits on my desk. I water it once a month and that’s enough. It’s my small piece of outdoors, indoors.
Polish Netflix. Once a month I try and watch a Netflix movie from Poland. English subtitles, of course, but it helps me learn a little more about the country. It’s also a great source of Polish humour. In time, it’s started to feel a little like home.
Call home. Make the time and effort to stay in contact with friends from back home, whom you want to keep in your life. Low-maintenance friendships still need occasional maintenance.

Conclusion

Poland will be my home for the foreseeable future.

Moving here has been an incredible journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth. My experiences, from the initial culture shock to the gradual appreciation of Polish customs, have shaped me into a more adaptable, resilient individual. Living in a country so different from my Australian roots forced me to confront and overcome various challenges, leading to a deeper understanding of both Polish society and myself.

This adventure has taught me the value of patience, the importance of community, and the beauty of embracing new traditions.

Poland, with its rich history and welcoming people, offers more than just a place to live; it provides a chance to grow, learn, and connect on a profound level. My advice to anyone considering this move is to approach it with an open heart and a curious mind. Don’t shy away from the difficulties, for it is through them that you’ll find the most rewarding experiences.

Embrace the unexpected, cherish the small victories, and remember that every obstacle overcome is a step towards becoming a more rounded, insightful individual.