🇵🇱Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Poland, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Poland at a glance?
- Flag: 🇵🇱
- Population: 37.7 million
- Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN) — Note: Poland uses the Polish Zloty, but prices may also be compared in EUR for reference
- Average salary: between EUR 18,000 and EUR 20,000 per year
- Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates (Statistics Poland, 2025; National Bank of Poland, 2025 ; XE, 2025 )
Reviewed by Statistics Poland, June 2025; National Bank of Poland Monetary and Financial Statistics Department, last updated in July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Poland?
The cost of moving to Poland depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~2–6 weeks | USD 1,200–3,200 (≈ EUR 1,100–3,000) |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~2–6 weeks | USD 2,000–4,200 (≈ EUR 1,850–3,900) |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~3–5 days | USD 1,600+ (≈ EUR 1,500+) — air freight is fast but significantly more expensive |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Poland is in the EU: no customs duties for EU moves; 0–10 % duty + 23 % VAT may apply for non-EU shipments (varies by goods category) |
Reviewed by Freight Market Analysis Team (iContainers, BR Logistics, Freightify, NEX), last updated in mid-2025
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case: “I moved to Warsaw in May 2025 with about 30 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 20ft container from New York. The total cost—including door-to-door pick-up, sea freight, and delivery to my apartment in central Warsaw—was around EUR 3,800. I worked with a relocation company in Poland that managed customs clearance at the Port of Gdańsk, arranged last-mile delivery through busy city streets, and assisted with registering my imported goods with Polish Customs (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa).” — Anna K., moved in May 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Poland choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities in the country, including Warsaw, Kraków, Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań. These cities offer a mix of historical heritage, modern infrastructure, cultural life, and strong expat communities—making them top choices for newcomers from across Europe and beyond.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Poland, you may qualify for duty-free and VAT-free import of used household goods under Polish Customs rules. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months after your move.
At customs, present:
- Inventory list of goods.
- Proof of residency abroad.
- Passport or Polish residence permit.
⚠️ New items, vehicles, or high-value goods may be subject to 23% VAT + applicable duties.
Reviewed by Polish Customs (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa), last updated in mid-2025
What is the cost of living in Poland?
The average monthly cost of living in Poland for a single occupant—including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities—is approximately €950–1,150 per month. These figures reflect national averages (outside the most expensive cities) and are updated quarterly using data from industry sources.
| Expense | Poland (EUR/month) |
| Rent (1-bedroom flat in city centre) | ~€600 / outside centre ~€450 |
| Groceries (single person) | ~€200–250 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | ~€20–25 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.) | ~€120–150 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in July 2025
What do I need to know about Poland visas and residency?
A Polish visa or residence permit is required for most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Options include the Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C), Long-Stay National Visa (Type D), Work Visa, Student Visa, Family Reunification Permit, and the EU Blue Card. Poland also offers residence permits for skilled workers, researchers, and certain self-employed entrepreneurs.
- Visa categories and eligibility check: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas
- Visa application portal (for appointments and documents): https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visa-application
Reviewed by the Polish Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, last updated in June 2025
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Poland, you must declare your vehicle at customs and pay applicable import duties, 23% VAT, and excise tax (akcyza), unless you qualify for exemptions under the change of residence scheme. Imported vehicles must comply with EU safety and emissions standards and undergo technical inspection (badanie techniczne) before being registered.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries are valid in Poland and can be used without exchange. For licences from non-EU/EEA countries, you may need to exchange your licence within 6 months of establishing residence in Poland. Some countries (e.g. the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and certain U.S. states) have reciprocal agreements allowing licence exchange without testing. Others may require passing a theoretical and/or practical driving test.
Reviewed by the Polish Road Transport Authority (Polski Związek Motorowy / Starostwo Powiatowe) and Polish Customs (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa), last updated in July 2025
How can I bring pets with me to Poland?
Pets entering Poland must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an EU health certificate or EU Pet Passport (for pets from EU/Schengen countries). For pets arriving from non-EU/EEA countries, a valid veterinary certificate issued within 10 days before travel is required.
Import requirements vary by species (e.g. dogs, cats, ferrets). Certain dog breeds are restricted in Poland under national regulations.
If arriving from outside the EU/EEA, pets must enter through designated entry points and may be subject to document checks by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii).
Using a licensed pet relocation service and preparing all documents in advance ensures compliance with Poland’s pet travel regulations and helps reduce stress for both the owner and the animal.
Reviewed by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (GIW), last updated in March 2025
How do I open a bank account and get Poland’s social security number (PESEL)?
To open a Polish bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or ID
- Polish PESEL number or sometimes temporary residence card
- Proof of address (rental contract/letter)
- Sometimes proof of work, study, or income
To get a PESEL number, register at the local municipal office (Urząd Gminy or Urząd Miasta) with:
- Passport or ID
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Proof of address
This number is required for work, healthcare, banking, and social benefits.
Reviewed by the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs (Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji), last updated in November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Poland?
In Poland, renting usually requires a 1–2 month deposit plus one month’s prepaid rent. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) are often not included in the listed rent. To rent, you’ll typically need:
- Passport or national ID
- Polish PESEL number or residence card (temporary residence also accepted)
- Proof of income or job/study contract
To buy property in Poland, budget an extra 2% notary fee plus taxes and legal costs (including the 2% PCC property transfer tax). Mortgage buyers should also factor in bank and appraisal fees.Top areas in Poland for newcomers:
- Warsaw (Warszawa): Capital city with the largest job market, modern housing, and international communities.
- Kraków: Historic centre, strong expat presence, universities, and cultural life.
- Wrocław: Popular among young professionals, IT hub, and vibrant student scene.
- Poznań: Business-friendly city, affordable housing, and good quality of life.
- Gdańsk (Tricity area with Sopot & Gdynia): Coastal lifestyle, port economy, and growing international companies.
Reviewed by Otodom Housing Market Data Team and the Polish Ministry of Development and Technology, last updated in March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Poland?
If you’re a tax resident in Poland (living more than 183 days per year or having significant ties like housing, work, or family), you’re taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS – Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych) are mandatory, covering pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and other social benefits. Poland also has double tax treaties with more than 80 countries to prevent double taxation on foreign income.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | On global income | Progressive rates: 12% and 32% (flat 19% for some business income); local surcharges may apply |
| Social Contributions | Covers pension, healthcare, unemployment | ZUS contributions: ~13.71% pension, 8% disability, 2.45% sickness, plus ~9% healthcare; employers also contribute |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | Agreements with 80+ countries |
Reviewed by the Polish Ministry of Finance (Ministerstwo Finansów) and the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), last updated in April 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Switzerland and Norway with ReloAdvisor.
