Live and work in Poland

Basic facts about Poland

The Republic of Poland is located in central Europe. The capital city is Warsaw. From the Baltic Sea on the north to the mountains on the south it has a total area of 312 685 km². They have a population of approximately 38.523.000 people and the official language is Polish. Their currency is Złoty (zł or PLN). The climate is continental which provides cold winters and warm summers. During the year you can see the four seasons changing. 

5 fun facts about Poland:

1. You can eat in the oldest restaurant in Europe. “Piwnica Swidnicka” is located in Wrocław and was opened back in 1275. 
2. In Białowieża Primeval Forest you can meet the heaviest animal in Europe. Wisent (or bison) weighs 600kg and really makes an impression
3. 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. 
4. 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!)
5. 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:

1. Pierogi (dumplings) 
2. Bigos
3. Gołąbki
4. Kotlet schabowy
5. 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. 

Finding 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. Here are some helpful tips:

• Get all your documents ready
• Network. Don’t be afraid to ask people. Maybe your new friend just have a room for rent. 
• Visit these sites:

• Olx.pl 
• Otodom

• Join social media groups, like Facebook groups about accommodation in Poland or specific cities. Contact your future landlord in person.

Cost of living in Poland

The cost of living in Poland is lower than in some European countries. For one person you can expect around €475 living a good life, excluding cost of rent. However renting is also quite cheap. Regarding food, it depends on the season since some products vary in price. Here you have some more detailed information about general costs in Poland:

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.

**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks.

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. 

Where to learn Polish

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:

• E-polish
• Udemy
• Polish Language

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.

Why Poland?

Poland is a country with plenty of breathtaking places worth visiting. The country is still going through huge development, creating work opportunities for people from all around the globe. You can be sure that you will get a lot of unforgettable memories and meet friends for life. 

Still not convinced about Poland?

Living in Poland means feeling a strong sense of community and warmth of Polish hospitality. Engage with the friendly locals, known for their kindness and resilience, and enjoy the feeling of togetherness during celebrations and cultural events. 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.

Poland’s rich cultural heritage is visible at every turn and you can 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. To the west, you have Germany, known for its rich history, picturesque towns, and vibrant cities like Berlin. To the south, you have the Czech Republic, offering stunning architecture in Prague, charming towns, and beautiful natural landscapes. To the east, you have Ukraine, with its diverse culture, historic sites like Lviv, and the picturesque Carpathian Mountains. These countries offer unique experiences and are easily accessible from Poland for a memorable trip.

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.