Move to Poland

Dynamic cities, deep history and a steady, practical European base

Routes we checked
3
Digital nomad visa
Not in our data
Language
Polish
Currency
PLN

Work permitStudent visa

Ways to live in Poland

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Work permit Work permits →

Temporary residence and work permit

For people hired by a Polish employer. One permit covers both living and working in Poland for that employer.

What you need
A job with a Polish employer, with pay not below the national minimum wage (PLN 4,806 gross a month in 2026). The permit is tied to the employer and the terms it states; changing employer means a new application.
Income
from about $1,320 a month
How long
More than 3 months and up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
To the regional governor's office (voivode) where you live, through the online MOS system
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
Years on this permit count towards EU long-term residence.

Official page

EU Blue Card (EU work permit for qualified specialists)

Residence and work permit for university graduates or experienced specialists with a well-paid job offer in Poland.

What you need
Higher qualifications and a job contract with a gross salary of at least 1.5 times the national average wage: about PLN 13,355 a month (PLN 160,264 a year) for 2026 applications.
Income
from about $3,660 a month
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
To the regional governor's office (voivode) through the online MOS system
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Temporary residence permit for studies

For foreigners admitted to full-time studies at a Polish university.

What you need
Admission to full-time studies, health insurance, and money for living costs: PLN 1,010 a month for a single person (PLN 823 per person with dependants), not counting rent, plus money for the trip home.
How long
Usually 15 months for first-year students; later permits cover the rest of the course plus 3 months, up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
PLN 340 stamp duty
How to apply
Online through the MOS system since 27 April 2026; decided by the regional governor (voivode)
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$400
One-bedroom flat$610
Two-bedroom flat$940
Bills$170
Typical local salary$1,800

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Warsaw is modern and fast-moving, Kraków is all old-town charm, and Wrocław and Gdańsk have their own lively scenes. Pierogi, milk bars and a strong café culture fill the days, with lakes and the Tatras for weekends.

Day to day

Fast trains link the main cities and city transit is excellent. Public healthcare exists but has waits, so many use private clinics. Contactless and mobile payments are everywhere, internet is fast. English is common among younger people.

Trade-offs

Winters are long, dark and smoggy in some cities. Polish is hard to learn and offices often work only in Polish, so paperwork without help can be slow.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Poland have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How can I move to Poland?

The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa.

Sources and last check

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

Other countries in Europe