Housing
After 2 turbulent years, Poland’s rental market began stabilizing in late 2024. Warsaw remains the most expensive city, followed by Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk, while some eastern cities saw price declines. Overall, rental prices increased by 3% in 2024. A proof of long-term accommodation is not necessary for work permit obtaining, but it is required for the residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Warsaw
$850–$2,700
$1,900–$5,900
$3,000–$10,200
$3,200–$13,000
Three-bedroom
apartment
apartment
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$1,100–$3,800
Four-bedroom
apartmen
apartmen
House
Key Trends:
- Growing demand for short-term rentals is driving price increases in Warsaw and Kraków.
- Landlords are more flexible in negotiations due to prolonged vacancies.
- Higher rental yields and a 30% rise in building permits in 2024 suggest better supply-demand balance ahead.
- Śródmieście, Wola, Mokotów, and Wilanów remain the most expensive districts, with modern skyscrapers in Śródmieście and Wola commanding the highest prices. Wilanów, known as Warsaw’s "Beverly Hills," offers a luxury lifestyle, while Wola, Mokotów, and Wilanów see higher rents due to proximity to international schools.
- With ongoing development and new constructions, areas like Praga, Żoliborz, Bielany, Ursus, Bemowo, and Ursynów are emerging as more affordable alternatives in Warsaw.
Challenges:
- The gap between landlords' price expectations and tenants' financial capacity.
- The booming short-term rental market is reducing long-term rental availability.
- High interest rates and limited mortgage access push young people into rentals, increasing demand.
Immigration
Poland offers various visas for tourism, work, and long-term stays. Visa extensions are usually possible without leaving the country. Non-EU/EFTA nationals from non-visa-free countries require a Schengen (Type C) or National (Type D) visa. Type C allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, while Type D is valid for up to 1 year, permitting long-term stays and Schengen travel for up to 90 days.
Work permits (Types A-E) determine employment eligibility; some visas allow full-time, part-time, or no work. For long-term stays, visas must be converted into a residence permit.
If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 3 months to work in a highly qualified profession, you can apply for an EU Blue Card. This requires a valid work contract of at least 1 year with a salary not lower than 150% of the average national wage in the year before applying. The permit is issued for up to 3 years, plus 3 extra months beyond the work period stated in the application.
Standard work visas, entry visas, and initial Schengen or Poland Harbour visas remain suspended for Russian citizens.
Residence cards (valid for up to 3 years) confirm identity, enable multiple border crossings without a visa, and permit travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. EU long-term residence permits (5+ years validity) require at least 5 years of legal residence, stable income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The PESEL number, a local tax/social ID, is required for residency. It is assigned during residence registration or obtained separately at a town hall.
Work permits (Types A-E) determine employment eligibility; some visas allow full-time, part-time, or no work. For long-term stays, visas must be converted into a residence permit.
If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 3 months to work in a highly qualified profession, you can apply for an EU Blue Card. This requires a valid work contract of at least 1 year with a salary not lower than 150% of the average national wage in the year before applying. The permit is issued for up to 3 years, plus 3 extra months beyond the work period stated in the application.
Standard work visas, entry visas, and initial Schengen or Poland Harbour visas remain suspended for Russian citizens.
Residence cards (valid for up to 3 years) confirm identity, enable multiple border crossings without a visa, and permit travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. EU long-term residence permits (5+ years validity) require at least 5 years of legal residence, stable income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The PESEL number, a local tax/social ID, is required for residency. It is assigned during residence registration or obtained separately at a town hall.
Moving
Transportation: Poland’s household goods transportation relies on its extensive road network. Sea shipments arrive via the Port of Gdańsk. The primary airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW).
Customs Duties: clients may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months prior to moving and can provide documentation proving their residence abroad.
Customs clearance typically occurs within 5-7 days.
Customs Duties: clients may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months prior to moving and can provide documentation proving their residence abroad.
Customs clearance typically occurs within 5-7 days.
