Moving to Krakow

Although not necessarily the first city that comes to mind when expats think of Poland, you are sure to be enchanted by Kraków. Considered by many to be the country’s cultural capital, Kraków has a rich history and is full of museums, galleries and historical attractions to explore. The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and dates back to the 11th century.

Living in Kraków as an expat

Living in Kraków as an expat puts you in a city with historic charm and modern opportunities. Kraków is one of Poland’s economic powerhouses. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit makes it a great place to start a business, and its lively tech startup scene continues to flourish.

In Kraków, you have a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and lifestyle. From Soviet-era apartment blocks to modern flats and spacious villas, Kraków has it all. Consider the proximity from your home to public transport stops if you commute into the centre for work or need to get your children to school in the morning.

Poland Guide

Working in Kraków

Working in Kraków offers expats diverse opportunities in a growing economy. The city is one of Poland’s economic hubs. It is home to numerous multinational corporations, including major names like HSBC, Comarch and Cisco, many of which are a source of employment for expats. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit makes it a great place to start a business, with its lively tech startup scene supported by over 500 IT companies and a talent pool of 60,000 IT specialists.

The primary industries employing expats in Kraków include finance, IT, and telecommunications, with American, British, and Swiss companies being particularly prominent employers. The work permit process typically takes around 55 days in Kraków, significantly faster than some other Polish cities.

Finding a Job in Kraków
Visas and Residence Permits for Poland
Work Permits for Poland

Lifestyle in Kraków

The lifestyle in Kraków involves both rich cultural traditions and modern European living. There is no shortage of culture and entertainment options, with theatres, museums, and galleries scattered throughout the city, alongside lively bars, cosy cafés, and quality restaurants.

The city hosts numerous seasonal events throughout the year, from winter’s Sea Shanties Festival and Christmas markets to summer’s Dragon’s Parade, Wianki Festival, and the popular Jewish Culture Festival.

If you love nature, you’ll enjoy Kraków’s abundant green spaces and the beautiful Vistula River that flows through the city. The riverbanks offer perfect recreational spaces for strolls, cycling, or relaxing. The city’s compact size makes it easy to balance urban amenities with quick access to outdoor activities, offering a quality of life that attracts professionals from across Europe and beyond.

Lifestyle in Kraków

Finding accommodation in Kraków

Finding accommodation in Kraków offers you a range of options to suit your budget and lifestyle. The city’s diverse housing market caters to all preferences, from Soviet-era apartment blocks to modern flats and spacious villas. Popular expat neighbourhoods include the historic Old Town and Kazimierz for their central charm, Grzegórzki for its blend of historic and modern buildings, Podgórze for its community feel, and Zwierzyniec for families seeking green spaces.

The rental process in Kraków is straightforward but competitive. You’ll typically need to provide identification and proof of income and pay a security deposit equivalent to 1 to 2 months’ rent. Many expats find it helpful to work with a relocation specialist, as prime properties in desirable locations are quickly snapped up. Living outside the city centre can offer better value while maintaining good access to public transport links, an important consideration if you commute to work or need to get your children to school.

Renting Accommodation in Kraków

Cost of living in Kraków

The cost of living in Kraków, despite it being one of Poland’s major cities, offers remarkable value compared to Western European capitals. You can enjoy a high standard of living at affordable rates, making it an attractive destination for expats seeking European living without breaking the bank. Just bear in mind that utility costs can fluctuate seasonally, with heating expenses naturally rising during the cold winter months from October through March.

Although everyday living expenses are already quite reasonable in Kraków, you can further reduce your costs by adopting local strategies. Living outside the city centre significantly lowers housing costs, and buying local produce from markets offers fresher food at better prices. Many residents cycle or walk around the compact city rather than relying on cars or public transport, saving money while staying fit.

Living in Kraków with children

Living in Kraków with children means bringing up your family in a rich cultural environment with numerous kid-friendly activities available throughout the year. The city offers excellent educational options, with several outstanding international schools to choose from. The well-regarded International Baccalaureate curriculum is taught at several institutions, and British and American curriculum options remain readily available, giving many expat families educational continuity.

Family life in Kraków extends well beyond education, with the city offering numerous attractions designed with children in mind. Family-friendly neighbourhoods like Zwierzyniec provide green spaces perfect for outdoor activities. Your healthcare needs will also be met thanks to the city’s reliable public healthcare facilities, although private health insurance is advised for accessing more comprehensive care.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Kraków

Finding a school in Kraków

There are several excellent international education options when finding a school in Kraków as an expat family. The city hosts prestigious institutions, including the International School of Kraków and the British International School of Cracow, both of which offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with consistently strong academic results. These schools provide educational continuity through globally recognised curricula, making transitions smoother for internationally mobile families.

The enrolment process at international schools typically involves an initial inquiry, followed by school tours, parent and student interviews, academic assessments, and a review of previous school records. These schools emphasise the importance of applying early as spaces are limited, particularly for popular grade levels.

International schools in Kraków provide more than just education – they offer community connections, additional services like transport, meal programmes, and healthcare support, helping your family integrate into your new Polish life with greater ease.

School and Education for Expats in Kraków
International Schools in Kraków

Getting around in Kraków

Getting around in Kraków is remarkably straightforward, thanks to the city’s efficient and well-developed public transport network. An integrated system of trams and buses covers the city centre and outer districts, making nearly every corner of Kraków easily accessible. The ticketing system works on time validity rather than single trips, meaning you can use the same ticket for transfers between trams and buses without paying extra – a boon for visitors exploring multiple attractions in one day.

Navigating Kraków’s public transport is made simpler with helpful apps like Jakdojade, which shows you exactly which tram or bus to take and where to change. Ticket machines are available at most major stops and inside vehicles, accepting both cash and card payments.

The compact nature of Kraków’s historic centre means walking is often the best option for city-centre exploration, with public transport mainly needed for journeys to outer districts or attractions like the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Public Transport, Driver’s Licences and Driving in Kraków

Climate and weather in Kraków

The climate and weather in Kraków features distinct seasons typical of the country’s temperate continental climate. Winters are decidedly cold, with January temperatures ranging from 23°F (-5°C) to 34°F (1°C), accompanied by approximately 12 snowy days per month from December through February. Summers offer a welcome contrast with pleasant temperatures between 57°F (14°C) and 76°F (24°C) in July and August, perfect for outdoor exploration.

Spring and autumn represent the sweet spots for visiting – mild temperatures without the crowds of summer or the chill of winter, although you’d be wise to pack layers and rain protection as precipitation remains fairly consistent year-round.

Air quality in Kraków has historically been a concern, particularly during winter months, but has been steadily improving in recent years. A significant turning point came in September 2019 with the implementation of a ban on solid fuels for home heating, previously identified as the main source of air pollution.

Climate Charts for Poland

Overall, if you’re moving to Kraków, you can look forward to an enjoyable lifestyle in a city with exciting career opportunities. With plenty to explore, a thriving expat community, and a calendar full of cultural events year-round, your life in Kraków is sure to be lively, engaging and interesting.