Local culture in Poland

From a cultural point of view, local culture in Poland won’t be completely alien to Western expats. However, there are a few Polish cultural practices that may surprise you and may even cause some light culture shock.

Meeting and greeting in Poland

Meetings and greetings in Poland are marked with a kiss on each cheek for those who are on close terms, and there’s the usual handshake between men and business acquaintances. Women shouldn’t be surprised if older men kiss their hands, although this practice is waning among younger generations, who generally prefer handshakes. Don’t say goodbye in doorways (including a handshake through a doorway), as it is thought to bring bad luck.

If you’re learning Polish, it is a good idea to master and use the polite forms of addressing people as soon as possible. For native English speakers, this often feels uncomfortably formal, but for Poles, it is second nature, and while they are generally forgiving of mistakes, it is an easy way of showing respect.

Polish people are not in the habit of smiling gratuitously at strangers; if you smile at a stranger, expect to be met with suspicion.

Gift-giving etiquette in Poland

Gift-giving etiquette in Poland is taken seriously as part of Polish social customs. When someone welcomes you into their home for a meal, bring something along – most people opt for flowers, booze, or maybe something sweet. Just remember to count the number of flowers (stick to odd numbers) and stay away from yellow chrysanthemums, since those are used at funerals.

If you're meeting for business, bring something nice from your home country, but skip anything with corporate branding. And don't forget about name days! Many Poles celebrate these even more than birthdays, with presents, cake, and perhaps a glass of bubbly.

Language barrier in Poland

The language barrier in Poland is one of the biggest issues for expats, although the situation is improving in major cities. Polish grammar and pronunciation make it difficult for speakers of Western European languages to learn, although it may be easier for someone who already knows another Slavic language.

If you’re staying in Poland for the long term, it is worth learning as much Polish as possible for the sake of convenience, as many services don’t operate in English. About 30 percent of Poles speak English at a communicative level, with Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań ranking highest for English proficiency.

Most locals appreciate it when you try speaking their language, no matter how badly you may butcher it. Learning a few basics goes a long way – greet people with ‘Dzień dobry’, say ‘Dziękuję’ when someone helps you out, and keep ‘Przepraszam’ handy for when you need to apologise or squeeze past someone on a crowded tram.

Dress in Poland

Business and work dress in Poland tends to be quite formal. Women generally wear shirts and suits, and men wear collared shirts and suit trousers. The tech sector and startups have begun adopting more relaxed codes, with casual Fridays becoming increasingly common. If doing business in Poland, it’s best to err on the side of formality. For teachers, the rules are a bit more relaxed, but in general, very casual work attire is not considered professional.

In most Polish houses, the homeowners don’t wear outdoor shoes inside, and it’s best to follow suit. Also, there is almost always a coat rack inside the door, where you will be expected to leave outerwear in winter. This practice becomes particularly important during Poland’s snowy months.

Doing Business in Poland

Bureaucracy in Poland

Bureaucracy in Poland can feel overwhelming if you’re applying for a residency visa or setting up a business. The government has made efforts in moving its services online, but you'll still find yourself printing forms and standing in lines for many services. Remember to submit your paperwork in person before your legal stay expires. And don’t count on quick results – sometimes you’ll hear back quickly, but other applications can drag on for months.

Visas and Residence Permits for Poland
Work Permits for Poland

Racial identity in Poland

Racial identity in Poland is reflected in the country's overwhelmingly white, Polish-speaking population. Compared to other European countries, you won't find much ethnic or cultural diversity here. City dwellers and younger Poles who've travelled or lived abroad tend to have more cosmopolitan perspectives than their rural or older counterparts, many of whom are not used to interacting with foreigners. Non-European-looking expats may sometimes find themselves the object of stares and whispered commentary, especially from the older generation.

Support networks for non-European expats exist primarily in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław. International companies and universities typically provide more inclusive environments than traditional Polish workplaces. There is no easy way to deal with unwanted attention apart from developing a very thick skin and finding more internationally oriented social circles.

Religion in Poland

Religion in Poland is predominantly Catholic, with a fair sprinkling of Eastern Orthodox, especially in the eastern part of the country. Around 85 percent of Poles identify as Christian. If you’re visiting a church, you will be expected to behave in a quiet and respectful manner – keep your hands out of your pockets and your voice hushed. Men should remove their hats (this doesn’t apply to women).

Also, be aware of church and other public holidays in Poland, when almost everything will be closed. Unlike in many Western countries, Poles exchange presents and enjoy their big family feast on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day.

The urban/rural divide in Poland

Poland’s urban/rural divide is quite pronounced, and there are huge lifestyle differences between city and countryside living. Public transport between major cities is well-developed, with trains and buses connecting urban centres, but connections to rural areas can be limited and infrequent. Internet connectivity has improved nationwide and is basically universal, although rural areas still lag behind in connection quality and speed.

Life in the countryside in Poland is socially much different to urban life – people are generally much poorer and may not know how to deal politely with a foreigner. If you plan to spend time in rural Poland, learn some Polish and accept that interactions may be much more difficult for expats than in Polish cities.

Women in Poland

Women working in Poland straddle two worlds – facing traditional expectations while pursuing modern careers. The country’s family benefits are actually quite good, with plenty of time off for new parents through various leave options, including maternity, parental, childcare, and paternity leave for both biological and adoptive parents.

Despite some progressive policies, a gender pay gap persists across industries in Poland, with women statistically earning less for comparable work, particularly in multinational companies. Female expats working in Poland will find a generally respectful atmosphere, although gender roles may be more pronounced in traditional or rural settings.

Gender Equality and Women in Leadership in Poland

LGBTQ+ in Poland

LGBTQ+ people in Poland find themselves in a complicated social environment where acceptance varies widely across different regions. Poland remains one of only five EU countries that does not legally recognise same-sex partnerships, although the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Poland must legally recognise same-sex unions.

In October 2024, the government introduced draft legislation to allow civil unions, signalling some potential progress. Workplace protections do exist – since 2004, Polish labour laws forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the European Court of Justice has ruled that employers cannot terminate contracts on this basis.

Cities like Poznań, Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk are considered more tolerant and LGBTQ+-friendly. In general, city folks and younger Poles tend to be more accepting, but conservative views are common elsewhere. If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, be mindful when travelling beyond places like Warsaw or Kraków – the warm welcome you get in a hip urban neighbourhood might not extend to smaller towns.

LGBTQ+, Diversity and Inclusion in Poland