Pros and Cons of Moving to Poland

Living in Poland can be a great adventure, but the country does pose its challenges for both foreigners and locals. Choosing to live in Poland, especially for those who don't have Polish roots or connections and know little about the country, will likely involve a steep learning curve but might very well be worth it. As is usually the case with any destination, there are some advantages and disadvantages to moving to Poland.

Below is our list of the pros and cons of moving to Poland. 

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Accommodation in Poland

+ PRO: Accommodation is affordable and generally easy to find

Accommodation, even in the capital of Warsaw, is affordable compared to other European countries. Polish cities also tend to have a variety of accommodation, from small apartments to freestanding houses, and expats won't have to search long to find something that suits their taste, budget and commute.

+ PRO: English-speaking realtors available

Expats can generally find an English-speaking real estate agent to help in their search, though this might be a slightly more expensive option.

- CON: Small apartments and limited space

People in Poland generally live in apartments, and expats may be surprised how small apartments can accommodate whole families. Consequently, many places are a lot smaller than one may be used to.

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Cost of living in Poland

+ PRO: Relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries 

The cost of goods, eating out, public transport and rent in Poland compare favourably with other European countries. Drinks at a bar or pub are also much cheaper than in Western Europe.

- CON: Pricey clothing and petrol

Many Poles complain that items such as new clothes are more expensive than in Western Europe. Petrol is also expensive and, along with parking fees as well as other related costs, should make expats think twice before purchasing a vehicle in Poland.

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Lifestyle and culture in Poland

+ PRO: Vibrant nightlife and entertainment in Polish cities

In Polish cities, there's a range of cultural events including art exhibitions, concerts, talks, food events and film and music festivals. Museums and galleries are also plentiful.

There are also many outdoor activities that are easily accessed during the summer months, such as windsurfing, kayaking, hiking in the mountains, camping, going to the beach and bike riding.

- CON: Bureaucracy is rife

Bureaucracy and inefficient customer service prevail in some areas and government departments. As such, expats should expect lots of red tape when trying to organise their residency or work permits.

- CON: Long working hours and high pressure in the workplace

Poles work hard and spend long hours at the office. Whether this will be expected depends on the culture of one's company and the nature of one's role. There is a lot of competition for steady, well-salaried employment and this can lead, on occasion, to strained and suspicious relations in the workplace.

- CON: Long winters

No matter how much a person may love the cold and snow, the short winter days and large amount of time spent indoors can cause anxiety. In a bad year, the winter can last six months, and Poles often cite this as a reason for emigrating.

- CON: The language barrier

Though it’s not difficult to find English speakers, they may be rarer to come across outside major cities. Older Poles are also less likely to speak English, so learning some Polish may be necessary. Unfortunately, many English-speaking expats find Polish to be a difficult language to learn. That said, Poles tend to be highly appreciative of efforts to learn their language, so learning the basics will go a long way in earning local respect.

+ PRO: Poles are multilingual

Most younger Poles are multilingual, and many Poles will know English.

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Healthcare in Poland

+ PRO: High standard of inexpensive private healthcare

Top-notch private healthcare is available in Poland from hospitals with superb medical staff and world-class equipment. Compared to other countries, private healthcare is relatively cheap, and expats who work for an international company or a well-regarded Polish company usually have a private healthcare package included in their employment.

- CON: Doctors often have poor bedside manner

Polish doctors are not known for their bedside manner and may come across as unsympathetic. Progressive ideas about patient self-advocacy and ideas such as birth plans and keeping the patient informed are not common in Poland. Expats should expect to be treated with brusqueness or impatience, even in the private system.

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Transport and driving in Poland

+ PRO: Developed and affordable public transport system

Most Polish cities have well-developed and comprehensive public transport systems. Some of them, including Warsaw, also have public bike-sharing schemes, which allow riders to rent, pick up and drop off bicycles at various dedicated sites across the cities.

Transport around the country is also affordable and comprehensive, and even small villages usually have a functioning bus line, even if it only runs a few times a day. There is also a well-developed rail network and quick, reliable trains run between all major cities, as well as between Warsaw and other European capitals.

- CON: Underdeveloped road infrastructure and expensive petrol

Although there are some highways, many main routes such as the road from Warsaw to Gdańsk often consist largely of a single lane in each direction, meaning traffic congestion can be an issue.

Compared to the United States or even other Western European countries, it can be expensive to maintain a car in Poland, and petrol is pricey.