21 Secrets About Living In Poland To Know Before Moving

Poland is a stunning country rich in tradition and history, perfect to live in, and gorgeous to explore.

Sections

1. Learning some Polish may be necessary

Although English is commonly spoken in Poland’s big cities, only around a third of Polish citizens reported being able to speak English to some extent. But it doesn’t mean you won’t have problems in public places, stores, or with certain individuals. The Polish language is regarded as one of the most difficult languages in the world. It would help if you learn Polish or better yet, learning to speak Polish fluently would be beneficial.

2. Poles are very friendly

Poles are pretty hospitable, and the nation is open to visitors from all over the globe. Despite their reputation for being unpleasant and cold, the Polish people are courteous, cordial in personal social circumstances, and exceedingly hospitable. You may come across older generations with cracked grins or store associates who make no apologies for their direct behavior.

3. Religion is important

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination in Poland, and a significant majority of Poles are devout Catholics. The church has had a considerable influence on the country’s history, social life, and political life. It is widely regarded as a symbol of Polish heritage and culture by Poles.

4. Buying a home might be difficult

Buying a home in Poland is more difficult for foreigners. You will need to apply for a specific permit from the Polish Ministry of Internal affairs, providing you the authority to buy real estate.

It is unquestionably much easier for foreigners to purchase an apartment in Poland than to purchase a home. No specific licenses are required to own an apartment, and it is permitted to submit just a visa or a form of residency permission.

5. They have the world’s biggest castle

The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, Poland, is the world’s biggest castle. The Teutonic Knights erected the fortress in 1274 and used it as their headquarters to aid in the conquest of Polish adversaries and to administer their northern Baltic holdings. The 13th-century Teutonic castle and stronghold are a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its size in terms of land area.

6. The costs of living in Poland

Poland’s living costs are much lower than that of the United States and remain more reasonable than other EU countries. The cost of living in the United States is 113%more than in Poland.

Unlike the majority of European Union members, Poland maintains the Polish zloty. Poland has a cheaper cost of living than the majority of Europe, and the cost of living is modest, as are groceries, dining out, and public transportation.

7. Poles love to drink

While Poland is renowned as the home of vodka, many Poles seem to prefer local beer. According to the World Population Review, Polish residents consume somewhat more alcohol than Germans (12.79 liters), almost as much as the English (13.24 liters), and slightly less than the Irish (12.75 liters). Believe it or not, only 7% of drinkers in Poland consume half of the alcohol consumed.

8. Wearing a hat indoors is considered rude in Poland

It is considered disrespectfulto wear a hat inside someone’s house or church. While the younger generation is largely unconcerned, the older generation may feel uneasy. Men, in particular, should refrain from wearing hats inside, particularly while entering a church.

9. Reconsider watching foreign movies

For English speakers in Poland, watching television is one of the strangest things you will encounter. Foreign films and television shows are dubbed not by Polish professional voice-over artists but by a single man reading the roles, including the females and children.

Known affectionately as the Polish lektor, they acquired popularity in Poland during the communist era. Today, lektors are unquestionably ingrained in Polish society.

The lektor’s primary responsibility is to read the screenplays for a film, which can be accomplished in as little as one day. That seems to be more convenient for business, mainly because it is far less expensive to pay one individual to use his voice than paying numerous people to use several voices.

10. Picking wild mushrooms is a popular family activity

Poles are well-known for their fondness for mushrooms; mushroom gathering in September and October is one of their favorite activities. Many assert that it’s all about the quest and time spent in the woods. Various Polish mushroom recipes have been produced throughout the years, arguing that the best part is eating. The custom is widespread across the country, particularly in the nationalized wooded regions renowned for their mushroom production capability.

11. This is the most religious country in Europe

Poland is considered the most religious nation in Europe due to the State’s and civil authorities’ unique role in its history and the stability and cultural identity that membership in the Roman Catholic Church allowed the society to acquire.

The church was a powerful ally in the struggle against communism, despite pastors being bullied and assaulted. Attending church was an act of disobedience against the established order.

Outside of cities, the church has always been a more considerable influence. Since the demise of communism, there has been a massive transformation, but it will take decades before things settle down.

12. Visas and permits

Poland visas are classified according to the purpose of your visit: job, study, or tourism. The reason for your visit determines your application for a visa.

Schengen Visa: If your trip to Poland will be fewer than 90 days, you must get a Polish tourist visa.
A foreigner intending to spend longer than three months in Poland may apply for a temporary residence visa. A temporary residence permit is valid for up to three years.
You must apply for a Polish work visa if you want to work in Poland. You must have an employer that will file a work permit application on your behalf to the municipal office in your area. Work permits vary in term and character, and you may begin working only once your company issues you with a work permit.
Additionally, you may apply for astudent visa, Airport transit visa, or family visa.

You do not need a visa to enter Poland if your country is a member of the EU/EEA or a Schengen country. Your country of residence is a member of Schengen and enjoys visa-free travel. This includes, but is not limited to, residents of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and more.

13. Polish cuisine

Poland is a foodie’s dream, with regional delicacies to suit every taste. Apart from the traditional pierogi, borscht, and the national dish of bigos stew, make sure to sample another traditional Polish dessert, placki ziemniaczane — fried potato pancakes served with either sweet or savoury toppings.

However, there is much more than potatoes, cabbage, and sausage to enjoy. While these ingredients continue to serve as the basis for certain luxurious Polish dishes, the cuisine also incorporates a variety of influences from other countries, mostly from German to Hungarian and Jewish to Russian influences.

14. Poland is a nation of sports lovers

Poland is a nation known for its devoted sports fans. Among the most popular sports are track and field, basketball, boxing, fencing, and weightlifting. Poland’s national sport is football, the most popular sport in many other European countries. The Polish National Football Team has seen international success, and the squad won the 1972 Olympic Football Tournament. Additionally, they were third in the 1974 and 1982 FIFA World Cups.

15. Prepare for some headbanging

Polish music encompasses a wide range of styles and traditions that originated and are being performed in Poland. However, death metal is the most popular genre of music among younger Poles. Poland established an early death metal scene in the 1980s, and although many bands were first classed as black metal or thrash metal, many were eventually labeled as death metal. If you’re a fan of death metal, you won’t have to go far to find a place where you can have your skull banged on.

16. You’ll enjoy all four seasons

Poland has a humid continental climate, with typical summer temperatures of 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures of 26 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit — not entirely on par with Russia’s 8 to 22 degrees Fahrenheit averages.

While the cold winters might be white, Poland is not the coldest nation that comes to mind, especially in the summer. You should prepare for the unexpected since the weather may be unpredictable. It includes drizzles, downpours, windy periods, and even scorching heatwaves. Every few years, the nation experiences snowless winters and scorching summers.

17. Taxes in Poland

In January 1974, the United States and Poland signed a double taxation pact to avoid double taxation of persons and businesses that generate revenue in both countries. Non-residents and Polish residents pay tax according to the progressive tax rate scale if they work under a contract of employment.

18. The Marzanna tradition

It is a tradition in Poland to drown a Marzanna doll on the first day of spring. Morana, also known as Marzanna, was a Slavic goddess of death, cold, and disease. It is a straw figure braided into a human shape and is dressed in regionally traditional women’s clothing.

A new tradition took hold when a straw doll was set on fire and then drowned in the river. The doll’s drowning was intended to enable a river of winter to be carried away by the current to announce spring. Paganism was a common practice in the pre-Christian era, and the tradition of the sacrificial right of passage stretches back to that time.

19. Pouring buckets of water on strangers’

Poland has a “Wet Monday,” dubbed “Smigus Dyngus” locally. Wet Monday is an annual event in Poland on Easter Monday, during which people are sprayed with water. Traditionally, males bathe females on Monday, and females soak males on Tuesday. If you do not wake up early on Wet Monday, it is stated that you will be awakened by having water dumped on you.

20. Getting around in Poland

Bus services are the primary mode of urban transit in towns and cities. Regular buses and trains connect Poland’s major cities to neighboring countries like Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Baltic states. Simultaneously, tickets are available for $21 (20 euros) in one direction. Air travel is relatively the same – several low-cost airlines fly to all major cities in Europe for as little as $21-54 (20-50 euros) for a one-way ticket.

21. The healthcare system in Poland

The country maintains a free public healthcare system in which every Polish and European Union citizen has the right to affordable healthcare, financed by the National Health Fund. The organization is funded via an obligatory payment from every Polish citizen in an 8.5 percent deduction from their income.

FAQs

Is Poland a member of the European Union?

Poland joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, according to the Athens Accession Treaty agreed on April 16, 2003. As a member state, Poland has the opportunity to impact EU decisions. The European Union is a political and economic union consisting of 27 EU member states that occupy a large portion of the continent.

Does Poland have private health insurance?

In Poland, everyone insured by health insurance is entitled to free, universal healthcare. While Poland has a free public healthcare system, the country also provides private health insurance.

How does the Polish government work?

Poland is a country with a well-established democratic government system, and the government operates within the confines of a unified parliamentary representative democratic republic. Like every democratic and free country, the President is the Head of State, elected by most people for a five-year term.

How long it will take to get a work permit in Poland?

Acquiring a work permit in Poland takes around 10-12 weeks.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering moving to Poland, you’ll have a fantastic time seeing its historical sites, beautiful nature, engaging Poles, and bustling cities.