It is calculated that there are about 35,000 Indians in Poland at the moment. The country's growing economy, many opportunities, and vibrant culture are attracting a lot of expats. But is Poland a good place to live for Indians? What are the disadvantages of living in Poland?
When moving to Poland, immigration procedures often cause a lot of confusion. To make the process smoother, we’ve come up with an action plan to help you relocate from India to Poland. Visa from India and work permit policies are considered some of the most complicated topics. In this article, we’re sharing our handy tips on the legal and practical sides of moving.
How to move to Poland from India
Is Poland good for Indian expats?
Is Poland good for Indian citizens, and is Poland safe? Many Indians ask themselves these questions before moving to Poland. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve gathered data regarding the country's quality of life and safety.
| Happiness index | 6.67/10 |
| Global peace index | 29th place in the chart in 2023 (High) |
| Crime rate | 27.33/100 (Low). So, is Poland safe? Yes, it is very safe. |
| Cost of living | 669€ without rent for a single person. 2,206€ without rent for a family of four. |
Relocation to Poland, visa from India
So, you’re figuring out how to move to Poland. First, you need to apply for a visa at one of the Visa Application Centres. The application must be submitted in person. In the case of D-Type visas (long-stay visas), the purpose of your trip can fall into four categories:
- Employment
- Student
- Dependent
- Others
Each category has its own list of document requirements. For more information, we recommend visiting the Polish government website. As an example, here’s what you’ll need to hand over in case of moving to Poland with the purpose of employment when applying for a D-Type Visa:
- Passport
- Visa application form without blanks, signed twice by the applicant
- Two colour photos
- Flight itinerary
- Medical insurance
- Original and valid work permit and its copy
- Proof of registration of the employing company
- Original employment letter from the applicant's employer in Poland
- In case of international transfer of the employee, a letter from the current employer
- Supporting documents (optional): professional/educational certificates proving professional skills, work experience certificate, - - Police Clearance Certificate
- Accommodation proof
- Residence proof
- Passport data pages copy
The application costs 7353 INR, with an additional service charge of 936 INR if you apply at the VFS global visa centre. Upon arrival, you’ll need to apply for a work permit.
Poland: work visa from India and work permit
So, you’re granted a visa and can now enter Poland. If the intention is to stay in the country, it’s time to apply for a residence permit.
There are five types of work permits:
| Work permit type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type A | For foreigners working in Poland under a contract with a Polish entity. |
| Type B | For foreigners who hold a position on the management board of a company, staying in the country for more than 6 months within a 12-month period. |
| Type C | If you're sent to Poland by a foreign employer to work for their Polish branch for more than 30 days in a calendar year. |
| Type D | For foreigners employed by a foreign employer without any presence in Poland who are sent to provide short-term and occasional services in the country (the so-called export service). |
| Type E | For foreigners employed by a foreign employer who are sent to Poland for more than 30 days within the subsequent 6 months for a purpose different from those outlined in categories C and D. |
The application is submitted to the voivode competent for the foreigner's place of residence. Keep in mind that a temporary permit is not automatically renewed. Learn more about the relocation process to Poland, immigration policies, and required documents here.
Getting a job in Poland: work visa from India
Securing a position at a Polish company is one of the most reliable ways to relocate. Although speaking the language is usually a must, you might get around without knowing it in sectors like IT. Before entering Poland, a visa from India is required. Make sure the potential employer provides the option of sponsoring your work visa.
Beware of fraud when hunting for jobs, as many fake agencies operate on the market. In our complete guide, you'll find everything you need about finding a job in Poland. You can use these websites for job search in Poland (more options listed in the blog):
Read more on finding jobs for Indians in Europe in our blog.
Choosing a city when moving to Poland
Is Poland good for Indians overall? Yes, and we’re sure you can make the most of whatever city you choose. However, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Kraków, Poznan, and Łódź are the most popular options among Indian expats. In our opinion, choosing a bigger city from the list can make your experience of living in Poland more rewarding in terms of career, network, and entertainment opportunities if that's what you're looking for.
Living in Poland
How to find a flat
If you’d like to rent without hiring an estate agent, you can take a look online:
Otodom—here, you will find apartments and houses for rent and purchase. As a rule, advertisements on the site are placed by agents. We recommend that you check the conditions with the ad's author in advance.
Olx—this site usually has ads placed directly by the owners. Don't be surprised if you come across generic ads at first and keep searching.
Social media. Try going on Facebook and looking for rental groups—enter key queries such as Wynajem Kraków, Wynajem mieszkania Gdańsk, etc. into the search.
When relocating to Poland, the immigration process requires you to keep everything under control, with renting being no exception. Here are key safety measures when renting a flat in Poland:
Do not rent without a lease agreement. It must contain the contract termination conditions, current metre readings, etc.
Make sure that the owner owns the place. You can check proof of ownership (własność mieszkania) online.
Ensure both parties sign the Apartment acceptance and transfer certificate (protokół zdawczo-odbiorczy). This will prevent financial losses when the contract is terminated in the future.
All payments are made after the official conclusion of the contract.
Opening a bank account
Living in Poland means you'll eventually need a local bank account. If you're into traditional banking, big players like PKO Bank, ING Bank Śląski, Santander Bank Polska, and Bank Millennium will do the trick. There are also great online bank options available, such as mBank, Revolut, and N26.
Here is a basic set of document requirements:
- Passport or a national identification card;
- Proof of address:
- Information about your employment history
Navigating living in Poland
While many Poles speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, communication outside these areas may be difficult for Indians who do not speak Polish fluently. This language barrier can pose challenges, including job hunting and communication with landlords, government officials, and healthcare providers. We recommend taking language courses in advance.
We write a lot about life in Europe in our blog. While there are disadvantages of living in Poland, our tips and lifehacks for expats in Poland can help you overcome potential discomforts:
- Where to exchange currency
- What is BLIK?
- The best way to send money from Poland to India
- Budgeting tips for Indians
- Best apps and services for Indians
In addition, research online expat communities and forums. This can be key to answering the question, “Is Poland good for Indian citizens?”
How to stay in touch with family in India
When you’ve moved to Poland, your visa from India is sorted, and you’re settling in the new country, it’s time to reconnect with friends and family. Keeping in touch via video calls and messages is a great way to connect with loved ones in India. But what if you want to do something special for them?
Send money from Poland to India with Profee:
- At a favourable exchange rate;
- Your first transfer is no-fee and at a special promo rate;
- Your further transfers will have a commission of no more than 1 EUR;
- Fast;
- 100% secure;
- Fast and easy registration process;
- Referral programme, and more.
Is Poland a good place to live? Absolutely, especially if you speak the local language. Living in Poland can be a rewarding experience, boosting your career and quality of life. Today, we've covered relocating to Poland, the immigration process from start to finish, and whether Poland is good for Indian citizens. We hope your relocation goes smoothly. Once you’re settled in, make sure to send money from Poland to India with Profee.
