Since shedding its Soviet-influenced economic framework in the early 1990s, Poland has transformed into one of Central and Eastern Europe’s most dynamic economies, with an average 3% GDP growth rate in the past five years. With a solid industrial base and EU membership since 2004, the country has become the regional leader in technology, manufacturing, and finance. Despite recent controversial changes in migration policies, Poland continues to attract overseas talent, especially in high-demand fields such as IT, healthcare, and engineering.

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There is a clear two-way demand between Poland and expats. Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are attracted to the country’s strong market potential, strategic location, and high standard of living with lower expenses compared to Northern and Western Europe. Poland, in turn, relies on this workforce influx to tackle labor shortages and maintain growth. According to Statistics Poland, nearly a million foreigners—primarily from neighboring Ukraine and Belarus—were employed in the country by January 2024, representing 6.5% of the total workforce. Overall, Poland’s international talent pool spans over 150 countries.

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In this guide, we cover all major aspects of work and business-related migration to Poland, from visa requirements and the tax landscape to the most popular destinations and living essentials, as well as tips and shortcuts for a simplified and stress-free relocation.

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An expat’s path to Poland: high-demand sectors and visa requirements

In 2025, Poland is focusing its efforts on attracting foreign professionals in sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, education, transport, and skilled trades to fill growing labor gaps. To facilitate this, the country has updated its work visa programs, which now require formal employment contracts and raise visa fees to align with economic conditions. Additionally, there are pathways to permanent residency for skilled professionals through long-term visas.

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The following visa categories are currently available:

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• Seasonal Work Visa. This visa is typically issued for a single entry, valid for up to 9 months within a calendar year, and intended for seasonal workers in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and construction.
• National Visa (Type D). Designed for long-term stays (over 90 days), this multiple-entry visa is suitable for employment and is typically valid for up to 1 year. Upon entry, foreigners who have secured a job offer or are engaged in business activities in Poland can further apply for a Temporary Residence Permit that is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed. 
• EU Blue Card. This visa is aimed at highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries. To qualify, applicants must have a higher education degree or at least 5 years of professional experience, along with a valid employment contract that meets a specified salary threshold. The initial validity is up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal and eventual permanent residency after a certain period.
• Freelancer Visa. Suitable for digital nomads and self-employed individuals, this visa requires a proof of sufficient income, business registration in Poland or proof of freelance activities, proof of accommodation in Poland, and health insurance. This visa is valid for up to 1 year and may be renewed.
• Startup Visa. To establish a startup in Poland, an applicant must provide a business plan, proof of investment, proof of relevant experience or qualifications, as well as local health insurance and accommodation. The startup visa is valid for 1 to 2 years and may be renewed.

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To support the integration of temporarily displaced Ukrainians into the local labor market, Poland has extended their legal stay until September 2025, with the option to apply for a 3-year residence permit.

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💡Is your business looking for simplified ways to enter the Polish market, relocate your team, or hire in Poland in no time? Take a closer look at our EOR and Immigration Support services.

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Let’s talk numbers: taxes, salaries, and cost of living in Poland

As of 2025, Poland has a moderately high tax rates within the EU, with employee contributions of up to 32% and employer rates ranging from 19.5% to 22%. While personal income taxes here are considerably higher than in competing IT hubs like Ireland or Romania, expats may still find the local rates attractive compared to those in most Western and Northern European destinations.

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The gross minimum wage in Poland is 4,300 PLN/month, which equates to approx. 1,117 USD or 1,025 EUR. Average rates in high-demand industries far exceed this rate, with reported earnings of 22,500 PLN/month in software development, medical professionals making between 10,000 and 15,000 PLN/month, around 8,500 to 12,500 PLN/month for mechanical engineers, and around 6,500 to 12,500 PLN for HR specialists.

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💡To get an accurate idea of your net (after-tax) salary in Poland or to forecast your employer’s contributions for the local team, we recommend using the Payroll Cost Estimator tool.

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Poland offers a competitive cost of living compared to many EU countries, with rental prices ranging from 1,800-2,500 PLN/month in smaller cities to 2,500-3,500 PLN/month in central Warsaw, affordable health insurance and public transport, and food costs that are moderate by European standard. A foreign professional working in a high-demand industry in Poland can enjoy a great standard of living with relatively low expenses.

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What to expect as a foreigner in Poland: popular expat destinations, essential services, and lifestyle

The country’s bustling capital, Warsaw, along with major cities like Kraków and Wrocław, is among the most beloved destinations for expats. Coastal Gdynia and Gdańsk, with their maritime history and distinct charm, are also popular, while Poznań—home to numerous trade fairs and international business events—is known for its strategic location between Warsaw and Berlin.

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In professional settings, English is widely spoken, especially in major cities where many multinational companies operate. Approximately 30% of Poles speak English as a foreign language. However, this may not always be the case outside urban centers, particularly among older generations. While it is possible to live and work in Poland relying solely on English, learning Polish can improve the quality of life and is appreciated by locals.

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The nation’s healthcare is divided into public and private segments. Public healthcare is available to those who contribute to ZUS, Poland’s social security system, while additional private coverage costs 100 to 300 PLN/month.

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Both public and private kindergartens in Poland accept children aged 3 to 6, and the final year of kindergarten is compulsory as it prepares children for school. Expat children have free access to Polish public schools; however, due to the language barrier, many families opt for international schools. Most of these schools are located in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań and follow international curricula. The tuition fees for international schools in Poland vary significantly, ranging from 20,000 PLN to 60,000 PLN/year.

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When asked about the less visible but equally important perks of living in Poland, expats highlight the beauty and cleanliness of Polish cities, the well-developed and affordable public transport network, and generous parental leave, making it a great destination for foreigners seeking long-term employment and residency.

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Are you interested in moving to Poland for work? Or are you representing a business and exploring the fastest and safest way to relocate your team to Poland?

‍To employers, we offer an EOR solution: we hire and manage teams in Poland on your behalf without the need to establish a legal entity. For employees and remote workers, our Umbrella Company solution works best: we handle your employment, allowing you to live and pay taxes locally while working for a foreign employer.

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Our team has an in-depth understanding of the local landscape and is happy to provide you with detailed information. Book a meeting with our expert or submit a request form, and we’ll be in touch with you soon!