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Living in Poland: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Poland.

The Republic of Poland is the European Union's 6th economic powerhouse. By choosing to settle here, you will enjoy a lower cost of living than in many other European countries. However, salaries also tend to be lower, unless you are an entrepreneur.

By living in Poland, expats will also discover a warm population, a great historical heritage dating back to the first millennium and an incomparable cuisine.

Every year, foreign workers, students, etc, move to Poland in large numbers. Indeed, the country has been attracting many expatriates worldwide, especially due to its dynamic and prosperous economy, as well as the numerous career prospects which are available there. Poland also provides quality living to its inhabitants with its rich cultural and historical background and its multicultural environment and population.

Geography

Bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kaliningrad and Lithuania, Poland is a member of the European Union since 2004. Thanks to its wide opening over the Baltic Sea, the country is a major platform for the export of agricultural and manufactured products and coal.

Poland consists of 16 regions (voïvodies) which are divided into 379 districts (powiaty) and subdivided into 2,478 municipalities (gminy). 65 cities are also known as districts. Warsaw, the capital city, Krakow, Lodz, Wroclaw and Poznan, etc., are its biggest cities.

Demography

To date, Poland ranks 34th among the world's most densely populated countries with more than 38 million inhabitants. The population comprises, namely, Poles, as well as expatriates who have come different parts of the world, including Eastern countries, Europe (France, Germany and the United Kingdom), the USA, China, Turkey, Sweden, and many others.

The country attracts expatriates, especially for its openness over the rest of Europe and for its conducive business climate.

Languages

Polish is the official language in Poland. It is spoken by almost the whole of the native population as Poland is one of Europe's most homogenous countries. However, other languages such as English, Russian, German and French are also spoken in the country.

Economy

Since it joined the European Union, Poland has experienced a growing dynamism which has allowed it to support its infrastructure financially. This is how it has managed to attract foreign investors more easily. To date, Poland is deemed to be the European Union's 6th economic powerhouse. Note that it has not be affected by the global financial crisis in 2008-2010.

The country's economy mainly relies on the primary and secondary sectors, but in general, most sectors involve trade and investment. Indeed, the country enjoys a high growth rate along with a vast local market and political stability. These factors have greatly encouraged foreign companies to set up their offices in the different Pole cities.

Climate

Poland enjoy an oceanic climate from the North to the West and continental climate from the South to the East. In winter, temperatures are quite harsh, ranging from -8 to 3°C. Summer, for its part, is rather mild as temperatures rarely exceed 30°C. Summer is more humid than winter, especially in the East.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' Poland
Poland Official Portal www.poland.travel
OECD ' Poland www.oecd.org

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All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Poland.

Visas for Poland

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All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Poland.

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Find, in this article, all that you need to know on the Polish tax system and discover how to settle your tax payments.

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From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Poland.

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Wondering what are the means of transport available in Poland? Find out in this article.

Driving

Essential information on driving requirements in Poland, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in Poland

Driving in Poland

Are expats allowed to drive in Poland? Can they use their international driver's license? Find out in this article.

Communications

Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Poland.

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Phones and Internet in Poland

Find, in this article, an overview of the Polish telecommunications market and some tips to help you get connected.

Key facts

Capital: Warsaw
Official Languages: Polish
Currency: Zloty
Area: 312,685Km²
Population: 38,500,000
Calling Code: +48
Timezone: Europe/Warsaw

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