Poland digital nomad guide (visas, accommodation, cost of living, transport, coworking spaces, essential services, weather, and more)

Poland, a country with rich history and culture, has become one of the top destinations for digital nomads from around the world. Thanks to its affordable cost of living, well-developed infrastructure, and unique cities, Poland offers a great combination of the old and the new.

This makes it an ideal base for those remote workers who want to travel around Europe in particular. Our guide will equip you with the essential information you need to have as a digital nomad in this country, from visas and accommodations for rent in Poland to local cuisine and co-working spaces.

• Why Poland?
• General facts
• Best time to visit
• Visas
• Best cities
• Cost of living
  
• Accommodation types
  
• Itineraries
  
• Coworking spaces
  
• Public places for remote work
  
• Must-try dishes
  
• Transportation
  
• Essential services
  
• Top activities
  
• Networking
  
• Best neighborhoods
  
• Top places to visit
  
• Tips
  
• Basic Polish phrases
  
• FAQs
  
• Other useful information

Why Poland?

Poland is popular among digital nomads for different reasons. Here are some of them:

• Affordability: Compared to countries in Western Europe, Poland offers a much lower cost of living, but without compromising on quality.
• Connectivity: Remote workers who rely on fast, reliable Internet connections. consider Poland a heaven because of its high-speed internet that's widely available.
• Culture and history: Thanks to its history, Poland offers lots of exploration opportunities with stunning architecture, cultural festivals, museums, and more. 
• Safety: Poland is regarded as one of the safest European countries.
• Location: Located in Central Europe, Poland offers easy access to other countries in Europe, making it an ideal home base for exploring the continent.

General facts

• Capital: Warsaw
• Population: Approximately 38 million
• Language: Polish
• Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)
• Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
• Climate: Poland has four distinct seasons and a temperate climate. It has cold winters, warm summers, mild springs, and cool autumns.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Poland obviously depends on your preferences. These are some details that you may find useful. 

• Spring (March to May): Blooming flowers and mild temperatures make this season a very pleasant time to visit. 
• Summer (June to August): Long days and warm weather are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
• Autumn (September to November): Colorful leaves and cooler temperature create a beautiful backdrop for discovering the country.
• Winter (December to February): Snowy and cold, perfect for winter sports and enjoying Christmas markets.

Image source: Dawid Zawila on Unsplash

Visas and digital nomad visa

• Schengen visa: Poland is part of the Schengen Area, which means that visitors from many countries are allowed to enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Digital nomad visa: Poland does not offer a digital nomad visa. However, it is exploring options for such an initiative. In the meantime, digital normals can use the Schengen Visa or other long-term visas such as the National D Visa for longer stays.

Best cities

Poland has several cities that are great for digital nomads interested in knowing new cultures. 

• Warsaw: The capital city offers a combination of history and modernity. It is full of life, business opportunities, and cultural sites.
• Kraków: Famous for its medieval architecture, lively nightlife, and a growing expat community.
• Wrocław: A beautiful city with many canals and an evolving tech scene. 
• Gdańsk: A coastal city with beautiful beaches and a rich maritime history. 
• Poznań: A business hub with a pleasant atmosphere and lots of green spaces. 

Find perfect apartments for rent in Poland

Cost of living

Poland is known for its affordable cost of living. Here is a general breakdown:

• Accommodation: Rents vary by type of housing and city.
  
  • Warsaw: €600-€1200 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Kraków: €500-€1000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Wrocław: €450-€900 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Gdańsk: €500-€1000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Poznań: €400-€800 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Food: Dining out is relatively affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing between €10-€15. Groceries for a month can cost between €150-€300.
• Transportation: Public transport is inexpensive and efficient. Monthly passes range from €20-€30.
• Utilities and internet: Expect to pay about €15-€25 a month for high-speed internet and €100-€150 for utilities.

Accommodation types in Poland

In Poland, digital nomads can find different types of accommodations for rent.

• Apartments: Fully furnished apartments are very popular among remote workers for their convenience.
• Shared housing: If you want to reduce your rental costs, you can rent a room in a shared apartment or house.
• Serviced apartments: Service apartments come with amenities like cleaning, which makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a hotel-like experience.
• Coliving spaces: These spaces are designed specifically for nomads and provide a community environment as well as shared workspaces.

Flatio: Flexible, deposit-free stays in Poland

Are you looking for flexible, reasonably priced, and deposit-free accommodations to rent in Poland? Take a look at the listings on Flatio and we think you will find a suitable living space in the following cities:

Image source: Maksym Harbar on Unsplash

Itineraries

1 weekend

• Day 1: Visit Warsaw’s Old Town, explore the Royal Castle, and have dinner at a restaurant in the city center.
• Day 2: Take a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum near Kraków or the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

1 week

• Days 1-2: Discover Warsaw, including Łazienki Park and the POLIN Museum.
• Days 3-4: Travel to Kraków to see the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter).
• Days 5-6: Go to Wrocław to explore Ostrów Tumski, the Market Square, and the Centennial Hall.
• Day 7: Visit the Museum of the Second World War and Gdańsk’s Old Town.

1 month

• Week 1: Settle in Warsaw, spend time visiting some of the local attractions, and join meetups or coworking spaces.
• Week 2: Spend a week in Kraków, explore historic sites and experience the nightlife.
• Week 3: Travel to Wrocław and enjoy the local culture and coworking community.
• Week 4: Visit Gdańsk, relax by the Baltic Sea, and finish your week with a trip to Poznań.

+3 months

• Month 1: Use Warsaw as your base, explore the city, and take short trips to the surrounding towns.
• Month 2: Relocate to Kraków, discover its cultural scene, and attend local networking events.
• Month 3: Spend some time in Wrocław, visit attractions like the Karkonosze Mountains, and connect with the tech community.
• Beyond: Explore other regions such as Masuria, the Tatra Mountains, and Łódź, or extend your stay in one of your favorite cities.

Find perfect apartments for rent in Warsaw

Coworking spaces in Poland

Poland has a growing number of coworking spaces, which cater to digital normals with different interests and needs. These are some well-known ones:

Warsaw

• Mindspace Koszyki
• Business Link Astoria

Kraków

• Hub
• Colab
• Kraków Technology Park

Wrocław

• Business Link Wrocław
• Idea Place
• Creativro

Gdańsk

• O4 Coworking
• Inkubator STARTER
• Coworking Trójmiasto

Poznań

• Plus Jeden
• PixelHouse
• CoWork Poznań

Public places for remote work

Poland offers many public places ideal for remote work:

• Cafés: Many cafés in Poland welcome digital nomads, offering a comfortable atmosphere and free Wi-Fi.
• Libraries: Public libraries often provide internet access and quiet workspaces.
• Parks: Parks can be a nice place to work outdoors during warmer months.
• University campuses: Some universities allow non-students to access their facilities.

Image source: Osttap Senyuk on Unsplash

Must-try dishes in Poland

Polish cuisine is flavorful and hearty. These are some of the dishes that you must try when visiting Poland:

• Pierogi: Dumplings stuffed with different fillings, such as cheese, meat, potatoes, or fruit.
• Bigos: A traditional hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, meats, and fresh cabbage.
• Żurek: A sour rye soup with eggs and sausage that is often served in a bread bowl. 
• Placki Ziemniaczane: Potato pancakes that are sometimes served with goulash or sour cream.
• Kielbasa: Polish sausage that is available in many varieties. It is often boiled or grilled.
• Gołąbki: Cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, cooked in a tomato sauce.
• Makowiec: A poppy seed roll that's popular as a desert.

Transportation in Poland

Poland’s transportation network is well-developed, offering different options for getting around.

• Trains: PKP Intercity operates long-distance trains linking major cities. You can buy tickets online or at stations.
• Buses: Regional and intercity buses are affordable and cover destinations that are not served by trains.
• Trams: Most major cities are served by extensive tram networks, perfect for short distances.
• Metro: Warsaw has a modern metro system that has two lines.
• Taxis and ride-sharing: Available in cities, make sure that you use licensed services.
• Public transport passes: Monthly passes range from €20-€30 and offer unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metros.

Find perfect apartments for rent in Krakow

Essential services in Poland

• Healthcare: Poland offers a mix of private and public health care. Private healthcare is the recommended choice for English-speaking staff and faster service.
• Banking: It is easy and straightforward to open a bank account in Poland. Many banks offer services in English.
• SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards are affordable and readily available. They offer data plans that are suitable for remote work.
• Postal services: Poczta Polska provides reliable postal services, and courier companies usually offer faster options.

Top activities

In Poland, you can engage in a variety of activities and enjoy your stay as a digital nomad.

• Historical tours: Visit historic sites like the Warsaw Uprising Museum, Auschwitz, and Wawel Castle.
• Outdoor adventures: Sail in the Masurian Lake District, hike in the Tatra Mountains, or ski in Zakopane.
• Cultural experiences: Attend theater performances, music festivals, and art exhibitions.
• City exploration: Discover street art, hidden gems in city neighborhoods, and local markets.
• Wellness: Enjoy spa treatments in places like the Baltic Coast or the Tatra Mountains.

Networking

Networking is important for digital nomads, and the good news is that Poland offers many opportunities to see and connect with like minded professionals. 

• Meetups: Join local meetups that are focused on technology, digital nomadism, and entrepreneurship. 
• Conferences: Attend industry events and conferences in cities like Warsaw and Kraków.
• Coworking spaces: Connect with the community through workshops and events. 
• Social media groups: Join digital nomad and expat groups and platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Best neighborhoods

Each city in Poland has its own characteristics, but these are the neighborhoods that are particularly popular among nomads. 

• Warsaw: Praga for its artistic feel, Śródmieście for its amenities and central location.
• Kraków: Kazimierz for its culture, Old Town for its historic vibe.
• Wrocław: Stare Miasto for its central location, Nadodrze for its creative environment. 
• Gdańsk: Old Town for its beautiful scenery, Wrzeszcz for its lively community.
• Poznań: Stare Miasto for its historic places, Jeżyce for its trendy shops and cafes. 

Image source: Oleksii Topolianskyi on Unsplash

Top places to visit

Poland has many must-visit places that will enhance your experience, such as: 

• Warsaw Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rebuilt after WWII.
• Kraków’s Main Market Square: Europe’s largest medieval square.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: A subterranean wonder close to Kraków.
• Białowieża Forest: Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European bison.
• Malbork Castle: The world’s largest castle by land area.
• Tatra Mountains: Ideal for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. Masurian Lake District: Perfect for water sports and sailing.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau: A poignant reminder of history.

Tips

• Learn basic Polish: While many Poles speak English, especially in touristic areas, it’s good to learn a few phrases.
• Currency exchange: To avoid paying high fees, use official exchange offices or withdraw from ATMs. 
• Emergency numbers: 112 for general emergencies, 997 for police, 999 for medical emergencies, and 998 for fire.
• Local etiquette: Poles value punctuality and politeness. Remember to  respect local customs and greet people properly.

Basic Polish language phrases

Learning some basic Polish can make your stay more enjoyable:

• Hello: Cześć (cheshch)
• Good Morning: Dzień dobry (jen doh-bri)
• Good Evening: Dobry wieczór (doh-bri vyetch-oor)
• Goodbye: Do widzenia (doh veed-zen-ya)
• Please: Proszę (pro-sheh)
• Thank You: Dziękuję (jen-koo-yeh)
• Yes: Tak (tahk)
• No: Nie (nyeh)
• Excuse Me: Przepraszam (psheh-prah-shahm)
• Do You Speak English?: Czy mówisz po angielsku? (chi moo-veesh po ahn-gyel-skoo)
• How Much Does It Cost?: Ile to kosztuje? (ee-leh toh kosh-too-yeh)
• Where Is…?: Gdzie jest…? (gjeh yest)
• Help!: Pomocy! (po-moh-tsi)

Image source: Andrea Anastasakis on Unsplash

FAQs

1. Do I need a visa to stay in Poland?
   
   • You don’t need a visa if you’re from the EU/EEA. For non-EU nationals, a Schengen visa lets you stay for 90 days in a 180-day period.
2. Is the cost of living high in Poland?
   
   • The cost of living in Poland is affordable, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging between €400-€1200 depending on the city.
3. Is Poland safe for nomads?
   • Yes, Poland is very safe and has low crime rates.
4. How good is the internet in Poland?
   • The internet in Poland is reliable and fast. Many coworking spaces and public places offer free Wi-Fi.
5. Can I work remotely in public places?
   • Yes, many libraries, cafés, and parks are good spots for remote work.
6. What are the best cities for nomads in Poland?
   • Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Poznań are some of the top choices.
7. How do I get around in Poland?
   • Public transport is inexpensive and affordable, with options like trains, buses, metros, and trams. 
8. What is the healthcare system like in Poland?
   • Poland has both private and public healthcare systems. Private healthcare is recommended if you prefer faster service and English-speaking staff.
9. Can I find coworking spaces in Poland?
   • Yes, main cities have a large number of coworking spaces with modern facilities.
10. What is the weather like in Poland?
    • Poland has a temperate climate with mild springs, cold winters, cool autumns, and warm summers.

Find perfect apartments for rent in Wroclaw

Other useful information

• Power outlets: Poland uses Type E outlets. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
• Tap Water: Tap water is safe to drink in general, but you can buy bottled water, which is widely available.
• Cultural sensitivity: Poles value their traditions and history. Show respect when engaging with locals and visiting historical sites.
• Public holidays: Be aware of public holidays because many shops and businesses may close or reduce their operating hours. 

Experience Poland with Flatio

Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Poland? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:

• Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
• Wide range of accommodation options
• Utilities and Wi-Fi included
• No deposit required for stays under 180 days
• Balanced, legally binding lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
• Very attractive cancelation policy
• Online signing of lease agreement
• StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
• Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
• 100% money protection
• Customer support available every day of the week
• No hidden fees
• Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option

Header image source: Kamil Gliwinski on Unsplash