Author of the article
Yaroslav Lanetsky
Moving from one country to another is always complex and multi-staged. It’s not enough to simply pack your bags and buy a ticket; you also need to go through numerous legal procedures. This process is complicated by not knowing the local language and legislation. That’s why Ukrainians often choose Poland to start a new life. On the one hand, it’s a friendly country that provides assistance to Ukrainian citizens and supports European integration. On the other hand, it has a convenient geographical location, similar cultural values, offers decent living conditions, and a simple legalization system. Emigration to Poland from Ukraine has become even more relevant amidst the war, as Ukrainians are forced to seek safe places for themselves and their children.
Poland is one of the most popular countries for immigration due to its geographical proximity, stable economy, relatively easy language, favorable conditions for integration, and simple relocation procedures. So, if you’re planning to move to Poland, gather as much information as possible about the specifics of legalization, document processing, requirements for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit, and rules for staying in the country.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Poland
Ukrainians choose to move to Poland due to its direct proximity, similar mentality, cultural values, and languages. Moreover, this country is an EU member, has a stable economy, and a transparent legal system.
Poland offers broad opportunities for study, work, and business, creating a favorable environment for adaptation and providing clear and understandable conditions for legalization.
Among other advantages of living in Poland are:
- Affordable medical services;
- Safe living environment;
- Low unemployment rate;
- Freedom of movement within the EU;
- Social security;
- Free higher education at state universities;
- A large number of vacancies in various sectors, including for people without higher education;
- Opportunities for business development – benefits, simplified tax system, etc.;
- Higher earning potential than in Ukraine.
Poland offers many ways for legal stay, the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit, and eventually, Polish citizenship. For Ukrainians after February 24, 2022, special simplified procedures have been developed for obtaining temporary protection, allowing them to legally live, study, and work in the country.
Disadvantages of living in Poland:
- Lower salary levels than in Germany, France, Belgium, or other Western EU countries;
- High cost of renting accommodation in Warsaw, Krakow, and other large Polish cities;
- Complex bureaucratic procedures;
- Difficulties in finding accommodation without knowing the language and local area.
If you look at the pros and cons of living in Poland, the advantages certainly outweigh the disadvantages. Some drawbacks can also be overcome by seeking assistance from specialists who deal with legalization, employment, and housing search. They can help you quickly and accurately process and translate documents, submit them to the relevant state authorities within deadlines, and find optimally priced housing in your desired area.
Moving to Poland from Ukraine is becoming more and more relevant, especially in times of war, as the country offers geographical proximity, cultural similarities, a stable economy and simplified legalization procedures, making it an attractive choice for starting a new life, despite some bureaucratic difficulties and high rental prices in large cities.
Ways to Immigrate to Poland
Obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit in Poland is regulated by the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees, the Polish Act “On Foreigners,” and other legal acts. According to Polish legislation, there are several ways to legalize your stay in Poland, each with its own peculiarities and suited to a certain category of foreigners. Immigration to Poland from Ukraine includes the following options:- PESEL UKR – This is a temporary protection status granted to Ukrainians in Poland after February 24, 2022. It’s the simplest way to legally stay in the country and gain rights to housing, education, employment, social assistance, and travel within EU countries. This status prohibits leaving Poland for more than 30 days. If this requirement is violated, the status is annulled.
- Karta pobytu (Residence Card) – A temporary residence permit in the country, issued upon enrollment in a Polish university, official employment in Poland, or registration of a private enterprise or company. It grants Ukrainians the same rights as Poles.
- Karta CUKR – A special permit for legal stay in Poland for 3 years. It is granted to Ukrainians with a valid foreign passport, active UKR status, or continuous UKR status for at least 365 days.
- Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card). Only foreigners with Polish roots can obtain this. You need to prove Polish ancestry or the presence of close relatives in Poland (mother, father, grandfather, or grandmother). The Karta Polaka simplifies the legalization process but does not automatically grant Polish citizenship. It is issued for 10 years with the possibility of extension, but the holder has the right to apply for citizenship one year after receiving the Card.
- Employment. A work visa or an employment contract with a Polish employer, signed for at least one year, can be a basis for relocation. To obtain a residence permit in Poland, you first need to find a job, conclude an agreement with a company, and apply for a work visa.
- Education. Obtaining higher education at a Polish university or college allows for temporary relocation to Poland. After graduation, a foreigner has the right to get a job to obtain a residence permit. The basis for moving for studies is confirmation of enrollment at a university and payment of tuition for one year in advance. The person must also have the necessary funds to cover expenses while living in Poland.
- Business Registration. Opening a new company in Poland or acquiring an already registered one can be a reason for relocation. The authorities grant a temporary residence permit for three years with the possibility of extending the Karta pobytu for commercial activities. To obtain such a permit, you need to create at least two jobs and pay taxes on time.
- Family Reunification. If you have relatives who have legal status in Poland, you can apply for a temporary residence permit based on family ties. Spouses, minor children, as well as adult children, parents over 65, and other dependent relatives are eligible for immigration for family reunification. To obtain the permit, you need to prove family ties and provide documents confirming sufficient financial resources to support the family.
- Repatriation. This is the process of returning to their homeland for people of Polish origin who found themselves, not of their own free will, in the Asian part of the former USSR (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and others). According to the law, Poles and/or their descendants who were once subjected to political persecution, deported from Poland, or exiled can return to Poland. Such persons, after confirming their Polish origin, can apply for citizenship immediately upon return.
- Marriage to a Polish citizen. Marrying a Pole, provided that proof of cohabitation is presented, allows you to obtain a temporary residence and employment permit in Poland. After 3 years of residence, the foreigner can apply for citizenship.
- Volunteering. Participants in volunteer programs can obtain a residence permit in Poland for a period of 3-12 months with the right to extend the permit.
- International Protection. Foreigners who face persecution in their country of origin or whose lives are threatened by military action or terror can ask the Polish authorities to grant them refugee status or subsidiary protection. This allows them to legally live and work in Poland and avoid deportation.
Features of Moving to Poland
Immigration is an important decision that requires careful planning and consideration of a number of factors. These include legal procedures, living conditions, finances, and so on. To make adaptation more comfortable, it’s best to learn about the cultural and economic aspects and peculiarities of life in Poland in advance.
What factors should you consider when moving to Poland:
- Registration procedure – depends on the method of legalization and the purpose of entry; it involves filling out and submitting documents within the legally established timeframe to the city or gmina (municipality) office;
- Documents – to obtain a residence permit, you need to fill out an application in Polish and submit the documents required by Polish law, with a sworn translation into Polish;
- Housing rental – individuals planning to live in Poland for a long period must find an apartment and register their place of residence at the local Urząd (office);
- Moving to Poland by car – you need an international driver’s license or a new-style Ukrainian driver’s license, which will need to be replaced with a Polish one in Poland, as well as a vehicle registration certificate and an international insurance certificate “Green Card”;
- Medical insurance – it is mandatory for everyone planning to live, study, and work in Poland;
- Financial support – for minor children attending a Polish school, the state pays 800 PLN, and the law also provides for a one-time aid of 300 PLN upon entry into the country;
- Free medical care – for Ukrainians who arrived after February 24, 2022, and have a PESEL UKR number.
In general, foreigners who obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit in Poland, regardless of the reason for their arrival, have the same rights regarding education, employment, medical treatment, and legal protection as Polish citizens.
At the same time, immigration to Poland from Ukraine has become simpler due to special state support programs for Ukrainians and a simplified registration procedure. However, it’s important to comply with Polish legal requirements and deadlines to avoid problems, remain in the country legally, and enjoy the benefits of living in the EU.
Main Stages of Immigration to Poland
If you plan to move to Poland for permanent residence, you will have to prepare thoroughly and go through some bureaucratic procedures, particularly regarding address registration, obtaining a residence permit, replacing your driver’s license if needed, and so on.
5 main stages of immigration:
1. Preparation
You need to choose a method of legalization, prepare the necessary documents, and make sure you have enough money for relocation and living in Poland for the initial period until you find a job. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with Polish laws regarding employment, tax payments, etc.
2. Registration upon arrival in Poland
First of all, you need to find housing and register your place of residence. You must obtain a permit to stay in Poland. For this, you need to submit an application with documents to the relevant state authority. For Ukrainians, the simplest way is to obtain temporary protection status at the local Urząd and receive an individual PESEL UKR number, which confirms the right to reside and work.
3. Adaptation and Integration
Upon arrival in Poland, foreigners learn the Polish language, look for a job, or choose a university to enroll in. They study local customs and traditions, meet new people, and adapt to the city they have settled in.
4. Obtaining a Karta pobytu (Residence Card)
After 2-3 years of continuous residence in Poland, foreigners have the right to apply for a Karta stałego pobytu (Permanent Residence Card) for a period of 10 years, with the possibility of extension.
5. Acquisition of Citizenship
Polish citizenship can be freely obtained by individuals who have proven their affiliation with the Polish nation and have received the Karta Polaka. Repatriation also allows for quick acquisition of citizenship. Poland offers a simplified procedure for acquiring citizenship for the return of former citizens or their descendants from post-Soviet Asian countries to which they were displaced.
Foreigners can apply for a Polish passport only after 5 years of legal, continuous residence in Poland. They will have to pass an exam on Polish history and language or provide proof of language proficiency at least at level B1. They must also confirm a stable source of income and no criminal record.
Moving to Poland is a long and challenging process, especially for those who do not know the Polish language and Polish laws. Therefore, it is advisable not only to prepare for immigration in advance but also to seek assistance from Real Consult specialists.
The company’s migration law consultants, lawyers, and translators will explain how to move to Poland without obstacles, help you correctly and quickly gather all necessary documents, make a sworn translation into Polish, and prepare and submit an application for a temporary residence permit. You can consult on any issues regarding legalization, employment, tax payments, education, and housing search – online or offline. If needed, specialists will provide comprehensive legal support during registration, temporary protection processing, repatriation, obtaining a Karta Polaka, Karta pobytu, or a visa. To schedule a consultation, call us, send a message via messenger, or fill out the form on our website.
Quality of Life in Poland
Ukrainians and other foreigners often choose Poland for immigration. But to understand whether the country meets your needs and expectations, you first need to learn about life in Poland.
Overall, Poland is one of the largest economies in Eastern Europe, so it has a relatively high standard of living among the countries in this region. Thanks to its social and economic stability, favorable conditions for work and study have been created here. The country offers a wide selection of vacancies in various sectors and for people with different qualifications.
Location
Poland is located in the central part of Europe, making it convenient to reach any EU country from here. Well-thought-out logistics, a large number of bus carriers, and affordable offers from airlines allow for free travel worldwide. And the shared border with Ukraine makes Poland accessible through quick and relatively simple relocation.
The climate in Poland is continental, with cold winters and warm summers, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, especially for those who don’t like frosts.
Labor Market
The largest number of vacancies in Poland are in such sectors as construction, agriculture, IT, logistics, mechanical engineering, food industry, hospitality, medicine, and services.
For those who do not know Polish and are interested in how to live in Poland, there are job offers in warehouses, where goods need to be assembled, sorted, and packed, as well as in enterprises involved in food production and household waste processing.
Economy
Poland has a stable economy, low unemployment, and developed infrastructure. It offers many opportunities for earning and business development.
The country also has quite effective social support. Ukrainians with temporary protection can receive unemployment benefits, money for children, and other payments.
Salary
Poland offers not only official employment but also competitive salaries. The level of earnings depends on the industry, region, and qualifications of employees. Salaries are usually higher in large cities, but living there is also more expensive.
On average, foreigners can earn 4500-6000 PLN per month, which is 1000-1300 EUR.
Housing Cost
If you are planning to move from Ukraine to Poland, consider housing prices. Apartments in large cities like Warsaw or Krakow are the most expensive. The average rental prices for a one-room apartment here range from 3000-4000 PLN per month. In Gdańsk and Wrocław, you can find good options for 2500-3000 PLN, and in smaller towns – for 1800-2500 PLN. Therefore, Ukrainians mostly choose to live in cities like Gdynia, Reda, Rumia, Sopot, Borkowo, Żukowo, Pruszcz Gdański, etc., where housing is more affordable.
Food Prices
Prices for daily necessities are moderate compared to other EU countries. However, dairy products, meat, vegetables, and some other products in Poland are about 20% more expensive than in Ukraine.
Safety
Poland is one of the safest countries in the EU. It has a low crime rate, a transparent legal system, and the police diligently perform their duties.
Education
Poland has over 450 universities and other educational institutions. Most of them are private, but with moderate prices for courses.
Ukrainians who plan to move to Poland for studies must obtain temporary protection. Then they will be able to study at state universities for free or with minimal fees. To receive a scholarship and enroll in a free program, certain requirements must be met.
Medicine
Poland offers quality and accessible medical services. Foreigners need to obtain medical insurance to be able to consult a doctor and receive treatment.
Leisure
Poland has numerous historical and architectural monuments, notable places, and castles to visit. There are also ski resorts, nature reserves, and picturesque natural spots. The country offers various options for quiet and active recreation. Those interested can go kayaking, horseback riding, hiking in the mountains, choose interesting cycling routes, visit amusement parks, galleries, museums, and restaurants.
Since Poland actively promotes a healthy lifestyle, the country has many sports clubs, swimming pools, playgrounds, and stadiums where you can play football, basketball, or volleyball.
Poland can be a favorable option for relocation. The standard of living here is quite high compared to other Eastern European countries. There are many job offers, opportunities for starting and developing businesses, and overall for comfortable and safe living. Furthermore, Poland is geographically, culturally, and linguistically close to Ukrainians. This makes the adaptation process faster and easier. And the simplified procedure for obtaining temporary protection status for Ukrainian citizens allows them to legally live in Poland, work officially, and receive assistance.
To meet the requirements of Polish law and avoid mistakes and problems during legalization, seek help from Real Consult. Our migration law specialists and translators will help you correctly and quickly process the necessary documents, submit an application to the relevant state body, and obtain a residence permit in Poland without the territorial recruitment center (TCC) and consulate. To schedule a consultation online or offline, call us, send a request via Messenger, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, or fill out the form on our website.