Living in Poland

Cost of Living in Poland

In proportion to avarge income, the cost of living in Poland is one of the highest in the European Union. For a British national however, both day-to-day costs and property prices will seem extraordinarily affordable.

Buying a House in Poland

There are no restrictions on buying a house for permanent residence and land up to 0.5 hectares if you are moving to Poland from UK. You can lease land or property with no restrictions, if for over a year you need a written agreement. Try to get an English-speaking lawyer or a translator. In any case, sign nothing unless you fully understand it, the documents will be written in Polish. These are the steps usually taken:

Choose your home.
Negotiate a price with the seller or estate agent.
A notary will draw up a deed of contract.
Other forms of contract are not admissible by law.
You pay a deposit (20%), and set a date for completion.
The notary carries out the searches into title and any encumbrances.
The balance is paid, and the seller presents a document proving that there are no outstanding loans on the property.
Final contract is signed in the presence of the notary.

The process usually takes between 29 and 75 days.

The total costs include all costs of buying and then re-selling a property – lawyers’ fees, notaries’ fees, registration fees, taxes, agents’ fees, etc., and come to around 5.5-8% for new build homes and 28-31% for old properties. The estate agent charges about 3% commission, paid for by you. Registration fees come to around £60 and there is a civil tax of 2% to pay on older properties.

It usually costs more than you expect, so check your finances carefully. Currency rates will probably affect you.

Working in Poland

Poland is operating under The European Free Movement of Workers agreement. Therefore you can live and work in Poland without a visa or work permit.

Your ability to find work depends upon your language skills as much as qualifications. English is a bonus, but it helps to be fairly fluent in Polish. If you are moving for employment, the administrative details may be handled by the employer. It is wise to get a written contract if possible. A verbal contract gives little protection.

removals to Poland

For information about recognition of qualifications follow the links on www.gov.uk

It is usual to shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving work, but wait for a woman to extend her hand. Some older businessmen may kiss a woman’s hand upon meeting. In Poland people consider titles as prestigious, so be sure to print yours on your business card – one side of which should be in Polish. Don’t just move to first names, wait until they invite you. You may do business with people for years and not be on a first name basis.