In recent years, Poland, with its favorable geographic location, relatively low cost of living and a strong interest in theimmigrantsFriendly policies have made it an immigration destination for more and more people. However, from the application to the real landing, the road of immigration is not always smooth. In this article, we will share, through real experiences, thePoland ImmigrationIt also summarizes some common "pitfalls" to help you be well-prepared and successfully complete your immigration journey.

Step 1: Determine the mode of immigration

The main routes of immigration to Poland include:

1. Work migration: Obtain a work visa through employer sponsorship and later apply for long-term residence or permanent residence.
2. Study Abroad Immigration: Apply to a Polish university first and stay in Poland after graduation through a work visa or entrepreneurial visa.
3. business migrant: Register a company and operate it, and apply for residency after meeting certain conditions.
4. investment immigration: Residency through home purchase or investment (currently not the dominant method).
5. family reunification: If the spouse or an immediate relative is a Polish citizen or legal resident, the application for immigration may be made through family reunification.

For most people.Work migrationIt is the most secure way, with a lower threshold and higher success rate.

Step 2: Apply for Visa and Work Permit

1. Applications for work permits

If you choose to work as an immigrant, you will first need to find a Polish employer. The employer will need to apply for yourWork Permit, which usually include the following types:

• Category A: Applies to foreigners holding a contract with a Polish employer.
• Category B: Applies to foreigners holding executive positions in Polish companies.
• Category C/D/E: Applies to specific situations such as the transfer of employees by multinational corporations.

Employers usually need to file a petition with the local labor office, and the whole process may take 1-3 monthsThe

2. Application for a visa (national visa category D)

After obtaining a work permit, the next step is to apply to the Polish Embassy in the country of residence Visas for countries in category D, the materials to be prepared include:

✅ Valid passport
✅ Completed visa application form
✅ Work permit
✅ Employment contracts
✅ Bank balance (proof of sufficient funds to support life in Poland)
✅ Certificate of No Criminal Conviction
✅ Proof of accommodation

Visa approval time is usually 4-8 weeksIt is recommended that applications be submitted as early as possible.

Step 3: Arrival and settlement in Poland

Once you have your visa, you can organize your trip to Poland. There are several things you need to do when you first arrive in Poland:

1. Obtaining a residence card (Karta Pobytu)

A visa is only a short-term entry permit. For long-term residence, you need to apply as soon as possible.Temporary residence card(Temporary Residence Permit). The process is as follows:

📌 Submission of application to the Polish Migration Office (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców)
📌 Fingerprinting, payment of fees (approx. PLN 340-440)
📌 Wait for approval (usually 2-6 months)

A guide to avoiding the pit:
👉 When applying for a residence card, you must make sure that your documents are complete to avoid delays if they are returned due to missing documents.

2. Addressing accommodation issues

If your employer does not provide accommodation, you can find a room by doing the following:

• Rental websites: OtoDom, OLX, Gratka
• Facebook Rental Groups
• offline broker(subject to the payment of a brokerage fee)

In general.Rental markets in Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław and other major cities are highly competitiveIt is recommended to contact the host online in advance to avoid the anxiety of finding a room on the fly upon arrival.

3. Opening of bank accounts

Major banks in Poland include: PKO Bank Polski, ING Bank Śląski, Santander Bank, and others. They are usually required when opening an account:

✅ Passport
✅ Proof of residential address
✅ Work contract (may be required by some banks)

After opening your account, remember to request aBank card (Debit Card), facilitating everyday payments.

4. Application for a PESEL number

PESEL is a Polish personal identification number, similar to a social security number. Although it is currently optional for foreigners, it may be needed to apply for a residence card or to access medical services. It can be applied for at the local town hall (Urząd Miasta) and the process is simple and free.

Step 4: AdaptationImmigration to Polandhostilities

1. Understanding the cost of living

The cost of living in Poland is lower than in Western European countries, but it varies considerably from city to city. Take Warsaw, for example:

• rent an apartment: Studio apartment PLN 2500-3500/month
• transportation: Monthly Ticket 110 Zloty
• Supermarket Shopping: PLN 800-1500 per month
• medical insurance: If employed by a company, the company usually pays for ZUS insurance.

A guide to avoiding the pit:
👉 Renting an apartment to be wary of the "second landlord" trapTo avoid paying high brokerage fees and not getting a house.
👉 Rational planning of expenditures, don't compare yourself blindly and choose a lifestyle that suits your financial situation.

2. Linguistic and cultural adaptation

Although English is commonly spoken in big cities, learning basic Polish (e.g. greetings, shopping phrases) can greatly improve the ease of living. You can use Duolingo or enroll in a local language course.

A guide to avoiding the pit:
👉 Some government agencies do not provide English language servicesIf you are applying for a residence card, it is advisable to bring an interpreter or prepare materials in Polish in advance.

Step 5: Long-term planning and application for permanent residence

After working and living steadily in Poland, one can consider applying for Long-term Residence or Polish citizenship. Generally, the following conditions are met to apply for Long-term Residence:

✅ 5 years of legal residence in Poland
✅ Stable income and health insurance
✅ Passed the Basic Polish Examination (A2 level)

A guide to avoiding the pit:
👉 Prepare for the language test in advance to avoid the application being affected by insufficient language skills.
👉 It is important that the application documents are complete and that you consult the immigration office in advance to ensure that the requirements are up-to-date.