FREE Listing – Warsaw Business & Services Directory
To list your business for FREE on our business directory, please complete the form below. On receipt of your information, our team will add your listing within 48 hours.
Please note that at this time, listings are restricted to the following: lawyers, accountants, marketing companies, financial advisors, doctors & dentists, estate agents, Polish teachers, painters & decorators and property maintenance services.
Listings are also restricted to Warsaw at this time. We intend to expand the directory to other areas soon.
Please note that it is essential that you can provide your services using the English language.
Welcome to our resource for expats in Poland! We’ve compiled a list of groups, pages, and links that we hope will be helpful for those adjusting to life in a new country.
Updated – 24 January 2024
Expats in Warsaw: A forum for networking and a source of information for all Warsaw expatriates or people thinking about moving to the city.
Warsaw Internationals: A group for people of all nationalities living in Warsaw to meet, socialize, and make new friends.
InterNations: there’s a lot of information available here. They also organise various events.
Brits in Poland is a very useful resource providing information about all sorts of issues about living in Poland and also cover the many challenges facing British expats post-Brexit.
Krakow Expats is a very useful resource and they have both a website and a Facebook page. They provide information about all sorts of things related to living & playing specifically in Krakow but also covering living in Poland generally.
The First News: an excellent website and Facebook page, which aims to bring readers entertaining, engaging and informative news, features and reportage from across Poland and beyond.
Embassy of the United States in Warsaw: The official website of the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, providing information and resources for American citizens living in Poland.
British Embassy: the official website of the British Embassy in Warsaw.
Park Run is weekly fun run of 5km, held in parks all across Poland at 9am each Saturday. Each park run has it’s own Facebook page.
Whether it's Marmite, pork sausages, steak & kidney pie, fish and chips or something else, most expats will have a craving for, 'food from home' at some point during their stay here in Warsaw.
Don't worry! It is possible to find most things, it was easier prior to Brexit for sure, but if you look in the right places, you will sometimes find what you're looking for. On this page, we help you to track down those goodies from home that you can't live without.
The easiest way to get your fix is to find a bar or restaurant that will make it for you. There’s not a great deal of choice in Warsaw, but Legends Bar on Emilii Plater 25 will help you. They have a tradition British menu and serve all-day English breakfast, steak and kidney pie complete with mushy peas and onion gravy, fish and chips and various other pub favourites.
If you prefer to hunt for your fix and make it at home, then there’s a few options.
The British Shop in Warsaw, at Emilii Plater 12 has everything that you need; however it really is not cheap. But what’s the price of a fix, right? The good news is, you don’t have to go to the shop, they have an online store.
Many expats do their shopping at Dealz, there’s a few of them scattered around the city and they often have a good selection of British food, although the selection has dwindled somewhat since Brexit. You might be lucky though and go on a good day. You can see where their shops are and check out what they sell on their website.
There’s plenty of Lidl stores in the city, and they often stock British food. If you’re really lucky, on a good day, they have proper bacon.
Kuchnie Świata in Złote Tarasy is a good place to find chocolates such as traditional British Easter eggs, but is on the expensive side.
Information for expats – updated – 21 January 2023.
Poland is a popular destination for expats due to its growing economy and relatively low cost of living. In this article, we provide general information for expats moving to Poland, including information on residency, passport, driving license, finding work, finding a home and living in Poland.
Residency:
Expats who wish to stay in Poland for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit. The process for obtaining a residence permit varies depending on the type of permit you are applying for, but generally, you will need to provide proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The process can take several months, so it’s important to start the process as soon as possible.
Passport:
Expats in Poland must have a valid passport to enter the country. If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, you must also apply for a residence permit. Keep in mind that the expiration date of your passport must be at least 6 months after the date of your planned departure from Poland.
Driving License:
Expats can drive in Poland with a valid international driver’s license for up to 6 months. After that, they will need to exchange it for a Polish driver’s license. The process of exchanging a driver’s license varies depending on the country of origin, so it’s important to check with the local authorities for specific requirements.
Finding Work:
Poland’s economy is growing, and there are many job opportunities available for expats in various industries, such as IT, finance, consulting, education, and healthcare. However, the job market can be competitive, and the language barrier can be an issue for some expats. It’s a good idea to have your CV translated into Polish and brush up on your language skills before applying for jobs.
Finding a Home:
Finding a place to live in Poland can be challenging, but there are many options available, such as apartments, houses, and rooms for rent. The cost of housing varies depending on the location and type of accommodation, with prices ranging from $300 to $800 per month. The best way to find a home is to search online or work with a real estate agent.
Money Transfers:
One of the questions, which pops up time and time again, is what is the best way to transfer money to Poland? We’ve asked around within the Expat community and these are the recommendations:
Transfer money or spend abroad 6x cheaper than old-school banks, and receive money around the world for free. Always with the real exchange rate, no hidden fees.
Dental Services in Poland:
Please visit our sister website, ‘Dentists in Poland’ for information about dental services and finding a dentist.
Meeting people
When you first come to Poland, unless you live in a city where it’s easy to find other expats or new friends, it can be quite lonely. A good way to find friends or like-minded people is to search online. Our Love Poland platform has been specifically designed so that you can search for friends who have the same interests and live in the same area as yourself. It’s free to join.
Overall, Poland is a great place for expats to live and work, offering a growing economy, a low cost of living, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, it’s important to be prepared for the process of obtaining a residence permit, finding a job and a place to live, which can be time-consuming and require some research. It’s always a good idea to check for the most recent information and requirements from the local authorities.
Poland is a beautiful country located in Central Europe, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. If you're thinking about moving to Poland, you're in for a treat! The country offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a welcoming community of expats.
Cost of living
One of the biggest draws of living in Poland is the cost of living. The country is relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries, and you'll be able to stretch your budget further here. Rent, groceries, and transportation are all relatively affordable. Additionally, the healthcare system in Poland is of a high quality and is considered to be one of the best in Europe.
Housing: The cost of housing in Poland varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. In cities like Warsaw and Krakow, you can expect to pay around $500 – $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. In smaller cities and towns, the cost of housing is generally lower, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per month.
Food: The cost of food in Poland is also relatively low. A meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost around $10 – $15, while a basic meal in a local restaurant or street food can be as low as $5. Grocery shopping is also inexpensive, with the average cost of a basic basket of goods coming in at around $50.
Transportation: Poland has an efficient and inexpensive public transportation system, with bus, train, and metro services available in most cities. A monthly public transportation pass in Warsaw costs around $50, while a one-way ticket is around $1.5. Taxis are also relatively cheap, with an average fare of around $5 for a short trip.
Healthcare: Poland has a well-developed healthcare system, and healthcare is affordable for both locals and expats. You can expect to pay around $20 – $30 for a visit to a general practitioner, while a visit to a specialist will cost around $50. Prescription drugs are also relatively inexpensive, with the average cost of a generic drug coming in at around $5.
Entertainment: Poland offers a wide range of entertainment options, from museums and historical sites to theaters, cinemas, and nightclubs. The cost of entertainment varies depending on the activity, but you can expect to pay around $10 – $15 for a movie ticket, and $5 – $10 for a drink in a bar or club.
Overall, the cost of living in Poland is relatively low compared to Western European countries. Expats can expect to live comfortably on a budget of around $1,500 – $2,000 per month, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. It's worth noting that the cost of living may vary depending on your lifestyle and location.
Culture
The culture in Poland is rich and diverse. The country has a long history, and you'll be able to explore it through the many museums and historical sites. Additionally, Poland is known for its beautiful architecture, including the colorful Old Towns of Krakow and Gdansk. The country also has a vibrant food scene, with traditional dishes such as pierogi and bigos being particularly popular. The country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Learning Polish
Poland is also a great place to learn a new language. The official language is Polish, and while it can be challenging to learn, it is also a beautiful and expressive language. There are many language schools and language exchange programs available for those who are interested in learning – see Polish language for tourists.
Expat community
The city has a diverse population and a growing expat community, which includes professionals working in various industries, students, and retirees.
The expat community in Warsaw is relatively small compared to other major European cities, but it's still a diverse and active group. Many expats in Warsaw are employed in the IT, finance, and consulting industries, but there are also many opportunities for professionals in other fields such as education and healthcare. There are also a significant number of expat students who come to study at one of the city's universities.
There are several expat groups and organizations in Warsaw that provide a sense of community and support for newcomers. These groups organize social events, meetups, and activities, and provide a platform for expats to network and share information.
The city also has a wide range of international restaurants, shops, and supermarkets that cater to the expat community, as well as international schools and a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of art galleries, museums, and theaters.
In terms of living conditions, Warsaw offers a good quality of life and a wide range of housing options, from trendy apartments in the city center to more affordable options in the suburbs. The public transportation system is also efficient and affordable.
Overall, Warsaw is a great place for expats to live and work, offering a diverse and growing expat community, a variety of job opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a good quality of life. As with any new place, it may take some time to adjust and feel comfortable, but with the help of the expat community, it will be easier.
It's worth noting that the above information is general in nature and may not be accurate or up-to-date. It's always a good idea to research and confirm details before making any decisions. Additionally, the expat community and living conditions can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check for the most recent information.
Weather
Poland has a four-season climate with cold winters and mild summers. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C and snowfall is common, so make sure you have warm clothing. See a 7 day weather forecast for the major cities in Poland.
Safety
Poland is a safe country to live in, with low crime rates and friendly people.
Overall, Poland is an excellent choice for expats. The country offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a welcoming community.
Usually, one of the first things the newly arrived do is seek out the expat bars in Warsaw. It's a good way to make friends, learn the ropes from those who have lived and worked in the city for a while, enjoy some food from home and socialise.
The hospitality industry in Warsaw is very competitive. Rates are not cheap, especially around the city’s hotspots, so it’s not unusual to see bars open with a flourish of advertising activity one month – to then close down just a few months later.
If you talk to any of the British, Irish or American expats who have lived in Warsaw for a while, they will tell you outrageous yarns of legendary expat bars of the past such as Bar Below, Bradley’s Bar and Tortilla Factory. Those that are even older will reminisce about the hotel bars, which in fact were once the only safe place for expats to get a drink 30 years ago.
But that’s all irrelevant, then was then and now is now!
Nowadays, there really isn’t very much on offer in regard to a true, traditional expat bar with the one exception of Legends Bar at Emilii Plater 25, just a short stumble from the Marriot Hotel.
If an expat bar is where expats go to drink on a regular basis, then Legends ticks the box. The owners are Beata who is Polish and Graham who is from Liverpool, he’s an Evertonian who likes his football – reason number two why it’s an expat bar – you can watch the footie there.
Reason number 3 would be that they serve British grub such as steak and kidney pie with mashed potatoes and onion gravy, they also do a full English breakfast, fish & chips and other pub favourites.
Legends is a favourite with expats and locals alike, it’s not very big and can get crowded if there’s a good match on the telly or on quiz night, which happens on a Friday once every month.
There are usually a few British draught beers on offer in bottles in addition to draft Guinness and local lagers. The only drinks they don’t serve are cocktails, if you want Sex on the Beach – there’s plenty of cocktail bars a short walk away.
If you're in Warsaw and fancy a pint and a bite to eat, then Legends is highly recommended.
