Living in Poland

Within this section of Poland Expat Information, we specifically look at UK nationals living in or moving to Poland and look at residency, passports & travel, driving, healthcare & working.

Residency

If you’re here already or have just arrived, the first step is to make sure that you have correctly registered for residency in Poland.

If you were legally resident in Poland before 1 January 2021, you should obtain a new residence document from your local Voivodeship Office. This document will evidence your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

You can find further information about this here.

There’s some good information about the new residency application forms including links to the forms that you need to complete here.

UK nationals not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement coming to Poland from 1 January 2021 will be covered by general rules concerning entry and stay of third country nationals – Read more.

If you need additional support to complete your residency application, read the guidance on the UK Nationals Support Fund.

Passports and travel

You should carry your residence document, as well as your valid passport when you travel. If you have applied but not yet received your document, carry your certificate of application.

If you have not yet applied for a residence document, you should carry evidence that you are resident in Poland. This could include a tenancy agreement or a utility bill in your name, dating from 2020.

You can find further information about required documents on the Polish Border Guards website (scroll to the bottom of the page for the English language version) – Go to page.

If you cannot show that you are resident in Poland, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the Schengen area, and your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in Poland.

Driving in Poland

UK licences are only valid in Poland for the first 6 months of residence. After 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence for a Polish licence. You do not need to retake a driving or theory test to exchange your licence.

Healthcare

Poland has an insurance-based healthcare system. If you’re not insured, you may be charged for using state healthcare services.

You can read information about healthcare for UK nationals living in Poland here.

Working in Poland

If you were legally resident in Poland before 1 January 2021, you have the right to work, as long as you remain legally resident.

You can find further information here.