A step-by-step relocation checklist covering documents, admin setup, housing, healthcare and what most people forget. This guide is written from real relocation experience — not a generic list, but the things that actually matter when you are in the middle of a move.
Before You Move
The paperwork you sort before you arrive will save you significant time after landing. Poland's administrative system runs on a handful of key documents — most of which require you to be physically present in Poland to apply for.
Documents to prepare in your home country
- Apostilled birth certificate — required for almost every official process
- Apostilled marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Apostilled divorce decree — required if you are divorced and plan to marry in Poland; confirms your legal status as single
- Apostilled educational diplomas — required if your qualifications are relevant to your employment or permit application
- Certified translations of all documents into Polish
Apostille certification is a standard international document validation. You obtain it from the relevant authority in your home country — usually a court or government ministry. Start this process early as it can take several weeks. In many countries, apostilles are now available in digital form (e-Apostille), which is accepted in Poland.
Your First Week in Poland
Your first priority after arriving is to register your address. This is called zameldowanie and must be done at your local commune office (urząd gminy or urząd dzielnicy) within 30 days of arriving.
Address registration is not the same as a residence permit. It is a simple administrative notification of where you are living, but it is required for most subsequent steps — and for most people, your PESEL number will be issued automatically during this process.
First-week checklist
- Register your address (zameldowanie) — you will automatically receive your PESEL number during this process
- Open a Polish bank account — bring your passport and address confirmation
- Get a Polish SIM card
- Locate your nearest Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) for permit applications
Essential Admin Setup
Four documents form what we call your "digital foundation" in Poland. Without them, you cannot fully participate in the Polish administrative or financial system.
- PESEL — your Polish national identification number. Required for banking, contracts, healthcare and every official process. For most people, this is issued automatically at the time of address registration (zameldowanie).
- Profil Zaufany — your trusted digital identity for government services. Set up online once you have a Polish bank account or visit a ZUS or post office branch.
- MOS Account — the online portal for submitting residence permit applications.
- e-Doręczenia — Poland's official digital mail system. All government correspondence comes here once activated.
Residence Permits
Most non-EU nationals will need a temporary residence permit to live and work legally in Poland beyond their initial visa period. The most common type is a temporary residence and work permit, tied to an employment contract with a Polish employer.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a residence permit but must register their stay in Poland after three months. This registration is handled at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki), not the local commune office.
The single biggest mistake people make is waiting until after they arrive to start the permit process. Processing times at Warsaw's Voivodeship Office currently average 6–9 months. Start your application as early as possible.
For a full breakdown of permit types, timelines and required documents, see our Residence & Citizenship section.
Housing
Finding housing before you arrive is strongly recommended for Warsaw and Kraków, where the rental market moves quickly. Most landlords require:
- Proof of employment or income
- Copy of your passport
- Security deposit (typically 1–2 months rent)
- Some landlords require an Occasional Lease Agreement (Umowa najmu okazjonalnego), which requires you to provide a statement from another property owner in Poland confirming they would accommodate you if you were asked to vacate the property
If you need help finding a rental property, our property assistance service connects you with trusted local partners who work with international clients.
Healthcare and Insurance
If you are employed in Poland, you will be automatically enrolled in the national health insurance system (NFZ) through your employer's social security contributions. You can register with a GP (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu) after receiving your insurance confirmation.
If you are self-employed or relocating without a Polish employer, you will need to arrange private health insurance until you have established NFZ coverage.
Complete Checklist
Use this checklist as your reference throughout the process. Tick items off as you go.
Before you leave
- Apostille and translate key documents
- Research and shortlist neighbourhoods
- Arrange temporary accommodation for first 2–4 weeks
- Understand your residence permit requirements
- Start relocation assessment to map your full process
Week 1 in Poland
- Register your address (zameldowanie) — PESEL issued automatically during this step
- Open a bank account
- Get a Polish SIM card
Month 1
- Set up Profil Zaufany
- Create MOS account
- Set up e-Doręczenia
- Submit residence permit application
- Register with a GP
- Arrange school enrolment if relocating with children
Ongoing
- Track your permit application status
- Keep all official correspondence via e-Doręczenia
- Confirm tax residency obligations