Moving to Poland with your family is a challenge, but the country offers safe neighborhoods, good schools, and family support programs. This guide covers key aspects of settling in Poland, including:✅ Best locations for international workers
✅ Housing options: private rentals & agency accommodations
✅ Education, healthcare, and family benefits
✅ Transportation, safety, and daily lifeWith the right preparation, relocating to Poland can be a smooth and positive experience!
Moving to a new country is always a challenge, but relocating with your family presents a unique set of concerns. Poland is a welcoming and family-friendly country, offering good schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of activities for children. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of settling in with your family in Poland.
1. Typical Locations for International Workers
International workers in Poland most often find themselves in suburban and industrial areas, close to employment hubs. Common locations include:
- Piotrków Trybunalski
- Wola Bykowska
- Janki (near Warsaw)
- Szczecin
- Rzeszów
- Lublin
- Koszalin
- Kielce
- Stryków
- Outskirts of Wrocław
While large cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk offer more infrastructure for expats, many workers, especially those in logistics, manufacturing, and service industries, are placed in these suburban areas, where agency-provided housing is more common.
These suburban locations typically have good transport connections to city centers, allowing families to access family-friendly attractions, parks, and entertainment more easily.
2. Renting a Home and Agency Housing for Families
Finding the right home is crucial when relocating with a family. There are two primary housing options for newcomers:
Private Rentals
- Rental costs vary based on location; major cities tend to be more expensive.
- Lease agreements are usually signed for a minimum of 12 months.
- Deposits typically amount to one or two months’ rent.
- Consider using real estate agencies or rental platforms to find a home.
We will cover the topic of renting apartments and accommodations in more detail in a separate article.
Agency-Provided Housing
- Some employment agencies offer accommodation for workers, but there are limitations for families.
- Hostels and Worker Housing: These are often priced per person, meaning that families with multiple members may find costs comparable to private rentals in suburban areas.
- For example, housing in worker accommodations can cost 400-600 PLN per person, leading to expenses of 1200-1800 PLN per month for a family of three.
- Some worker accommodations do not allow children, so it’s important to check policies in advance.
- Locations such as Piotrków Trybunalski, Wola Bykowska offer some agency accommodations suited for families, but they have specific rules.
- Worker hotels are not the most comfortable option for families with children due to shift work schedules. Children may be disturbed at night by workers returning from their shifts or may disrupt their rest during the day. As a result, many worker hotels do not allow families with children to stay.
3. Understanding the Education System
Poland offers a variety of educational options, from public schools to international and private institutions.
Public Schools
- Free for all residents, including foreigners with legal stay.
- Polish is the language of instruction.
- Children attend preschool (przedszkole) from age 3-6 and then primary school (szkoła podstawowa) for 8 years.
- Secondary education includes high schools (liceum) or technical schools.
International Schools
For expat families, international schools are a popular choice. These institutions offer curricula in English, French, or German, such as:
- British International School (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław)
- American School of Warsaw
- International School of Gdańsk
- French Lycee in Warsaw
Private Schools
Many private schools offer bilingual programs and specialized curricula, often with smaller class sizes and modern teaching methods.
4. Childcare and Kindergarten Options
Poland has several childcare options to fit different family needs:
- Żłobek (Nursery) – For children aged 6 months to 3 years.
- Przedszkole (Kindergarten) – For children aged 3-6; compulsory for 6-year-olds.
- Private Kindergartens – More flexibility and often English-speaking teachers.
- Nannies & Babysitters – Available through agencies or recommendations.
5. Healthcare for Families
Poland has both public and private healthcare systems.
- Public Healthcare (NFZ): Free for residents with social security contributions; includes pediatric care and maternity services.
- Private Healthcare: Faster appointments and English-speaking doctors; many families opt for private insurance.
Key hospitals with pediatric care:
- Warsaw – Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka
- Kraków – University Children’s Hospital
- Wrocław – Lower Silesian Children’s Hospital
- Łódź – Children’s Memorial Health Institute
- Katowice Region – Upper Silesian Children’s Health Center
- In bigger and smaller cities, there are also hospitals with pediatric care available, ensuring access to medical support outside of major urban areas.
6. Program Rodzina 800+ and Immigrants
Program “Rodzina 800+” is a government initiative aimed at supporting families in covering the costs of raising children. Since January 1, 2024, the child benefit is 800 PLN per month per child up to the age of 18, regardless of family income.
The program also includes immigrants, provided they meet specific criteria. Foreign nationals can apply for this benefit if they legally reside in Poland and their children live in the country. From September 1, 2024, Ukrainian children must attend Polish educational institutions (this requirement does not yet apply to other nationalities) for their families to receive the 800+ benefit.
Fraud Prevention and System Abuse
There have been cases where Ukrainian families collected child benefits from Poland while their children did not actually reside in the country. Some also received similar benefits in other EU countries while living elsewhere, violating EU regulations that prevent double payments. In response, Poland introduced stricter verification rules, requiring Ukrainian children to be enrolled in Polish schools to qualify for 800+ payments. Further restrictions are being considered to ensure only those genuinely living and working in Poland receive financial support.
7. Legal Residency and Work Permits for Families
Understanding Poland’s legal requirements for residency and work permits is crucial for families planning to settle long-term.
Legal Residency for Families
- Non-EU citizens typically require a temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy) if they plan to stay in Poland for more than three months.
- Parents must apply for dependent visas for their children.
- EU citizens can stay in Poland for up to three months without registration but must apply for residency registration (meldunek) beyond that period.
Work Permits for Parents
- EU citizens do not need a work permit to be employed in Poland.
- Non-EU citizens need a work permit sponsored by an employer or must apply for a temporary residence and work permit.
- Spouses of work visa holders may also need a separate permit to be employed.
8. Financial Planning for Families
Budgeting correctly for your new life in Poland is essential to ensure financial stability and comfort for your family.
Cost of Living Considerations
- Housing: Rent varies by city; Warsaw and Kraków are the most expensive.
- Food and Groceries: A monthly budget of 1,500-2,500 PLN is typical for a family of three.
- Childcare and Schools: Public education is free, while private schools and kindergartens cost 1,000-3,000 PLN per month.
Banking and Taxes
- Opening a bank account requires proof of residency and employment.
- Poland has a progressive tax system, with special tax exemptions for families with children.
- The 500+ and 800+ programs provide financial support for raising children.
9. Transportation and Commuting with Kids
Navigating transportation in Poland with children is manageable, thanks to well-developed infrastructure and family-friendly discounts.
Public Transport Benefits
- Poland has a well-developed network of trains and buses, including city transport, regional connections, and long-distance routes both within the country and internationally.
- Children under 4 travel for free on buses, trams, and metros.
- Students under 26 get discounted transport passes.
- Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław have efficient metro, tram, and bus networks.
- The PKP Intercity train system offers high-speed and long-distance connections across Poland and neighboring countries.
- Regional bus services connect smaller towns to urban centers, making commuting manageable even for families living outside major cities.
Owning a Car vs. Public Transport
While Poland has a well-developed public transport network, its availability outside major cities and main transit routes can be limited. Families living in suburban or rural areas often find that having a car provides greater flexibility, especially for commuting to work, schools, or accessing services that may not be well connected by public transport.
- Many suburban families opt for a car due to limited public transport outside major cities.
- Driving requires a valid Polish or international driver’s license.
- Parking in city centers can be expensive and limited.
11. Child Safety and Legal Considerations
Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a top priority for families relocating to Poland. Understanding legal regulations, emergency services, and the rights of foreign families will help ensure a smooth transition.
Legal Age Regulations
Poland has specific laws regarding child supervision, employment, and independence:
- Children under 7 years old cannot be left alone at home or in public places without adult supervision.
- Between 7 and 13 years old, children can be left alone for short periods, provided that they are in a safe environment.
- From 14 years old, children can be responsible for younger siblings under certain circumstances.
- From 16 years old, teenagers can work under certain conditions, such as part-time or seasonal jobs, with parental consent and within legal working hours.
- Full legal adulthood is reached at 18 years old, granting full rights and responsibilities.
- Legal Consequences – Parents or guardians who neglect their duty to supervise children can face fines or legal action under Polish law.
Emergency Numbers and Health Services
In case of emergency, it is important to know how to contact Polish services:
- 112 – General emergency number (works across the EU for police, fire brigade, and ambulance services).
- 999 – Ambulance services.
- 998 – Fire department.
- 997 – Police.
- 116 111 – Child helpline (free and confidential support for children and young people).
Legal Rights for Foreign Families
Foreign families in Poland are entitled to various rights and services:
- Education – All children, regardless of nationality, have the right to free public education.
- Healthcare – Legal residents can access public healthcare (NFZ), while private insurance is also an option.
- Social Benefits – Families meeting residency requirements may qualify for benefits such as “Rodzina 800+” (child allowance).
12. Family Entertainment and Social Life
Poland offers a variety of entertainment options and social activities that cater to families with children, helping them integrate and enjoy their new home.
Family-Friendly Attractions
There are numerous places designed for family fun:
- Parks and Playgrounds – Łazienki Park in Warsaw, Park Jordana in Kraków, and Szczytnicki Park in Wrocław.
- Educational Museums – Copernicus Science Centre (Warsaw), Experyment Science Centre (Gdynia), and the Museum of Fairy Tales (Warsaw).
- Amusement Parks – Energylandia (Zator), Mandoria (Rzgów), and Legendia (Chorzów).
Local Events and Festivals
Poland hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year:
- Children’s Day (June 1st) – Nationwide celebrations with special activities for kids.
- Christmas Markets – Festive attractions in major cities like Wrocław, Kraków, and Gdańsk.
- Medieval Festivals – Popular in cities like Malbork, offering interactive history lessons.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are a great way for children to make friends and develop skills:
- Sports Clubs – Football, tennis, and swimming clubs are widely available.
- Music and Art Schools – Many cultural centers offer affordable classes.
- Language Classes – Language schools provide Polish courses for foreign children to help them integrate.
Poland offers a rich environment for families, providing both safety and an abundance of social opportunities for children to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to Poland with a family is a complex but rewarding experience. Understanding legal processes, budgeting effectively, and integrating into the community can significantly ease the transition. With the right preparation, families can enjoy a comfortable and enriching life in Poland.
If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask in the comments section or publishing a post.
Yours,
Karo from HireQ App
Karo from HireQ App
