The benefits of investing in commercial property abroad: new horizons

Poland has attracted the attention of emigrants in recent years due to its favourable geographical location, stable economy and affordable living conditions. This country offers not only comfortable accommodation and quality infrastructure, but also a high level of security. In this article we will tell you how much it really costs to live in Poland, and whether moving there is justified.

Why is Poland attracting new residents?

Economic stability, growing employment opportunities and proximity to other European countries make the Republic attractive for emigration. Poland combines a moderate cost of living, tradition and modernity, providing access to all the benefits of civilisation and preserving cultural diversity.

Geographical location and climate

The country occupies a central position in Europe, which makes it convenient for international travellers. Regular flights, well-developed railways and convenient buses make travelling between neighbouring countries quick and inexpensive. The southern regions are known for the Tatra Mountains, ideal for winter sports, while the northern regions, such as Gdansk, offer holidays by the Baltic Sea.

The climate is temperate: summers are warm, with average temperatures around +22°C, and winters are mild, with temperatures around -2°C. These conditions are favourable for a comfortable life both in large cities and in rural areas.

Social policy

The Republic offers access to free education and quality medical care. Public schools and universities provide a high level of education, while medical centres guarantee modern equipment and professional staff.

The transport system includes high-speed trains, buses and subways in major cities. Tickets for public transport cost from PLN 3.5, a monthly season ticket costs about 150. These factors make the cost of living in Poland balanced – residents receive a wide range of services for reasonable money.

How much does it cost to live in Poland?

The total cost of living in Poland includes the cost of rent, food, utilities and transport. The level of costs depends on the region: Warsaw and Krakow are considered the most expensive cities, while provincial regions offer more affordable conditions.

Renting accommodation in Poland

Housing is one of the key cost items. The cost of rent depends on the location, area and condition of the property:

1. Warsaw: renting a studio in the centre – about 2500 PLN, on the outskirts – 1800 PLN.
2. Krakow: a one-bedroom flat in the heart of the city costs 2200 PLN, outside – 1600 PLN.
3. Gdańsk: studio rent starts from PLN 2000 in the centre and PLN 1500 on the outskirts.

To reduce costs, many people choose to live in the provinces, where a one-bedroom flat can be rented for 1200-1500 PLN. Renting together with neighbours is another popular way to save money.

Food prices in Poland

Food remains affordable even for families on a tight budget. Biedronka, Lidl and Carrefour supermarkets regularly offer discounts, while farmers’ markets offer fresh fruit and vegetables at low prices:

1. A litre of milk is 4 zlotys.
2. A loaf of bread – 3 zlotys.
3. A kilo of chicken fillet – 20 zlotys.
4. A kilo of potatoes – 3 zlotys.
5. A dozen eggs – 8 zlotys.

Wages and expenses: average cost of living in Poland

The average wage in the country provides a sufficient standard of living to cover basic expenses and even allows to form a financial cushion. The amounts vary depending on the city, region and field of activity:

1. Warsaw: about 6,000 PLN before taxes. International companies offering competitive salaries are concentrated in the capital, especially in IT, finance and marketing.
2. Krakow: 5500 zloty. The city is known for its tourist infrastructure, which creates opportunities for work in the hotel and restaurant business.
3. Wroclaw: 5000 zlotys. The subject is actively developing as a centre for start-ups and innovations.

After taxes, about 70 per cent of this amount remains. This is enough to cover key expenses, including housing, food, transport and utilities. For additional income, many people consider the logistics or service industries.

Average Costs:

1. Utilities for a one-bedroom flat: 400-600 PLN per month. This includes heating, electricity, water and internet. In winter, heating bills may increase by 20-30%.
2. Transport: a monthly bus pass costs about 150 PLN.
3. Other expenses: entertainment, gyms, hobbies and trips to cafes usually cost 200-500 PLN per month.

Cost calculations confirm that life in Poland is balanced, especially for families and young professionals seeking financial stability.

Total costs: is it worth moving to Poland from Russia?

Moving provides a range of opportunities to improve the quality of life. Affordable housing, a stable economy and a European level of infrastructure make the country an optimal choice for emigration.

Benefits:

1. Affordable cost of living in Poland. Prices for housing, groceries and transport remain significantly lower than in most Western European countries.
2. High level of security. Poland is among the safest European countries, which is especially important for families with children.
3. Convenient Location. The state borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine and Lithuania, which allows travelling around Europe with minimum expenses.
4. Developed economy. A stable labour market, low unemployment and opportunities for professional growth make the Republic attractive to expats.

Disadvantages of living in Poland for Russians:

1. The need to learn Polish. Despite the availability of English-speaking vacancies, knowledge of the local language will be required for integration into society.
2. Higher costs in larger cities. Warsaw and Krakow have noticeably higher prices for rent and services than provincial subjects.

Conclusion

Poland offers an optimal combination of quality and cost of living. Regional differences allow you to choose the right rhythm – from the dynamism of metropolises to the quietness of the provinces. For a successful move, it is important to take into account the costs of housing, food and transport, as well as to adapt to local conditions. The cost of living in Poland justifies the choice for those seeking stability and comfort.

Obtaining a Polish passport is not just a formality. The document opens access to full freedom of movement within the EU, gives the right to employment without authorisation, and guarantees protection from deportation and permanence of status. How to obtain a Polish passport in order to turn a temporary stay into a stable legal position: this is especially important for those who run a business, work under a contract or plan studies for themselves or their children.

Grounds and routes: how to obtain a Polish passport legally

It is important to determine the pathway before starting the formalisation process. Polish law provides for several legal grounds. Each scenario requires a different approach.

Naturalisation: a journey through the years

The standard option is permanent residence followed by naturalisation. How to obtain a Polish passport in this case: it can be done after 3-10 years, depending on the circumstances. The starting point is a residence permit. The next stage is the status of permanent resident. After obtaining it, you can apply for citizenship. In practice, the procedure is completed in 6-9 months.

Pole card: basis of origin

Persons with Polish roots apply for a Pole Card. This document confirms nationality. After one year of living in Poland with a Pole Card, you can apply directly for citizenship. This is one of the fastest routes for those who have direct relatives – grandparents, parents – of Polish origin.

Marriage to a Polish citizen

If you are officially married to a Polish citizen, the path to a passport is simplified. After two years of living together and permanent residence in the country, the foreign spouse becomes eligible to apply. The key requirement is a valid residence permit, proof of marriage and common residence at the same address.

Investments and real estate

Buying a home in Poland does not automatically entitle you to citizenship, but it is an indirect advantage. Owning a property strengthens the arguments at the application stage. This is especially true if the owner has already obtained a residence permit on economic grounds.

Step-by-step algorithm: how to obtain a Polish passport in practice

Each ground involves a different sequence, but the general logic remains stable. Formalisation involves preparation, collection of documents, submission and waiting for a decision.

Algorithm of Polish citizenship:

1. Choose a base. Define: naturalisation, descent, marriage, investment or other.

2. Obtain legal status. Obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit.

3. Проверить сроки. Для подачи заявления должен пройти нужный период пребывания.

4. Gather documents. Passport, proof of residence, income, insurance, certificates, references.

5. Apply. Send the dossier to the voivodeship office.

6. Pass the language exam. Most bases require a minimum level of B1.

7. Waiting for a decision. The period of consideration is from 6 to 12 months.

8. Getting Approved. If the decision is favourable, the applicant is sworn in.

9. Issue a passport. Apply for the issuance of a citizen’s document.

Documents: basis for confirmation of entitlement

The package of documents depends on the basis. But the basic positions remain the same:

• passport;

• birth certificate;

• proof of income or employment;

• proof of residence in Poland;

• certificate of no criminal record;

• a photo of the prescribed format;

• proof of Polish language skills.

When applying for a Pole Card, the original document itself is added. In case of marriage – a copy of the certificate and proof of cohabitation.

Timing and cost: What to expect in advance

The process of obtaining a Polish passport requires time and financial discipline. Although the state does not charge a fee for the very act of granting citizenship, the procedure involves many steps, each of which requires an investment of both time and money.

The full path includes several phases: obtaining the basis for application (e.g. residence permit or Polish Card), accumulating the necessary years of residence, collecting and submitting documents, taking a language test, waiting for a decision, taking the oath, drawing up an identity card, and finally obtaining a passport. In the best case, with a Pole Card or marriage, the process takes about 12 months. With naturalisation without accelerating factors – 2 to 3 years. In special cases involving the President, the process can be completed in a few months, but only if there are truly exceptional circumstances.

Financially, the applicant spends on each element. For example, notarisation of copies will cost 30-80 PLN per document, translation – from 40 to 100 PLN per page. Language exam – from 250 to 500 PLN depending on the centre. Passport photos – about 30 PLN. Residence registration – from 17 PLN per address. Health insurance (if required) – from 600 PLN per year. On average, the whole procedure to obtain a Polish passport costs 800-1500 PLN, but the amount may increase if additional requests arise or if you need legal advice, translators or the help of intermediaries.

Special cases: how to obtain a Polish passport in unusual circumstances

In addition to the standard scenarios – naturalisation, descent, marriage – Polish law allows for exceptional cases where an applicant can obtain a passport outside the formal procedure. These mechanisms work through a presidential decision or humanitarian grounds, and are used less frequently, but allow bypassing the general requirements if there are strong arguments.

One such case is recognition of meritorious service to Poland. This category includes scientists, sportsmen, investors, diplomats, patrons of the arts, as well as persons who have contributed to the development of Polish culture, science, economy or the international prestige of the country. How to obtain a Polish passport for this reason: you need to submit a detailed package of documents: letters of support from state organisations, publications, diplomas, research results, awards. The application is sent directly to the Office of the President, where it undergoes a separate review procedure.

The second group is humanitarian and refugee programmes. Foreigners who are unable to return to their home country because of a threat to life or political persecution are entitled to temporary protection. This can later develop into permanent residence and then into citizenship. The procedure is strict, involving interrogations, analyses of evidence, and a period of observation. However, if the status is recognised, the processing is expedited, with simplified conditions for submission.

The third way is administrative adoption of minors of citizens of other countries by Polish citizens. In such cases, the child receives a passport automatically after the adoption procedure is finalised and the child is registered at the place of residence.

Conclusion

Acquiring citizenship requires a systematic approach. There is no one-size-fits-all way to obtain a Polish passport – each path requires preparation, patience and precise compliance. The law works predictably, and with the right sequence, the probability of rejection is minimal. A Polish passport gives you not only documents, but also freedom of movement, protection and full participation in the life of the European Union.