Do EU citizens need a visa for Poland?

No. EU citizens can enter and reside freely; stays over 3 months require a residence registration certificate.

What is the PESEL number?

PESEL is the Polish universal electronic system of population register number, used for tax, healthcare and public services.

How do I get PESEL and NIP?

PESEL is assigned at the municipality when you register your address; NIP is issued by the tax office for the self-employed.

How does health insurance work?

The NFZ (National Health Fund) covers insured residents. Employees are enrolled automatically via ZUS contributions.

Is my EU driving licence valid?

Yes. EU/EEA licences are valid in Poland until expiry.

Do Polish banks require PESEL?

Most Polish banks require a PESEL number for full-service accounts, though some offer basic accounts with just an EU ID.

Moving to Poland 2026

All countries

Poland

Polish

Capital: Warsaw

Currency: PLN

Residence procedure: Registration of residence (zameldowanie) at the local municipality

Official government website

Your 7-step relocation checklist

Step 1
EU Free Movement confirmed
As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Poland with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.
Step 2
Find accommodation
A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.
Cost of living in Poland
Step 3
Register your residence — Registration of residence (zameldowanie) at the local municipality
Deadline: Within 30 days of arrival. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.
Official government portal
Step 4
Get your PESEL / NIP (for self-employed)
You need a PESEL / NIP (for self-employed) to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Poland.
Apply for PESEL / NIP (for self-employed)
Step 5
Register with NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia
Once resident and working, register with NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia. In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.
NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia portal
Step 6
Open a local bank account
Most Poland employers pay salary into a local PLN account. Bring your ID, proof of address and PESEL / NIP (for self-employed).
Step 7
Calculate your expected net salary
See what you'll actually take home in Poland after tax and social security.
Open net salary calculator

FAQ — Moving to Poland

Information verified for 2026 from official Poland government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.

Your 7-step relocation checklist

Step 1

EU Free Movement confirmed

As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Poland with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.

Step 2

Find accommodation

A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.

Cost of living in Poland

Step 3

Register your residence — Registration of residence (zameldowanie) at the local municipality

Deadline: Within 30 days of arrival. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.

Official government portal

Step 4

Get your PESEL / NIP (for self-employed)

You need a PESEL / NIP (for self-employed) to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Poland.

Apply for PESEL / NIP (for self-employed)

Step 5

Register with NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia

Once resident and working, register with NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia. In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.

NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia portal

Step 6

Open a local bank account

Most Poland employers pay salary into a local PLN account. Bring your ID, proof of address and PESEL / NIP (for self-employed).

Step 7

Calculate your expected net salary

See what you'll actually take home in Poland after tax and social security.

Open net salary calculator

FAQ — Moving to Poland

Information verified for 2026 from official Poland government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.