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Living and working in Poland:
tips for beginners (2025)
Introduction
Every year, thousands of foreigners come to Poland in search of work and a better life. Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Kazakhstan - for the inhabitants of these countries, Poland has become the first step towards Europe. However, the move always raises questions: where to live, how to work, what documents are needed and how to acclimatise as quickly as possible?
In this article, we have gathered practical advice for newcomers to help you comfortably start living and working in Poland.
Housing: where and how
foreigners live
Employers often provide accommodation for a nominal fee or pay extra if
you have your own accommodation.
The accommodation provided by the employer usually houses 2-4 people in a room, with a shared kitchen and bathroom.
Renting a flat in large cities is more expensive (from PLN 2,000/month), in small towns it is cheaper.
First steps upon arrival
Find accommodation or check into a dormitory
provided by your employer.
If you plan to stay longer, apply for a residence card.
Register at your address of residence (registration).
Sign a formal employment contract
(contract of mandate or employment contract).
Bank account and finance
Wages are paid in cash or by bank transfer to a bank account
You need a passport to open an account
The account can be opened at popular
banks: PKO BP, Santander, mBank, ING.
Advice from Synago staff
Always spend the first money
sparingly - accommodation and food are more expensive than at home.
Use Telegram chats or topic pages to search for information and communicate.
Learn the language - it speeds up career development.
Always keep copies of contracts and receipts.
Do not hesitate to contact the coordinators of
Synago - they are available around the clock.
Social benefits
and allowances for foreigners
Child benefits 800+ (subject to conditions).
Possibility to apply for a poor person's allowance.
Free education for children in schools and kindergartens.
Access to Polish medical care through the National Health Fund.
Medicine and insurance
All employees must have insurance.
Medical assistance and emergency treatment
are free if you have insurance.
Your employer registers you with the National Health Service (state system)
or takes out private insurance.
How to communicate
without knowing Polish
The warehouses are often staffed by Ukrainians
and Belarusians - language is not a problem.
Polish is easy to understand:
many words are similar to Russian and Ukrainian.
To adapt, learn basic phrases
(yes, no, thank you, how much does it cost, where is it).
Free Polish language courses are available in many cities.
Work: what a beginner should
know
In 2025, the average rate in warehouses
is PLN 24.70-31.50/hour.
They usually work 5-6 days a week for 8-10 hours at a time.
Employers provide training, so
experience is not required.
How Synago helps beginners
It organises accommodation and transport.
Prepares documents for work.
Accompanies the application for a residence card.
Coordinators are always
on hand to deal with day-to-day matters.
Frequently asked questions
