Retiree's Guide to Living in Poland 2026

EU/EEA Citizens

If you hold citizenship in any EU or EEA country, you have the right to live in Poland without a visa or residence permit. For stays longer than three months, you should register your residence at the local Voivodeship Office (Urzad Wojewodzki). The registration process requires proof of sufficient financial resources (your pension statements), health insurance (EHIC for the first period, then register with NFZ or obtain private insurance), and a registered address in Poland.

There is no minimum income requirement for EU citizens, but you must demonstrate that you will not be a burden on the Polish social assistance system. A pension of any reasonable size easily meets this standard.

UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals. To retire in Poland, you will need a temporary residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy), which requires proof of stable and regular income (your pension), health insurance valid in Poland, and a registered address. The permit is typically granted for one to three years and is renewable. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence. The process involves an application at the Voivodeship Office and can take several months, so plan accordingly.

US and Other Non-EU Citizens

American and other non-EU retirees follow a similar path to UK citizens. You will need a temporary residence permit based on 'other circumstances' (since Poland does not have a specific retirement visa). The key requirements are demonstrating sufficient income from your pension, having health insurance, and showing ties to Poland (such as a rental lease).

Some retirees initially enter Poland on a 90-day Schengen visa-free stay (available to US, Canadian, Australian, and many other nationalities) and apply for the residence permit after arriving. However, starting the process from your home country through a Polish consulate is more orderly.

Important: Poland does not have a formal 'retirement visa' or 'golden visa' program like Portugal or Spain. The temporary residence permit is the standard pathway.

City Comparison for Retirees

Our Top Pick: Krakow

For most retirees, Krakow offers the best overall package. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, with the stunning Rynek Glowny (Main Square), is one of Europe's most beautiful urban spaces. The city has world-class museums (the National Museum, MOCAK, the Cloth Hall Gallery), a vibrant opera and theater scene, and over 100 churches and historic sites. Krakow is compact enough to walk nearly everywhere, yet large enough to never feel limiting.

Healthcare in Krakow is excellent, with major hospitals including the University Hospital (Szpital Uniwersytecki) and several private clinics with English-speaking doctors. The cost of living is 15-25% lower than Warsaw while offering an arguably richer cultural experience.

The international community in Krakow is well-established and includes a growing number of retirees. Browse Krakow apartments on Domkaspot.

Runner-Up: Wroclaw

Wroclaw deserves special mention for retirees who prefer a slightly smaller, more relaxed city. Known as the 'Venice of the North' for its 100+ bridges and islands on the Oder River, Wroclaw is visually stunning, exceptionally walkable, and has a thriving cultural scene. The flat terrain makes it comfortable for walking and cycling, an advantage for older residents. Costs are slightly lower than Krakow, and the city has a friendly, welcoming character. Explore Wroclaw housing options.

For Coastal Lovers: Gdansk

If seaside living appeals to you, Gdansk offers a unique combination of Baltic coast access, a beautifully reconstructed Old Town, and the maritime culture of the Tri-City area (Gdansk-Sopot-Gdynia). Summer is glorious, with long days and beach access. Winters are milder than inland cities due to the maritime influence, though still cold by Southern European standards. The Tri-City area has good healthcare and a growing international community. View Gdansk apartments.

Monthly Budget: Single Retiree

Monthly Budget: Retired Couple

Pension Purchasing Power Comparison

To put these numbers in perspective, here is what different pension amounts afford you in Poland versus other popular retirement destinations.

Public Healthcare (NFZ) Eligibility

EU/EEA retirees can access Poland's public health system (NFZ) through the S1 form (formerly E121), which transfers your healthcare entitlement from your home country to Poland. This means your home country's health system pays for your care in Poland, but you access services through the Polish NFZ network. To register, obtain an S1 form from your home country's health authority, then register with a local NFZ office and choose a primary care physician (lekarz pierwszego kontaktu).

Non-EU retirees will need private health insurance, as they are not eligible for NFZ unless they are employed or have a Polish spouse. Private health insurance for retirees aged 60-75 costs approximately 400-1,000 PLN per month depending on coverage and pre-existing conditions.

Private Healthcare Options

Even with NFZ access, many retirees in Poland use private healthcare for shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors. Major private providers include Medicover, Lux Med, and Enel-Med, all of which have clinics in every major city.

Typical private healthcare costs for retirees:

Medication and Pharmacies

Polish pharmacies (apteki) are well-stocked and staffed by qualified pharmacists. Many common medications that require prescriptions in other countries are available over the counter in Poland. Prescription medicines are often heavily subsidized through the NFZ, with many common medications costing just 3.50 PLN (the minimum co-pay).

If you take regular medication, confirm availability in Poland before moving. Most European and American medications have Polish equivalents, though brand names may differ. Your doctor can provide a list of generic names to ensure continuity of treatment.

Essential Housing Features for Retirees

• Elevator: This is the single most important feature for retirees. Many older Polish buildings (kamienice) do not have elevators. Newer developments (built after 2000) almost always do. Filter your search for buildings with elevators.
• Ground floor or low floor: If an elevator is not available, a ground-floor or first-floor apartment eliminates the stair-climbing issue. Ground floors in secure, gated buildings offer the best combination of accessibility and safety.
• Walk-in shower: A walk-in or low-threshold shower is safer than a bathtub for older residents. If the apartment has a bathtub only, consider whether installing grab bars or a shower seat is feasible.
• Proximity to healthcare: Being within walking distance or a short tram ride of a clinic or hospital provides peace of mind.
• Walkable neighborhood: Access to groceries, pharmacy, parks, and cafes on foot reduces dependence on transport and encourages healthy daily walking.
• Heating quality: Polish winters are cold (averaging minus 2 to plus 2 degrees C in January). Ensure the apartment has reliable, effective heating. Modern buildings with central gas heating are typically the warmest.
• Natural light: South-facing apartments get the most winter sunlight, which is important for well-being during Poland's shorter winter days.
• Quiet environment: Avoid apartments facing busy streets or above bars and restaurants. Upper floors in residential buildings typically offer the most quiet.

Housing Costs for Retirees by City

Retirees typically need a comfortable one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment. Here are realistic 2026 prices for suitable housing.

Banking in Poland

Opening a Polish bank account is advisable for rent payments, local purchases, and receiving any transferred pension funds. Major banks that serve international clients well include mBank (fully digital, English-language app and website), ING Bank Slaski (English-speaking staff in major branches), PKO BP (largest bank, widest ATM network), and Santander Bank Polska. To open an account, you need a passport, PESEL number (obtainable at any municipal office), and proof of address. Many banks allow online account opening for EU citizens.

Pension Transfers

If your pension is paid in a foreign currency (EUR, GBP, USD), you will need to transfer it to your Polish account regularly. Avoid using your bank's standard international transfer, as exchange rate markups can be 2-4%. Instead, use services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, or CurrencyFair, which offer exchange rates close to the mid-market rate with fees of 0.3-0.7%. For a pension of 2,000 EUR per month, this can save you 30-80 EUR per month compared to bank transfers.

Set up a recurring transfer to automate the process. Wise and Revolut both support scheduled transfers from foreign bank accounts to Polish zloty accounts.

Tax Implications

Tax residency is determined by where you spend 183 or more days per year. If you live in Poland for more than half the year, you become a Polish tax resident. Poland has double taxation agreements with most countries, meaning you should not be taxed twice on the same income. However, you may need to file tax returns in both countries.

Pension income is generally taxed according to the double taxation treaty between Poland and your home country. In most cases, state pensions are taxed only in the country that pays them, while private pensions may be taxable in Poland. Consult a tax advisor familiar with international pension taxation before making the move. Firms like Mazars, Grant Thornton, and local tax advisory offices (biuro rachunkowe) in Poland can assist.

Learning Polish

While many younger Poles speak English (especially in cities), learning Polish opens doors socially and practically. Conversational Polish allows you to navigate daily life independently, connect with Polish neighbors and community members, access a wider range of cultural events and social activities, and feel more at home in your adopted country.

Language schools in major cities offer Polish courses for foreigners at all levels. Group classes typically cost 800-1,500 PLN per month for intensive courses (2-3 hours, 3-4 times per week). Private tutors charge 60-120 PLN per hour. University courses for seniors (Uniwersytet Trzeciego Wieku, or University of the Third Age) often include Polish language options at reduced rates.

University of the Third Age (UTW)

Poland has an extensive network of Universities of the Third Age (Uniwersytet Trzeciego Wieku), which offer courses, workshops, lectures, and social activities for people over 50 or 60. Topics range from history and art to computer skills and languages. Annual membership fees are typically 100-300 PLN. UTW branches exist in every major city and many smaller towns. They are an excellent way to meet both Polish and international retirees.

Expat and International Communities

InterNations, the global expat network, has active chapters in Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw with regular social events. Many members are in their 50s and 60s. Local Facebook groups for expats often organize cultural outings, restaurant gatherings, and walking groups. Churches and religious communities (both Catholic and Protestant) offer social connections, and many have English-language services in major cities.

For British retirees, the British Polish Chamber of Commerce and informal British expat groups provide familiar social touchpoints. American retirees can connect through the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) events and informal social networks.

Activities and Pastimes

Poland offers abundant activities for active retirees. Cultural pursuits include world-class opera and philharmonic concerts at remarkably affordable prices (tickets from 30-150 PLN), museums with senior discounts, and art galleries. Outdoor activities are plentiful: hiking in the Tatra Mountains (2 hours from Krakow), cycling along the Vistula River trails, walking in city parks, and swimming at municipal pools (MultiSport cards cover these). The Polish cafe culture is perfect for daily social rituals, with excellent coffee shops in every city center.