Pre-Departure Checklist

Pre-Departure Checklist: What to Do Before Leaving Poland

Leaving Poland — whether you are moving to another country or relocating to a different city — involves more administrative steps than most people expect. Failing to properly close out your obligations can result in tax penalties, lost deposits, and ongoing charges for utilities or services you no longer use. This checklist covers every step from de-registration (wymeldowanie) to deposit recovery, tax filing, and utility cancellation.

Your rental deposit (kaucja) is often the largest sum at stake when leaving. Polish law requires landlords to return the deposit within 30 days of moving out, minus documented damage costs. However, many landlords delay or try to withhold more than they should. The key to getting your full deposit back is a thorough move-out protocol (protokol zdawczo-odbiorczy) with photos, returning the apartment in the condition described in your move-in protocol, and sending a formal written demand (wezwanie do zaplaty) if needed.

Tax obligations do not end when you leave Poland. If you were a tax resident (lived in Poland for 183+ days in a calendar year), you must file a PIT annual tax return by April 30th of the following year — even if you have already left the country. Fortunately, Poland's e-PIT system at podatki.gov.pl allows you to file remotely using your Profil Zaufany. Make sure your employer provides your PIT-11 form before you depart.

• Give written notice (wypowiedzenie) to your landlord well in advance — most leases require 1-3 months notice, and failing to do so can cost you your deposit.
• Complete wymeldowanie (address de-registration) at the Urzad Miasta before leaving — your new zameldowanie does this automatically only if you move within Poland.
• Schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord and document everything with photos and a signed protocol (protokol zdawczo-odbiorczy).
• Cancel or transfer all utilities (gas, electricity, internet) at least 2 weeks before your move-out date to avoid being charged for the next billing period.
• File your PIT tax return online at podatki.gov.pl using Profil Zaufany — you must do this by April 30th even after leaving Poland.