For expatriates and relocating employees, Poland is an exciting Central European country. One of the 10 largest and most populous members of the European Union, Poland offers expats and assignees access to a historic European capital without exorbitant rental prices and a high cost of living.
Poland has major historic cities, such as Warsaw and Krakow, and a strong sense of community, particularly for expatriates. It isn’t difficult to meet people in Poland, and it’s easy for expatriates to connect. Poland offers skiing and seaside resorts, while its central location makes it only a few hours’ flight away from the rest of Europe.
As part of the Cartus On the Ground series, our Poland video offers key insights for companies and their relocating employees on what to expect during a stay in Poland. Here are just a few highlights:
Housing
Poland offers a good variety and availability of housing for expatriates at reasonable prices. Homes are generally newly built, but it isn’t uncommon to find nice one- or two-bedroom historic properties right in the city center.
Language
It is possible to live in Poland without learning the language, but people over a certain age don’t generally speak English. Younger Poles in the larger cities speak English, but assignees are encouraged to learn the basics to make things a little easier.
Large Cities vs. Smaller Cities
Large cities can offer affordable housing in neighborhoods as historic as any in London or Paris, but there are challenges with smaller cities, which have fewer housing and schooling options and, in some cases, no rental market at all.
You can learn more about managing moves to emerging destinations by visiting the Cartus Emerging Markets microsite.
Email this contributor at lisa.reid@cartus.com.
