Poland

Personal stories

Cost of living

Poland is generally more affordable than Western European countries and the U.S., but this varies by city.

  • Rent (monthly):
    • Warsaw (capital): $500–$900 for a 1-bed apartment
    • Kraków/Wrocław/Gdańsk: $400–$700
    • Smaller towns: $250–$500
  • Utilities: ~$100/month
  • Groceries: $150–$300/month
  • Public Transport: $25/month (cheaper for students)
  • Dining out: $5–$10 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant

Cost of living is lower, but so are average salaries. Budgeting is key if moving without a job.

A single person's estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, are approximately $770.50 (around 2,991.10 PLN) in Warsaw, when living with someone.

Immigration Rules (EU and Poland)

Short-Term Stay:

  • As a U.S. citizen, you can stay in Poland (or any Schengen country) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.

Long-Term Stay (National Visa/D-type):

  • Reasons: Work, study, family reunification, business, or humanitarian reasons
  • Application usually made through the Polish consulate in the U.S.
  • Proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient funds required
  • Residence Permit: Needed for stays over 3 months; can lead to permanent residency after 5 years (or 2–3 for students/workers in some cases)

Poland is not as flexible as Germany or the Netherlands, but more accessible than Nordic countries for longer stays.

Ease of Finding Work

In-demand fields: IT, engineering, finance, logistics, customer service (especially with English-speaking skills)

Language: Knowing Polish is a huge plus, but international companies and startups hire English speakers.

Job Search Sites: pracuj.pl, nofluffjobs.com (tech), justjoin.it

Visa Sponsorship: Larger firms may assist; otherwise, self-arranged visa is typical.

Work is findable with a good resume, but not easy without Polish unless you're in tech or a native English teacher.

Trans Acceptance

Social Climate: Conservative, especially outside big cities. The government and some media have pushed anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

In Cities: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk have stronger LGBTQ+ communities, pride events, and safe spaces. There are so many queer and trans folks in big cities, that you don’t need to worry about friends and safe spaces.

Legal Gender Change: Possible but complex:

Requires a lawsuit (recently it was significantly simplified)

Medical documentation is required

Discrimination Protection: EU law requires some protection, but enforcement is inconsistent.

Poland is not the most trans-friendly EU country, but urban areas offer community and some legal protections. Consider nearby countries (e.g., Germany, Netherlands) if acceptance is a top priority.

Academia

Polish Universities: Offer many English-taught programs (especially medicine, engineering, and business)

Apply directly to the university or through online platforms (like studyinpoland.pl)

Tuition: $2,000–$5,000/year (varies)

Documents Needed:

  • High school diploma (apostilled)
  • Passport
  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) or high grades in English classes
  • Some programs require entrance exams or interviews
  • Student Visa (D-type): Apply after receiving acceptance

Includes residence permit, allowing you to live and work part-time in Poland

It's very doable to enter higher ed in Poland. Also consider Erasmus and other EU-wide student mobility programs once in.

Language Barrier

General Population: English not always widely spoken, especially among older generations or in rural areas.

Younger people/Students: Many speak decent English.

Daily Life: Menus, bureaucracy, signage may often be Polish-only, but in cities you really don’t need to know polish to live, laugh, love. Especially in Warsaw you really feel, that this is a Europe, not some post communistic shithole.

Language Apps/Courses:

  • Duolingo, Babbel for basics
  • Local language schools (like Berlitz)
  • Universities may offer Polish classes for foreigners

Learn basic Polish phrases before arrival and aim to take a course while living there.

Access to HRT

As a Citizen or Long-Term Resident:

  • HRT is available, but usually not through public healthcare (NFZ) without a gender dysphoria diagnosis and formal psychiatric evaluation
  • Many people access it via private endocrinologists
  • Hormones (estradiol/testosterone) are available via prescription

As a Fresh Immigrant:

  • May face delays due to paperwork or lack of Polish insurance
  • Private clinics more accessible, but you’ll pay out of pocket ($30–$100/visit, hormones ~$10–$30/month)

Informed Consent Clinics: Not common yet, but slowly emerging

Medical Attitudes: Varies. Some doctors are affirming; others may be unfamiliar or hesitant.

It’s possible to access HRT, but expect some bureaucratic or social hurdles—especially at the start.

It is also possible to do DIY, which f.e. for trans fems could be only 100$/year.

Contact us

If you know about life in Poland as an LGBTQ+ person or would like to ask us questions about Poland, you can reach out to us using the contact form.