The city is a cultural hotspot with numerous theaters, galleries and music venues. It offers everything from classical performances at the National Philharmonic to cutting-edge contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art. The annual Warsaw Film Festival and the Chopin Piano Competition draw international attention and celebrate the city’s ongoing cultural evolution. Warsaw also values progress and environmental consciousness, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and green initiatives such as promoting urban green spaces, supporting innovative startups, especially in deep tech, and continuously expanding its bike-lane infrastructure, currently at 700 km (435 mi). 

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can live and work in Poland without a visa or work permit. For short visits and tourism, citizens of many countries can enter Poland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but if you plan to stay longer or work in Warsaw, you must apply for the appropriate visa and/or work permit, such as an EU Blue Card or an Entrepreneur Visa.

For non-EU citizens, securing a work permit usually requires a job offer from a company that operates in Poland. Most work permits are employer-sponsored, meaning your potential employer will apply for the permit on your behalf. Poland does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, but it does have a variety of visas for entrepreneurs and business investors, which you can learn more about via the Polish Office for Foreigners (gov.pl).

Freelancers or self-employed individuals must register with the tax authorities and obtain a tax number (numer identyfikacji podatkowej [NIP]). You can apply for this at the local tax office or online at the Ministry of Finance (gov.pl/web/finance). You’ll need to provide documents such as your passport, work contract and proof of residence with your application. 

Poland has a public healthcare system. Citizens of EU/EFTA member states can access medical services through the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia [NFZ]) at nfz.gov.pl. You’ll need to register and obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (Europejska Karta Ubezpieczenia Zdrowotnego [EKUZ]). This allows you to receive medical treatment from general practitioners, hospitals and specialists at minimal or no cost. 

If you’re not from an EU/EFTA member state, you must obtain private health insurance before arriving in Poland. This is a requirement for student, work and business visas.

Poland is one of Europe's most advanced countries in terms of modern banking. Its financial sector is known for its innovative solutions and widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies. For example, BLIK (blik.com) offers a highly efficient and secure mobile payment system that has revolutionized how people make transactions in the country.

Millennium (bankmillennium.pl), mBank (mbank.pl), Alior Bank (aliorbank.pl), PKO BP (pkobp.pl) and ING (ing.pl) offer excellent online banking platforms and services tailored to businesses and individuals. Several banks also provide services in English to accommodate the international community. Notable among them is Santander Bank (santander.pl), which offers comprehensive banking services and a user-friendly website in English.

To open a bank account, you’ll need a Polish ID number (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności [PESEL]) or your NIP (tax ID number), a passport and proof of residence, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.

Getting around Warsaw is convenient thanks to its extensive public transportation system and growing cycling culture. The city boasts an efficient network of buses, trams and the Warsaw subway, connecting key city areas. The public transportation system is well integrated, allowing for seamless travel across different modes of transport.

Cycling is increasingly popular in Warsaw, with an extensive bike lane network and numerous rental services available. A new 452-meter pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Vistula River supports this culture of eco-friendly transportation and reduces traffic congestion. This modern, well-lit bridge connects the districts of Powiśle and Praga.

High demand, language barriers and rising rent prices can make finding an apartment in Warsaw challenging, but there are several platforms to help simplify the process. For example, the housing-related Facebook group “Wynajem mieszkanie/ pokój w Warszawie” (facebook.com/groups/mieszkaniawarszawa) or popular rental portals such as Otodom (otodom.pl), Morizon (morizon.pl), Gratka (gratka.pl), OLX (olx.pl) and Domiporta (domiporta.pl), where available rental properties are listed. To find rooms to rent with friends, check out Roomster (roomster.com).

For those who prefer a professional, personalized service, real estate agents have access to a broader network of properties and can guide you through the rental process in English, negotiate on your behalf, and help you handle the paperwork.

Polish, the primary and official language spoken in Warsaw, is widely used in all aspects of daily life, including business, education and social interactions. While many Poles, especially younger generations, speak English, learning some Polish can significantly enhance your experience and facilitate integration into the local community.

The reputable Polonicum (polonicum.uw.edu.pl) at the University of Warsaw is renowned for teaching Polish as a foreign language. It offers trimester-based and intensive summer courses, combining practical language acquisition with cultural activities such as film screenings and ethnographic workshops. The Smart Vision School (svschool.pl) offers various levels of Polish language courses, including beginner to advanced group courses, intensive courses and individual lessons, as well as online classes and options for children. And Berlitz Warsaw (berlitz.com) employs an immersive method to teach Polish, focusing on real-life conversations and personalized learning experiences and online classes. 

Additionally, public institutions such as community centers, libraries or local government initiatives offer subsidized Polish language education programs. These programs may require your PESEL number to verify residency status and eligibility for enrollment. 

Coworking spaces are popular among freelancers, digital nomads and startups in Warsaw. In the central city, you’ll find the CIC Innovation Campus, which offers premium office space in Varso Place with comprehensive programming to immerse your business in the Polish startup ecosystem. In the Praga district, Google for Startups—Campus Warsaw (startup.google.com/campus/warsaw) offers a mix of coworking spaces and a Creator Studio featuring a professional DIY video- and audio-recording studio with high-end production equipment. Many places offer trial days or tours, allowing you to experience the atmosphere firsthand before deciding. 

If you prefer cafe ambiance for getting some work done, locations such as Karma (coffeekarma.eu), Etno (etnocafe.pl) and Relax na Wilczej (relax-na-wilczej.eatbu.com) offer free wifi and cozy surrounds.

The work culture in Poland reflects the country's unique historical influences and dynamic economic growth. In Polish workplaces, respect for authority and seniority is crucial. In business settings, it is expected to use titles and last names until a closer relationship has been established.

Communication in the Polish workplace tends to be direct and to the point. Polish people appreciate clear instructions and detailed discussions to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that all aspects of a project are well understood. This directness, however, should not be mistaken for brusqueness; it is simply a cultural preference for clarity and efficiency. 

Punctuality is highly valued in Poland, and arriving on time for meetings and appointments shows respect and professionalism. While Polish people are known for their disciplined approach to work, there is also a strong appreciation for work-life balance. In traditional industries, the workweek is usually 40 hours, with clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Poland has relatively conservative views on gender compared to some other European countries, and traditional gender roles and dress codes can still be prevalent. Business suits and conservative dresses are often the norm, as is makeup. However, in the startup scene and non-traditional industries, there is often a more relaxed and flexible dress code. 

To register as a limited liability company (spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością [sp. z o.o.]), visit the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy [KRS]) at wyszukiwarka-krs.ms.gov.pl. The registration fee is around 600 zł (150USD) plus additional costs for notary services and court fees. Required documents include the Articles of Association, proof of share capital and the personal details of directors and shareholders. To register as a sole proprietor, visit the Central Registration and Information on Business (CEIDG) website at prod.ceidg.gov.p. There is no registration fee, but you’ll need your personal ID and proof of business address. 

After registering your company, you’ll receive a National Business Registry Number (Rejestr Gospodarki Narodowej [REGON]), which is your company’s tax ID. If you’re looking for a reputable accountant or accounting firm to assist you with tax compliance, bookkeeping, payroll and financial reporting, there are good directories at the Polish Chamber of Commerce (kig.pl) and the Association of Chartered Accountants in Poland (skwp.pl).

Warsaw offers a robust ecosystem of business support options. The Centrum Przedsiębiorczości Smolna (CPS; biznes.um.warszawa.pl) supports proactive individuals and entrepreneurs. This entrepreneurship incubator also offers desk rentals at preferential rates, conference rooms and an information point for CEIDG registration and funding inquiries. It also provides a municipal program offering professional training, expert lectures and networking events, as well as free accounting, legal, and business advice. Additionally, visitors can learn about the municipally funded acceleration program. 

The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP; parp.gov.pl) offers workshops, courses and mentoring for startups and entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights and resources to help businesses grow and succeed.

Other reliable resources include the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce (warsawchamber.pl), which offers networking events, business development programs and advisory services to support companies in various sectors; the Polish Investment & Trade Agency (paih.gov.pl), a government agency that provides free assistance to foreign companies looking to establish or expand their business in Poland, and the Warsaw Booster (warsawbooster.online), a City of Warsaw project that offers intensive workshops, personalized mentoring and collaboration with large companies. Ten of the finalists compete at a Demo Day for prizes worth a total of 90,000 zł.

Written by Yessica Klein