How to move to Poland from Canada : Your complete guide

Moving from Canada to Poland can be a life-changing decision filled with opportunities and challenges. No matter why you're moving to Poland, there are essential steps to prepare which we’ll cover in this guide. We’ll explore administrative essentials, costs, and preparations for a smooth transition. We’ll also discuss useful tools, including Wise, which simplifies finances and offers international transfer at the mid-market exchange rate. Let's dive in!

What are the administrative essentials for moving to Poland from Canada?

The first step is determining the most appropriate visa or residence permit based on your purpose for relocating to Poland. Canadian citizens can stay in Poland visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.¹

Consult a tax professional to update investments and adjust for residency changes.

How long does the Polish visa process take?

The decision for most visas is made within 15 working days from the payment date of the application fee.² If documents require additional examination, the consideration period may extend to 30 days.²

Things to take care of in Canada before moving to Poland

Ahead of the big move, be sure to take care of these important tasks:

• Notify banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers and close any unnecessary accounts
• Update government agencies with your new address
• Update or cancel any subscriptions or memberships
• Consider opening a Polish bank account or using Wise. Wise lets you hold Polish złoty (PLN) to avoid costly international fees.
• Set up mail forwarding to your new address in Poland
• Request copies of your medical records for any ongoing treatments in Poland
• If applicable, gather documents, vaccinations, and permits for any pets coming. Always check the airlines' requirements for flying with pets, as airlines have varied rules.
• Update your driving licence

Travel expenses for flying from Canada to Poland

Note: These prices are estimates and are subject to change based on availability, travel dates, and airline policies. Check with the airline or booking platform for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.

Preparing for your stay in Poland before leaving Canada

Preparation is everything! Be sure to:

• Confirm your passport has a minimum of six months validity beyond your planned departure date.
• Convert your Canadian dollars to Polish złoty (PLN). More on this below!
• Poland experiences all four seasons, so make sure you’re prepared for cold winters and warm summers.
• Ensure you pack a power adapter, as Poland uses the European plug.
• Consider a local SIM card for cheaper rates on calls and data. SIM cards are widely available at airports, kiosks, and convenience stores.

Estimation of monthly expenses

For a single person living in Warsaw, the estimated monthly costs are 1,123.6C$ (3,214.2zł), excluding rent. As for a single person living in Kraków, the estimated monthly cost is 1,079.5C$ (3,088.3zł), excluding rent.⁵ For phone bills, one can expect to pay anywhere between 29.00-50.00zł.⁵ For daily transport, tickets range between 3.40-4.40zł.⁵

Currency conversion rates with Wise as seen on December 9, 2024 at 11:30 am.

Culture shocks to watch out for

• Poles tend to be formal folks, using titles like Mr./Mrs. even in casual conversations, and first names are reserved for closer relationships.
• A handshake is a common greeting.
• Meal schedules differ from Canada, with lunch being the largest meal of the day, while dinner tends to be lighter and later. Traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup), and kielbasa (sausage) are staples, and portions can be hearty.
• People can be more straightforward than in Canada.
• While many Poles speak English, it varies where you go, with more rural destinations having fewer English speakers. Learning a few key phrases in Polish can be incredibly helpful and appreciated.

Get more out of your money with Wise

Wise takes all the stress out of managing your money, making it simple and cost-effective to transfer CAD to PLN. With one Wise account, you gain access to local account details for currencies like PLN, CAD, EUR, and USD, making it super simple to send and receive money internationally.

You can manage over 20 currencies in one Wise account, and when it’s time to convert, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, offering the ultimate value of your hard-earned money. Another benefit?Transfer fees are low, starting at just 0.48%^*, with the ability to send money to over 160 countries in more than 40 currencies. Plus, there are no hidden fees. Open your Wise account today!

Please see the Terms and Conditions for your region and visit our pricing page for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information on Wise products.

Transportation in Poland

Most cities have reliable public transit systems, with buses, trams, trolleybuses, trains, and metros. Warsaw has a metro, while larger cities like Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznan have trams.⁷ You can also opt for taxis, which are more expensive than public transport but quicker. Like Canada, there are taxi meters in every taxi and the taxi driver is obliged to issue a receipt when requested.⁷ While a vehicle is not a necessity, if you choose to get one, there are no restrictions for Canadians to buy new or used cars.

Healthcare system in Poland

The healthcare system in Poland operates under the National Health Fund or Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, NFZ financed by mandatory insurance contributions. Emergency healthcare in Poland is free for all in life-threatening situations, regardless of citizenship or insurance status, per the law.

Uninsured individuals may need to pay unless they are covered by special provisions or agreements. Further, patients need to register with a general physician under the public system, who can issue referrals for most specialist consultations. Many opt for private health insurance plans, offered by providers like Medicover, Lux Med, and Signal Iduna, to reduce wait times and access additional services.

Final thoughts on moving to Poland from Canada

Moving from Canada to Poland is an exciting adventure that requires careful planning and preparation. Securing the right visa, managing finances, and adapting to local culture are key steps. Wise can help you manage your money effectively, making settling in Poland significantly easier. Get started today with your Wise account!

Sources:

1. Travel advice and advisories for Poland
2. D-Type national visa - Poland in Canada - Gov.pl website
3. Work and travel in Poland: International Experience Canada
4. Skyscanner
5. Numbeo
6. Wise currency converter
7. Migrant info - Polish government Website