Moving to Poland from the US

Comments

592 responses to “Moving to Poland from the US”

1. John Woodgie

   Now that I am retired, my money would enable me to live a better life there than here. The last time I checked the exchange was almost 6 to 1 in our favor. I have relatives there outside of Krakow and they could be a great help to me. I do know some Polish but by no means an expert. What would I have to do to get the ball rolling.

   Reply
2. Dana

   Hi Mark,

   I enjoyed reading your article. It put a smile on my face. I have a similiar situation. Thank you.

   Reply
3. Agata Kulis

   Hey, great reading that. I am Polish, but I moved to Boston to study here. And so far, so good. I am originally from Cracow and I think that if I will ever move to Cracow back (most likely) I would love to work with American people, because I will miss them in Poland. I travel to Cracow once-twice a year to spend some time with my beloved family and to perform (I’m a musician), so maybe when I’ll be there, we could meet?
   Regards,
   Agata

   Reply
4. Bruce Stradling

   We just came back from 6 weeks in Poland and we are thinking of going back soon and living there 10 months out of the year. I love your country house and that is what we would choose too.

   Reply
5. Jae

   Hey, thanks for this site. Love it and it’s helped answer many of my questions just by reading the comments. I’ll be moving with my wife in a few years and we’re looking to settle in Katowice. She’s originally from Gliwice and I’m Puerto Rican. My question is more about starting a business out there. How difficult would it be for me to do so?

   Thanks ahead of time.

   Reply
   1. George

      Just like here you will need to deal with red tape, but Polish current government is very much interest in helping people like you. They see your success as theirs too, so due diligence about all the key government sponsored programs and associations. If you can, go to Polish consul in US and speak with representative and see if they can share the latest resource. For starters check out these few sites:
      http://www.foreignersinpoland.com/start-business-poland/
      https://www.justlanded.com/english/Poland/Poland-Guide/Business/Starting-a-business-in-Poland
      http://www.eubusiness.com/funding
      Best to you and your wife.

      Reply
6. Liliana

   Hi Mark,
   My family and I are strongly considering moving to Warsaw next year. My daughter is 17 and I my son is 13. I was born in Poland and my husband was too. My question to you is, if there is a strong demand for dental assistants and what are the requirements to be hired. If you don’t know, that is fine. Maybe you can point me in the right direction as to where to look for a job in this field. Also we live in PA right now and want to homeschool our son. Is homeschooling from another country valid in Poland. The school that I would sign him on to, has kids studying all over the world. Just want to know if that would be ok. Also we are thinking if sending our daughter to The University of Warsaw. Do you know anything about this school? Thank you. Liliana 🙂

   Reply
   1. Mark Biernat

      Poland is great. The school is good as is your profession, however, I think you would make twice as much teaching English at this point. I think in Warsaw you could charge 100/pln an hour to businesses and I do not think a dental assistant would make that.

      Reply
7. Ilona

   I spent almost my whole life in Poland and moved to US five years ago for personal reasons. So I want to tell you that, although I mostly agree with you, but not everything you wrote is true. People don’t have 8 weeks vacation. It is 20 days if you work less than 10 years and 26 days after that. Only teachers and research workers have 6 weeks. Healthcare is mandatory but it is not free; if you work, you have to pay part of that. And if you don’t work, you have to buy it. But of course in comparison with US prices it is almost nothing. But this cheap healthcare for everybody is really very bad. To visit a specialist, sometimes you have to wait a few months, to some specialists- even one year or so. For a surgery you have to wait sometimes one year. So very often you really have to pay if you want to have anything earlier but for somebody who has for example pension from US, it will be probably quite affordable:).
   What I miss in US the most, this is the public space. I love hiking and biking and in Poland all forests, mountains and the whole sea are national. You can go where you want. There’s no any private beaches. In US you have to go to State Park.
   And of course our food is great. My American son-in-law loves it.

   Reply
   1. k.Du

      I have to agree with you . there has been a painted picture here that is far from the truth. Poland is a very expensive place to live. I spend dollars in Poland and still refrain from buying certain things.The tax rates on personal income are unreal. Poland is not a tax friendly country. The weather during the winter months can become rather depressing. The driving style in Poland also leaves lots to desire. Poland holds some of the highest vehicular deaths in the EU and a third of them are innocent people waiting for a bus or walking on the side walk minding their own business. On the flip side. I have traveled to Poland since 2003 every year at least two times and moved here permanently since 2013. I have seen Poland advance in leaps and bounds.I have kids in the public school system which given the current condition of the school system security in the US that is a plus. The food and drinks here are unmatched. I have to say the best food in all of Europe that I have experienced is the Polish food. With that all said I have to say that after five years I can say my best times in Poland were when I visited and did not live in Poland. So in short Poland is a very nice place to visit but not to live

      Reply
8. Wes Kukiela

   Dear Mark,
   I was born in Poland and have been living in Canada for 40 years and I do have dual Canadian and Polish citizenship. My wife is Japanese and we are seriously planing to move to Poland. I come from Lublin area but we both love Krakow. Could please let us know if there are any Japanese people living in Krakow? My wife Miki she be happy to meet some people with whom she can talk in their native Japanese language. Our younger son is planning to study at the “Jagielonski” University in English and daughter might be coming to do her Doctor’s degree in Krakow. She is currently at the McGill University in Montreal . Both kids they have triple; Canadian-Polish-Japanese citizenship.
   Marek, if you could do research in Krakow and let us know anything about Japanese living people in this one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and let us know, we will be very glad and will appreciate very much. Living in the near future in Krakow, for sure we will become a good friends.
   Thank you Mark! This what you are doing it is amazing. You are touching hearts of so many people. You are wonderful man and a great, true Polish patriot.
   With our best wishes to you Mark and your family,

   Your new Polish-Canadian-Japanese friends from Windsor, Canada
   Wes Waclaw, Miki Ioki, Lilika and Kaz Kazimierz Kukiela.

   Reply
   1. Polish from Detroit

      Hi there,
      Are you from Windsor, Canada next to Detroit, Michigan?
      If yes, we’re neighbors. So maybe some meeting?
      In Cracow is a Honorary Consul of Japan and there is a lot of Japanese people.

      Reply
      1. Wes Kukiela

         Hi Mark! Yes, we live in Windsor, Ontario, across the river to Detroit in USA. In your reply you have written, that we can meet, but how? You live now in Krakow, Poland, are you Mark? I will be very happy to meet with you, but where before we come to Poland. Are you visiting Detroit sometimes Mark?
         Thanks for your quick reply and have a wonderful day!
         Wes and Miki Ioki Kukiela
         Your new Polish-Japanese-Canadian friends coming to Poland in the near future!
         e-mail: wes@kukiela.com
         phone res. 519-997-6002
         Windsor, Ontario, Canada
         May 23, 2016

         Reply
9. TonyP

   I am a native life long New York City person, but have been living in Lublin for the last 5 years. While I too love America, I love living here much more. Went back with wife (Polish) for her first trip to US. She loved it. We traveled seeing my family along the east coast from NY to North Carolina. My pastor here in Lublin thought I might be homesick and not come back. Well, I am back here in Lublin and no plans on returning. Retired too. I can actually live off my small pension here with no problems.

   Reply
   1. Jae

      That’s awesome to know! I too am from NY and am actually a Pastor.
      It would be great to visit and connect once I’m there!

      Reply
10. Michal M Cendrowski

    Gas&electronics prices are through the roof, last time I check a liter of gas in Poland – majority of those that travel do so via POV, costs more than a gallon of gas in the US, electronics are much more expensive. Health and insurance costs, although free, you’ll be waiting 3 months for an appointment, unless of course you go to a private doctor in which case you will pay a pretty penny. My Aunt who had cancer, her prescription costs were through the roof 1200 zl monthly (her retirement benefit is 800 zl monthly) and let’s not forget the median salary range for Poles.

    Based on some research and the aforementioned Gas is 50% more expensive, utilities 7% more expensive. A pair of Levi jeans costs 40% more in Poland than the US. Some things are cheaper, of course, the reason being – Poles make much less.

    P.S. You moved to Poland but why is everyone else moving out?

    economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/11/poland-and-eu

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       I live in the USA now, on the coast in Florida. I would only live here or Poland and they are about the same. Polish people might say America is so much better but that is based on a 1980s reality. I live in Saint Johns country the richest country in Florida and the average income is 32k a year. Everywhere I look people live in mobile homes and trailers. I myself grow my own food. Fairy-tales that Poland is poor and America is rich is just that, an illusion. You have to compare many things, including the cost of education and medical here in the USA. Public schools here are a breeding ground for all kinds of bad behavior, and medical care here is poor because of the cost. Did you know that Poles and American have the same average life expectancy?
       Everyone in the USA is living in debt and with big mortgage payments.

       Reply
       1. Michal M Cendrowski

          Debt is a plague not only in America, but in Poland and many other countries. Those people you look at, living in mobile homes, what is their educational background, I doubt they are college educated? And if where you live, in Florida is the same as Poland, why not go back to your native country? Every young, college educated Pole I know – moves out of Poland and the reason they give – lack of jobs and low wages.

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          1. adam

             Maybe 15 year ago, looks like you do not know too many people.

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             1. DROW

                15 years ago? Brexit was the direct result of too many Brits complaining there were too many outsiders (mostly Poles) living in England. Look it up mate, way over 50%

             2. Scott Overmyer

                Why have so many Poles moved to the U.K.? Is the Polish economy that bad? Have Poles moved because they want new scenery, or just because they can (as a result of the E.U.)? Do jobs in Poland pay significantly less than in the U.K. (or the rest of Europe)?

             3. HJRR

                Poles moved to U.K. For many reasons, obviously the cream of the crop can get jobs anywhere, the lowest classes if motivated had to move for better opportunities. Yes, Poland pays less when converted to pounds or used or euros for the same jobs. There are tons of jobs in Poland for the educated classes, Drs, engineers, computer scientists, etc but again you will earn less.
                That is not the full story, even though you might make less in Poland, the cost of living is far less as well. Poland is remarkable self suffice t with food, shelter and clothing. Housing is cheaper today, but only because the polish currency is down 30%. But to the average Pole working in Poland it is not so easy. But it is doable.
                So, having lived and worked in the UK, Usa, Germany and Poland I have to say I would rather live and work in Poland because everything is better here (in Poland) better food, better women, nicer people, less problems with “minorities” and no Islamic threat (so far). The poles I know whole family moved to Scotland to run a diary farm they do everything from milk the cows to fix the tractors to babysit. They make 10-pounds per hour. Not sure if they are on or off the books. It is hard work but they love it. Many want to come back and I think many will come back as soon as they save up enough to be comfortable in Poland. I do not know any poles in uk who are not working and are on public aide.

                UKs problem is not polish plumbers who will work for a hell of a lot less then British plumbers.
                UKs problem is radical 3rd world Muslims with no respect for British law or British culture, who say they want Islamic law, who create no-go zones, who refuse to assimilate.

                In 1-2 generations Polish kids born and raised in UK will look,talk and act like regular UK (white, European, Christian) people.
                Learn this and make UK GREAT BRIATIAN again!

             4. Scott Overmyer

                Thanks for your comment on Poles in the U.K. If Trump wins here in the USA, we’ll be moving to Poland in 2017. I have PhD in Information Technology and shouldn’t have a big problem finding work (immigration process not withstanding). Otherwise, we’ll likely retire in Poland in a few years.

             5. HJRR

                Scott,
                Only If Trump wins I may return to the USA.
                Under a Trump Administration the USA should see at least 4% GDP growth, that is more then 2x the current level. Building the wall, bringing back jobs, re-building US infrastructure, putting a lot of people to work and yes enforcing the laws on illegal immigrants.
                If Hillary wins I will remain in Poland and renounce my US Citizenship because there will be no way she does anything to reduce the federal debt or deficits. USA is game over if she gets elected.

                That is my current plan.

                #Trump2016 #TrumpTrain #OnlyTrump

             6. Scott Overmyer

                HJRR, you’ve been sucked in by the Trump lies. He doesn’t have a clue, and will not improve anything. He’s a rich guy who doesn’t understand the plight of the average citizen, doesn’t understand governance, doesn’t know anyone who does understand governance, and is completely insensitive to anyone other than himself (and, in fairness, perhaps some of his family). Here’s a guy who manufactures all of his products off-shore, creates a fake university, has 6 bankruptcies, 3 marriages, and is extraordinarily narcissistic. If Trump wins – stay in Poland, I’ll join you there.

             7. Marek J

                America is going down either if Trump or Hillary wins. If I last two years here then I will. Planing to return home from NY after 30 years. There is no more American dream.

             8. Scott Overmyer

                There are literally millions of people living the American Dream. There are also millions who are not. The American Dream is something that is developed within, and not something that the government provides. What is your dream that you can’t realize it in the US (or Poland for that matter)?

             9. HJRR

                Scott, you have been hoodwinked by the leftist in America. Who better than Trump to fix a broken system a system he worked on the other side to improve his business out come. As for BK, trump has 3 out of hundreds of businesses. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Only someone with no Biz experience or someone who never stsrted, ran or owned a business would fault Trump for his BK and not recognize the wealth he has created not only for himself but for 10s of thousands of employees , contractors and the like.
                Trumps message is very simple 1) make better trade deals 2) bring our jobs back 3) cut taxes and regulations so #2 happens fast and 3) enforce immigration laws and build a wall.4) bring back the trillions in off shore money corporations are holding.

                The status quo as represented by Obama and Hillary have failed the American, so has the establishment GOP who under Bush went crazy spending, but not as crazy as Obama.
                So a return to balanced budgets is quite possible with Trump and that will never happen with Hillary.
                You can not compare the USA with Poland, I have achieved the American Dream in both places, but only the American divorce laws tried to destroy what I accomplished. That will never happen in Poland. The laws are different, the people are different and my Polish wife is way better.

                Can you even express in 4 lines what Hillary plans for America? Besides More of the same curruption and nonsense.

                I can tell you one thing for sure Trump will be a cheerleader for the USA and the people will rally behind him as they did Ronald Reagan you will see GDP growth 2x and 3x of what it is today – that alone will #MAGA

             10. Scott Overmyer

                 You’ve obviously drunk the Trump acid-laced Koolade. Trump has 6 bankruptcies, has abandoned many contractors and small businesses and has NO clue on foreign policy. Here’s 4 sentences on what Clinton will do:
                 1) Reduce interest rates and tuition rates for public colleges and universities.
                 2) break up the big banks to reduce risk
                 3) Institute changes to the ACA to begin universal health care coverage
                 4) Provide a path to citizenship for productive undocumented immigrants.
                 5) Continue work on job stimulus through infrastructure projects.
                 6) Not insult everyone she doesn’t like.

                 Good start?

          2. Thomas

             Michal,

             Most of the people the way you have described living this way because most of the time that’s all they do is complaint and do not want to work.
             People that work hard have own a beautiful house in Poland and have a great life.

             Reply
          3. John Dettloff

             I am college educated, in fact, I am a doctor and still in practice after 40 years. I live in a mobile home. Yes, by choice. I lived in the so called gated community. But here is the thing. At some point in one’s life you decide to live out the rest of your life without bureaucratic agencies and taxing authorities dictating what you’re allowed to do, what you can own and store on your own property, and some homeowners association writing you up and levying a fine for not cutting your lawn often enough, or for parking your small camper in your own driveway. So some of us want our freedom from ridiculous, metaling jerks.

             To be left alone to enjoy the simple things of life. So what is seldom talked about when life in the USA is discussed is the offensive intrusion into our lives by government agencies giving us rules and ultimatums about how we are going to live our lives. Well I have worked all my life, paid taxes all my life, and have endured the oppression of government controls for all of that time, and now just want the simple freedom, to know my neighbors but not see them constantly, to be allowed to let my house go another year or two without painting the peeling exterior trim if I want, and etc. without some jerk suing me because they don’t agree with my lifestyle. So I searched for and purchased acreage property in the country which is where they keep property the size of acreage. Property designated and “unrestricted” which means for you bureaucratic types, I can do what the hell I want on my property short of murder.

             News Flash: The cost of living in rural USA is 25 % of the basic everyday cost of living in the cities. The local restaurants are quaint and social and they even remember you as a customer. Sure there is lots more work to do in the country on your property. But cutting down trees, repairing wells, toiling the soil to plant a garden is the type of activity that is health restoring, mentally satisfying, and spiritually fulfilling.
             So the image of someone living in a “trailer” is too stereotypically classifying in a negative sense. College educated people moving into today’s mobile homes is the new image of a person attempting to decrease their overhead, improve the quality of their life, and restrict the stressful interactions with everyone’s oppressor, bureaucratic governmental agencies. You cannot seem to get those benefits leaving homeownership in the city to relocate to an apartment or condo. Not even close. So that’s my two cents. Thank you.

             Reply
             1. Mark Biernat

                Living in a trailer or mobile home is actually a positive thing, if it leads you to mortgage free living or free living in general. I know people who live in one, grow their own food and live the way they like. So living in a mobile home does have many positive benefits.
                I basically agree with everything you have written. I am an economics professor and I would live in a mobile home. I do not, but I do grow my own food. It all depends on there reason and the condition.

             2. Scott Overmyer

                We’ve lived in mobile homes on 2 separate occasions and wouldn’t do it again, unless there’s a basement. They’re okay, but I prefer a solid structure, not subject to strong winds and/or tornadoes.

             3. Mark Biernat

                I prefer a soild structure. You can build a cordwood home relatively cheap, even earthblocks or bricks are not that expensive depending on where you live.

11. Alec

    Hey Mark, I’m interested in moving to Poland to live with my fiance. I’m not fully sure about the visas and work permits required. Can I go there without a visa and apply to stay and become a resident and worker, and if so how long does that take?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Read my posts and comments and detail and if you have specific questions more than happy to help. Basically, you need either a work visa unless you have Polish ancestry.

       Reply
12. Alec

    That was sooo, unhelpful. I cant get a work visa until I have a work permit, I cant get a work permit until I get hired to work in poland and the company petitions to get a work permit for me. You totally didn’t answer my second question. Good thing the information is available on the Polish state department website.

    Reply
    1. HJRR

       ALEC,
       yes basically you are screwed if you do not have a work visa before coming to Poland.
       You will have to come to Poland and get a job offer with ache required application under polish law, then return to your home country and apply for he work visa at the Polish embassy, then you can return to Poland and work for 1 year. However, during this one year you can and should immediately apply for a residency card so that you can continue to work in Poland with out having to return to your home country.
       If you can get hired in advance they can send you all the paper work and you can apply for the visa before coming.
       Visa processing takes 1 week and I think There are small fees and return shipping costs.

       Either way it is worth it if you want to move to Poland, make it happen FOR THE captain , because you’re the Captian!

       HJRR

       Reply
       1. Mirek

          Holy Joe Rock and Roll:) You are not going back to the USA,just because Donald Trump became a President. Are you?

          Reply
          1. Scott Overmyer

             Actually, leaving the US because of Trump is a more likely scenario than leaving Poland because of Trump.

             Reply
13. Marki24

    So I just returned from Poland after being there for a month. I am currently living in NY and have been so for the past 29 years. I am 36. I was in Wroclaw and Warszawa most of my stay. Me and my family decided to move back in two years. We are looking to save up some money so we can buy a apartment. Poland is ahead with so many things. People here say that people in Poland live a poor life. Maybe they do in the villages but the same pertains to America you move out of the city and you see the poor life. I visit Upstate NY Oneonta and their people live poorer life than in the city. You can buy a beautiful apartment in the city for 500,000 – 650,000 zloty. You will never be able to buy it for that price in the USA. They have beautiful malls, stores, it’s clean, people are friendly, people look a lot less stressed out and like the saying goes in NY “time is money” that doesn’t exist in Poland. We are most likely considering to moving to Wroclaw but that it all depends where we will find a job. The USA dream doesn’t exist anymore. In the late 80s and early 90s that was when it was good in the USA. Not anymore.

    Reply
14. Angelika

    Hello Mark, My family is of European origin (my mother speaks a little Ukrainian, my father is a Pol immigrant who is fluent in Polish and English) and my grandparents own a big house with a garden in a quiet area in between the city and a bunch of houses. I am learning some Polish and know some words already but plan in becoming fluent. I am in my grandparents house right now visiting for summer vacation (I am a sophomore in high school) and I really love the food, buildings, and a lot of other things here. I am a citizen of both America an the EU so if I learned Polish I could live here. Though I hear college is free here, I would be more comfortable in American college where they speak English. What kind of jobs are on high demand in Poland?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       I am creating a Polish language program, but it will not be out soon as I have multiple responsibilities. However, that being said, I recommend you continue to learn as much Polish as you can. Based on the fact your father immigrated from Poland I think you can just be declared a Polish citizen if you contact the Polish embassy. It might take a few months but worth it. You will have many advantages having Polish citizenship, the most important being the life experiences and broadening of the mind.
       I meet my spouse in Poland my daughter was born in Poland the experiences I had there and continue to have can not be traded for all the money in the world.
       Poland is a beautiful country and not as commercialized like Western Europe. If you go there, I think you will at home as it is in your subconsciousness either transmitted though the generations or just from your intellectual curiosity.

       Evey job is in high demand just like in the USA. I think you can teach English to start. All you need to be is a native speaker which you are.
       If you are searching for a direction in your career path, I recommend what you truly love. I use to listen t the ‘do what you love mantra’ and not take it seriously until I found out how insanely boring a ‘practical’ career path is.

       If you like philosophy or digital art or whatever, you can make a career out of it. You can do it in Poland. If you are a citizen you have discounted or free education.

       My friends that exercise the right to return are universally grateful they did. I would start by seeing what your citizenship options are and learn some Polish. I would not to get too stressed about the languages as it is hard to say the least. Just learn what you can and have fun with it. I use to read comic books in Polish and watch Polish TV online with TVPolonia.
       Let me know if you have further questions.

       Reply
15. Carolyn Banks

    I am 74 years old and of Polish ancestry. If I were to move to Poland, would I be able to collect my US Social Security check there? Also, how would I go about proving that my ancestors were from Poland? Would I be able to stay in Poland for the rest of my life? Could I take my dog and two cats with me? Thanks for your answers.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       The only consideration you have is a visa. Dogs and cats can come, you can live a culturally rich life in Poland, but only if you have a visa. If you have Polish ancestry that is a start and you need to specifically detail your right to live there based on that. It took me a lot of work, really years. If you are willing to do that I recommend starting with the Polish embassy website and filling out the application. You can collect social security, but you should have more money then that to live I would hope. You can do it, it just take work and paperwork. But would it would not be any more challenging if someone wanted to immigrate to the US for example. They will look if it is your parents or grandparents and do you have an interest in the culture and language and you can support yourself and have medical coverage.

       Reply
       1. Carolyn Banks

          My medical coverage is Medicare and a Humana supplemental policy. I don’t think they’d be honored in Europe. When you said I’d need medical coverage, what did you mean? Thank you for response to this and your previous response!

          Reply
          1. Scott Overmyer

             You’ll need to purchase a local insurance policy. They are generally much less expensive than Medicare Part B plus supplementary premiums. Try the following link for pretty good info: http://www.expatarrivals.com/poland/healthcare-in-poland

             Reply
             1. HJRR

                Check out these 2 companies and ask for quotes. I personally use Medicover and have been happy.

                LUX MED Group http://www.luxmed.pl/en.html
                MEDICOVER http://www.medicover.com/default.aspx#

                Most companies use one or the other, Medicover in also in many other European countries.

16. Alicija

    Hi,
    Thank you for the great story of your move! My husband is from Poland originally and his parents and my moms side of the family still live there. We are seriously thinking about moving to Poland to help out his parents as they are getting older and their health is not 100%. We would like some advise on what to do before hand as we will be moving with 3 kids that are under the age of 13? I know that the schooling is much different and there will be challenges. Please contact me with any information that you may have so we can make this transition easier for us all.

    Thanks,
    Alicija

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       There are many American and English based schools in Poland so really school is the least of your worries. And if you contrast the craziness of the public schools in the west, even if they go to a public school in Poland the eduction from a moral choice perspective will be better. The most important part of a child’s adolescences is they learn about making good choices. The learning of facts and information is not a problem. Even in the Polish public schools there are classes in English and the kids will love to speak English with the foreigner.

       There are a million parks and museums in Poland. Endless opportunities. If you have specific questions let me know.

       Reply
17. ADRIAN COMBE

    We will not be working. What is the best approach to staying permanently? Citizenship? Visa? Other?

    Many thanks in advance.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       You need a permanent visa just like if you want to live in the USA. I think that should be your first order of business.

       Reply
18. Rona

    Hello.

    Love your information. We currently live outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul in Minnesota. My husband’s work has listed him as a candidate for a two year position in Wroclaw, Poland.

    As a stay-at-home mom, my main concerns are the kids, ages 10 and 8. I believe they would be able to go to an English speaking school and get an education similar to their current curriculum, but I don’t have details on it yet. I can’t find anything online about schools in/near Wroclaw.

    Also, my daughter is on a competitive dance team at her dance studio (and will most likely be advancing to the more elite line next year). She lives for dance. Are there dance studios near Wroclaw?

    My son is a sports fanatic. He loves to play all sports and is going to need to whittle down to a smaller number of them soon! Hockey, baseball and American football are his favorites. Do schools offer these sports? Are there city-wide athletic associations? If there are teams for children, would he be mixed with enough Polish-speaking children to make things harder for him?

    We may try to live back in MN most of the summer as we just built a cabin on the Mississippi River–maybe just the kids and I and my husband can do longer summer visits. It could very well be that we move there and back mid-way through school years, so I’m thinking hubby could go in a few months and we finish this school year in MN. Next fall, the kids could attend school in Poland for one full year. Perhaps my husband would stay in Poland a few months without us at the end of these two years as the rest of us settle back in MN and start back on a full school year here.

    Thank you so very much for any guidance you can give me. It is much appreciated!

    Sincerely,
    Rona

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Poland has the most wonderful dance studios as I feel Eastern Europe is known for this. Think about how many ballerinas are from Eastern Europe. Further, sports are universal in Western culture. I think soccer is really the main sport, but also hockey is being played. baseball and American football not really. But there are so many other sports and associations that make this a wonderful place to interact. All and I mean all the kids speak a level of English there and they would be delighted to speak it with your children. I think living in Poland as a child has an innocence and wonder that I had when I was a kid but missing in much of the US culture because of nonsense in our public schools. This is not a political statement but it is true.

       It would enrich your children’s life in so many ways. If you know a place you will live, I can help find dance studios close in Wroclaw for example when your place get more solidified.

       Reply
19. Kevin

    Hello,

    I enjoyed reading your article about Poland. I am currently US military stationed in Europe and just like you I am Polish from my roots. I was never able as a child to visit where I came from and was fortunate enough to be stationed in Germany where I frequently take trips to visit cities in Poland.

    Coming from the United States was it a very long process to become a citizen in Poland without fluently speaking the language? Though I speak it, but in a very broken form it is hard for me to understand it fluently.

    Also when it comes to jobs and living. Was it hard for you to find work? Do a lot of places take people who can speak English?

    My goal is to move there and first study abroad once I exit the military. From there I plan to learn the language and further my education in the medical career field. I was reading articles about how it is hard to find jobs other than IT jobs for Americans. Not sure how true this is.

    But if you could please respond and answer all of my question I would really appreciate it

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Poland is like America. You can get any job you want based on the skills. The international language of business is English so jobs are based on skills rather than language. Most people in business are speaking English and many foreigners in companies.

       Reply
    2. Susan

       My knowledge is only through internet research, as I am pursuing citizenship through ancestry (grandparent). I understand that Poland considers children of Polish citizens to be Polish – unless they have served in another country’s military or in public service. This is considered to be revoking your Polish citizenship. That may be something for you to research.

       Reply
20. Hal

    What a beautiful country house.
    How much would it cost to build one like that in Poland?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       It all depends if you do it yourself of have people build it for you. I mean I personally would build it myself including laying and making bricks, and if you did that, a nice home could be 10k USD or less.

       Reply
21. Chaz

    Greetings Mark,
    Well I did go to Poland for a few weeks back in September and enjoyed it immensely. Lovely country, friendly people, great food at very low prices. And I got to see where my parents lived and felt very connected with it all. I will keep working on the paperwork problem but so far only the archives have been cooperative – not the Urzads. A real bummer as I now need the residence and census info for my parents and not only the birth and marriage info which I have obtained. So the job continues. However one interesting problem/challenge that I had was there seem to be no self-service laundries there and I hate to use regular laundries because, besides being expensive since they charge by the piece, they tend to use toxic and smelly chemicals (aromas). The one time I used one at a hotel the clothes came back stinking to high heaven of perfume aroma. I sent them back and they did the same thing over again. Absurd. I couldn’t use the clothes and had to wash them twice when I got back to Greece and the smell was still noticable. I still need to send a complain-ogram to the hotel. Otherwise the trip was fun. But to solve the laundry problem next year when I go back I will stay in short term rental apartments as my brother did. ps any suggestions on how to get cooperation from the Urzads?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       before I bought a washer in Poland I use to wash clothes in the bath/shower, it is not that hard. You can dry them on the heater or radiator or buy an indoor clothe hanger. I know it sounds crazy but everyone in Poland has a washer. Drier not really, they just use the heater. All the students and travelers I know, wash their clothes in the shower and dry them. Its actually better for the clothes and if you buy natural soap they sell at the market it smells wonderful.

       There are laundromats popping up in the cities, but I like going to M1 and getting a plastic do it yourself laundry washing basin. It makes you feel alive and authentic to do things such as this.

       Urzads are helpful if you are patient and smile a lot and ask many different people and talk to Poles in line waiting. Its the same all over the world. I do not know if US government offices are any better. I always felt there, they might cold initially sometimes but in the end, they really wanted to help, if you are persistent.

       Reply
22. Eva

    I’d love to move to Poland, my Dad’s family is from there, I don’t speak a lick of Polish though. How would I find employment? Right now, I live in Japan, and the same gray building all year long- no Christmas trees or anything decorate this dull, dull city. It’s extremely difficult to put down roots in a bed of concrete, so they say. What to do?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Poland is a magical place. You can move there and live if you have a visa. If you have Polish ancestors, not problem, if you do not you need a work visa. Have you looked into getting a Polish visa based on your Dad’s family?

       Reply
       1. Scott Overmyer

          My wife’s family is from Poland originally, but before the legal time for reclaiming lost citizenship. Do you know who we could contact about getting her citizenship on that basis?

          Reply
          1. Mark Biernat

             You need to go here http://newyork.mfa.gov.pl/en/consular_information/polish_citizenship/restoration_of_polish_citizenship/ or contact the Polish consular directly. It is for reclaiming citizenship.

             Reply
23. Rebecca Elaine Lee

    Cześć! I enjoyed your article about Poland.
    My maternal grandmother’s people were Jews from Poland. I have had a growing interest in Poland and its language and culture, and finding much identity with it.
    More for interest’s sake than anything, I wondered how much it costs to move there (plane ticket, passport, citizenship, settling down, etc., etc.)
    If this is too enormous a task for you to answer, would you be able to provide some links for me please?
    Dzięki.
    Rebecca

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Plane ticket 800 one way. Visa 200. Settling down you should have a few thousand, which can be offset by teaching and working. It is more about your determination.

       Reply
24. Aleks M

    So I’ve heard talks of people renouncing their US citizenship to obtain Polish Citizenship. I’ve heard several stories of essentially “trading citizenship”.

    Great story by the way friend. Cheers.

    Reply
25. David B

    25, M, U.S. Citizen w/ Bachelor’s in Marketing/Design.

    I recently visited Krakow and instantly fell in love with the city. I am currently using my 90-day Schengen in Switzerland. I have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree and wanted to explore the reality of working in either Krakow or Warsaw.

    I have marketable experience, full English, with virtually no Polish (although I am willing to break my back to learn.) I know a few words and can discern the language but nowhere near fluent. How realistic is it for a Polish based company to hire me? I’m assuming to stay past the 90-days the company would need to sponsor me under the Type A visa, correct?

    I’ve sent my CV out to a few places on gumtree.pl but appreciate any further advice.

    I’m mainly trying to find a full-time position in Warsaw or Krakow that will pay a decent wage for long-term stay. I know it’s a long-shot but I have enjoyed the area so much so that I would love to stick around for a lot longer, and contribute too!

    Dziekuje.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       You need to get a work visa. Everything else does not matter, the whole dream will be based on a visa.

       Reply
26. Mariska

    Could you tell me the steps to take to become an expat living Poland? I’ve seen a lot of forums and articles about living in Poland but nothing actually telling you how to do it. Can you give advice on finding a job and/or starting a business– how difficult is it and how long does it take?

    Thanks for the information.
    Mariska

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       All you have to do is buy a ticket and I am not being sarcastic. If you have a Polish name and can get a visa everything else will take care of itself. All you have to do is go to Gumtree and rent an apartment and have some money saved, but the visa is the most important thing.

       Reply
27. Paul Escobar

    I recently went on a vacation after the election, before inauguration, and Warsaw was a stop. I fell in love and bought a one-way ticket back on March 29th.
    I do not know the language, I do not have ancestors or any ties to Poland, but something draws me there.
    What do I do once there? I have paid for a flat for 3 months. Only taking luggage. I will be looking for a job. I had planned to renounce my citizenship. Thoughts on that?
    What do I do once there? It is happening in 14 days, and those will come fast. I must take this leap of Faith. Any guidance is welcomed and invited.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Poland is amazing, I would not renounce my citizenship, rather find a job teaching so you can get a visa and go from there.

       Reply
28. Scarlett Zinggeler

    4/13/2017 – I did a student exchange with Rotary International for a year in Gdansk. It’s been nearly a year since I returned and I constantly miss Poland. I desperately want to go back, but I don’t think the credits from my university would transfer. I was thinking about finishing my BS (I only have one more year) and getting my masters in Poland. You mentioned that you went to the university in Krakow, is that the best for international students? Also, how did you make that leap? I feel conflicted with whether or not I should go. I miss the US of course while I was away last time, but now I feel like there is more about Poland that I am missing every day even more. Do you travel back to the US? do you have family that flies to you?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       I go back to Poland whenever I can and when I have more money I plan to live there part of the year.

       Reply
29. Gregg Alexander

    I really liked your article. I met a wonderful woman and have been to Kraków to visit and I fell in love with not only this wonderful woman but with Poland! I have been looking for a job there for months now and am not having much luck. I need help with this. If you can give me some advice, I will gladly follow it. I love the way of life there and it will be good for me. My wonderful Polish lady and I want to get married and live in Poland. We are both in our early 50’s and I think it will be much better for me to move there. I don’t need a fancy job, I need something to support me so I can move there. I am ready to move once I have a job.

    I have searched so many sites and applied to more jobs than I can remember but I do not speak much polish and maybe this is why I cannot find something. I would collect garbage if that would get me there. I am not afraid to do any kind of work. I just want to be with my fiancé and enjoy the Polish life. I will do almost anything.

    I hope you will get back to me and let me know your thoughts.

    Thank you,
    Gregg

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Teaching English is the way to do or if you have any IT skills that will do it, it is the same as getting a professional job anywhere they are looking for skills.

       Reply
30. Pawel

    Hello guys.
    There is really nice evangelical international church in krakow
    http://Www.jezuskrakow.pl

    Reply
31. JHS

    Hi Mark,
    I really loved your post about the move.
    I am considering a move in a few years time, once I have built up some savings and such. I am not too sure about how updated this blog is, as the dates of comments and posts dont really show, but as I see responses to Trump’s election, I assume you still read this.

    Will appreciate seeking your advice through email if possible, you have my email there. They are mostly questions on ability to take mortgages for non-EU, property ownership as a non-Polish etc.

    Already have a two trips planned this year to Wroclaw and Warzsawa to do some recce work. Very excited! miss the country since I was there in 2012.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       You need wages in the Poland to get a loan from a Polish bank unless you can prove income in the US for example is stable and ongoing. You can write me from my contact page.

       Reply
32. Dolores

    I am from the US and have never. Even to Poland but have been very drawn to go and explore. I can only stay for 90/180 in Schengen, although I know we have a bi-lateral agreement with Poland. I cannot configure how or when I can legally come back without great of a layover in another Schengen country on my return? Almost any flight from BOS will land me somewhere I am not allowed to be should I try and come back to Poland on sat day 150.
    Any suggestions or ideas on this?
    Also is there a more economical long term (3 mos) rental option other than Airbnb?

    Also, my monthly income from social security is $2300/mo, is this adequate for a low maintenance but quality lifestyle in Krakow?

    Thank you so much. You’re blog is so encouraging.
    Dolores

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       For 2.3k a month USD you can live like a queen. However, to stay longer you need a visa. I think the best is a work visa, see if some school will sponsor you.

       Reply
33. Z

    Hello , thank you for your informative article . You often mention teaching English , are you referring to in school or private in home lessons? Does one require a teaching degree or is it optional ?

    Lastly , what is an average cost of living for a family of 4. Maybe a hard question to answer but as a comparison here in Chicago, I spend 3 thousand dollars on average per month including mortgage .
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       If you are native speaker you do not need a degree. However, you get paid more, for example, I have a Masters and study after that. I think you can live on 2,000 pln a month. But realistically me personally I need about 5,000 pln a month for my family, and that is a nice life.

       Reply
       1. Scott Overmyer

          Wow, that’s a lot. That would be 5,000,000 pln per month. What kinds of jobs pay that much?

          Reply
          1. Mark Biernat

             5k or 5,000 pln a month – correction.

             Reply
             1. Scott Overmyer

                Ah, I figured. 🙂

34. Amy Wiger

    Living near the ocean would be ideal.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Sopot and Hel are two towns that come to mind. Think that whole are like Cape Code or even Long Island, the further out you get the more remote and beautiful, however, if you want a city experience and a nice town I think Sopot is nice in the Tricity area.

       Reply
       1. Scott Overmyer

          I like Sopot, too, but retiring there on social security might be a stretch.

          Reply
35. Jeson

    Hello! I had several questions if I can ask them.
    1. I want to move to Poland where my girlfriend is so I can be with her(it’s been 3 years of LDR),should I get married once I get there or we don’t have to marry and can get by just being a couple? Talking about getting a job, health insurance, the right to continue living there…

    2.What’s the best health insurance I can get? Should I get it before I arrive to Poland?Should I get it before?, and if so which insurance should I get, I’m lost in this topic and already tried to look it up

    Little about me, I’m an Argentinian citizen living in the U.S. I’m not looking to study in Poland, just start a life with my girlfriend, we both want to get married just we don’t know if we should earlier or later. I am learning Polish and can speak English, Spanish and German, and learning Korean as well. I don’t have any University degree.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Missed this comment I do not know if you are still reading this but, the best insurance for private insurance for me is Hestia. You can get a job teaching English or Spanish. If you are still reading this let me know I can answer.

       Reply
       1. HJRR

          If you are American get your girlfriend to visit you in the USA and get married their first, I mean civil marriage with the official marriage license provided by the state. Takes 10 minutes in New York, just both present your drivers licenses or passports and declare you want to get married, pay the fee and wait a week for the documents to be mailed to you.
          Then move to Poland and have your marriage recognized by the Polish courts.
          That is a lot easier then coming to Poland to get Married, as you will have to PROVE you are eligible to be married at the court and once that is approved (could take 30-60 days) then you have to wait another 30 days before you can get the civil ceremony in Poland.
          By that time you will be so pissed at your girl asking WTF is wrong with this country you will probably ruin your relationship.
          So listen to a pro, someone who has gone threw this crap before.

          Contact the nearest Polish consulate or Embassy to be sure the USA marriage license you are getting will be accepted by Polish authorities. This is separate from any church wedding.
          Muslim “marriages” are NOT recognized by Polish authorities(#IslamSucksBalls) .
          Hope this helps!
          Good luck!
          HJRR

          Reply
       2. Jeson

          Thank you for responding. I will look into Hestia. I’m in a long distance relationship ship, longer than three years and we want to get married. The thing is can I come to Poland and live with my girlfriend just being a couple, or do we have to get married immediately?
          I ask because authorities have told us that I can apply in Poland as a person living with a Polish citizen. I’m wondering if you have any information about that. Could I apply in Poland and get the right to at least work, or have the right to live with my girlfriend so I don’t get kicked out of the country. I’m an Argentinaen citizen.

          Reply
       3. Gregg

          I have been trying to move to Poland for a year! I tried the route of teaching English But, it is not easy to get a job doing this. My girlfriend , who lives in Kraków, does teach English. According to her and the research and contacts I have made, the door for teaching English is almost close down now. They have far more teachers than jobs. Also, very important, you must be certified according to Polish standards, which are quit high. If you find a potential employer to teach English, the will ask you to come to Poland and do trial teaching to live classes before they will consider you for the job.

          I concede this may not be true in all Polish cities, but do your homework. I have a degree in Strategic Management with honors and many years of business experience, managing, even running my own medical sales and distribution business. I can’t get a single offer. I don’t know what I am doing wrong but it is very frustrating for my girlfriend and I. I feel awful that she is waiting for me. It breaks my heart everyday I cannot be there. I don’t know what will work.

          I wish I did!

          Best of luck to you,
          Gregg

          Reply
          1. Mark Biernat

             I have never seen a native speaker of English have a problem getting a job. Also consider outsourcing centers etc, Krakow has many opportunities. If you are a programmer or an accountant you also have possibilities, what are your degrees in?

             Reply
             1. Scott Overmyer

                I have a PhD in I.T. and both academic and industrial experience. Are there academic positions in Poland available?

36. Bill clevenger

    I met my wife to be when she was on vacation to the US. We are getting married but not sure when yet or how international marriage works. She is from poland but moved to germany with her family when she was 16. She wants to return to poland and after doing some research online, so do I. Should we wait to get married in poland or should she come to the us, get married, then I apply for residency in poland? There are so many questions i have but i will start with this one.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       I think the best is to be married in the country where your wife has her family and she feels best, because the paperwork is similar from one country to the next, maybe more in Poland but do not let a government worker determine something as important as that.

       Reply
       1. HJRR

          See my prior comment and explanation as to why it is hard to get married in Poland if one of the parties is a foreigner.
          If your American it’s so easy to get the civil ceremony in the United States that is all Polish authority will recognize they will recognize a Catholic church service but it’s not enough to get remarried or have the civil ceremony in Poland you would still have to prove that you’re eligible to be married I.e. that you’re not currently married or have any other restrictions against you this is for the civil ceremony I’m not talking about a religious ceremony. obviously for that you have to be not married by the church you have to have your marriage annulled if you want to get married in the Polish Catholic church for example .

          In Poland the civil ceremony is the ONLY THING THAT COUNTS as far as the Polish government is concern. If you only get married by the church, you are still not “legally”married – us embassy will say the same damn thing if you go their with your “church wife”they will NOT recognize her as your legal wife.

          Make it easy on yourself. Get the civil ceremony in the USA it’s just a piece of paper but then you are legally married.
          Then come to Poland have the church wedding and since you are already legally married and you have that recognized by Polish authorities then at the church ceremony you will sign the POLISH civil ceremony documentation and you’re all done that’s how it’s done in Poland.

          Reply
          1. Mark Biernat

             It was easy for me. There is a treaty with the Government and the Church and they go hand in hand. Just like in the US, you need a civil document but the Church wedding is valid. Like in any country you have to get the paperwork everyone needs. Of course you can go to Vegas for your wedding next to a statue of Elvis, if that is fine by you, but marriage should mean something. It is a sacred value.

             Reply
37. Pilar Valtierra

    Hello,
    My husband and I have currently been wanting to move out of the US as of a new change. We don’t have any polish ancestry nor do we speak the language. How easy or hard is it to find a job? My husband has partnership in a construction company and a firefighter. Would it be hard for him to do the same in Poland? Will he need a certain license to work in construction? We also have to children, one is currently in school while the youngest is not. How are the schools systems?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       The only issue would be a visa. Just like in the US or Canada you need a visa to work. To get that you need to be sponsored by a company, even a language school. This is pretty universal in most countries of the world. Poland is a good country to live.

       Reply
38. Alicja

    I was born in Poland and at age 18 I moved to the US all by myself. One of the very first things I focused on was learning the English language. I literally used Polish only when I called my parents in Poland. That was a very difficult thing to do, however, my hard work paid off and today I have no problem communicating with people using English. Although I still have a slight accent, I actually like it because this is who I am and that is what makes me unique. After many years of working very hard and staying focused, I accomplished one of my dreams and became a US citizen. My next goal is to be a nurse, therefore, I made a decision to go back to college. I have a final exam on Saturday in one of my prerequisite courses and I can finally start to apply to the nursing programs near me. As you can see, things are going pretty well for me.

    Last December I had to go back to Poland and stayed there for 3 months. It was brutally cold for me, especially that I live in hot and sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Despite the harsh winter, it was so hard for me to leave. Months later my heart is literally torn (again) between two countries I love so much. When I was in Poland I saw advertisements for free nursing degrees. There are actually nursing schools that offer free nursing programs in Poland. That is still a shocker to me. Being a nursing student here in the US is not only very stressful but time consuming and expensive.

    Anyway, since my return in March, I have been doing some thinking. What would happen if I was to go back to Poland? What would I do there? Thankfully, I have a dual citizenship, so I can stay in Poland for as long as I wish. I am 45 and I realize that I have been Americanized over the years. I also must admit that I would basically have no job there. I would literally have to start from scratch and as a healthcare worker I would practically earn nothing close to what I earn now, even though I am not a nurse yet. Another thing, though it might sound funny, I do not even know how to drive a manual-transmission car and driving on those narrow Polish roads terrifies me and would probably get me in an accident. So here is my dilemma. Should I finish my nursing degree here in the States? As you probably know, being a Registered Nurse is well respected in this country and the salaries are great too. I guess I could teach English back in Poland, but then who would hire me without a proper teaching education? There is a part of me that misses Poland so much; the culture, familiar places, my parent’s home. But the other part of me wants to continue living in the US.

    So here I am, sitting in front of the computer for the past 3 hours, reading the posts about people moving to Poland and thinking of the old country, where life is so much less hectic, where food tastes like food, and where I have my memories, and my parents. This is hard. I feel like a part of me needs to stay here and the other part is yelling at me to go home to beautiful Poland. Ugh.

    I guess my question is, what can a 45 year old female do in south-western Poland after living her entire adult life here in America? Well, since I am unable to answer myself, I guess the best thing for me to do is to go back to studying… for now at least. LOL

    Hopefully the answer will somehow find me some day soon. Thank you for reading my post. (Btw, today is 09/22/2017 for those who would like to know when I wrote this post.)

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       45 is nothing in terms of age. You have to reinvent your life and be dynamic in your thinking. You can teach, you can grow organic vegetables, work in IT anything you like, life is a blank canvas.

       Reply
    2. Aga

       Alicja, I feel your dilemma. All depends if you have family in the USA or not, I mean children. Would they move with you? … Now, nursing profession is rewarding, but I, just like you, went late to nursing school here in the USA. I finished with BSN and with tremendous amount of student loans. What I was exposed in school, made my dream of profession to peknac jak banka mydlana peka. Nursing profession is very respected one. Yes, that is precisely correct. However, considering our age, it deals with a lot of other issues. Body does not get younger, bones get more brittle, and handling the stress and pressure, including lifting, associated with nursing profession is not simply a small problem… You can go to nursing school in Poland, and finish it for free. After all what matters in the USA is you passing NCLEX successfully. Getting this license is crucial. After all, I do not think they look at what school you went to. Not in nursing field. They do look at it in medical field, doctors, though. However, studying here, and thinking of working in Poland as a nurse is not very realistic. Why, one may ask? Because of very poor salaries in healthcare sector, or precisely nursing fields, that Poland is serving. Even if you get paid 3,500 plz netto, this is nothing to pay your student loans back in the USA… So if going to Poland, yes, but either entering English medical program, 4 years long, or working as a professional utilizing other skills. I hope your dream will come true. And who knows, maybe one day we will meet in Poland, somewhere, as I too am thinking about moving back to my country.

       Reply
    3. Robert

       Alicja,
       I’m only a little bit “wiser” (older that is) than you are. My grandpa is from Poland and I grew-up with so nice stories from his childhood; this is why I read this post and I’m here, As an American, I can only suggest you finish-up your nursing education and you will be very nicely rewarded after that. You will do good and retirement will be most likely the time you might want to consider going back to your roots. You will do well with a pension from the US and most likely some savings. I moved to the US from Germany twelve years ago and I know (kind of) how things are going on in Poland. The country is wonderful, still genuine culture and real people (no snowflakes).
       I wish you all the best. Maga.

       Reply
39. Daniel

    Hey, are the jobs plentiful for teaching English? I am currently in China teaching. I can teach all levels.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       The market is now competitive. A few years back it was easy but not so many English speakers so you will have to apply and look like everyone else.

       Reply
40. Daniel

    Also? I had a friend who worked in Poland, under the tourist visa. He had said, it was easy to do and live in Poland unbothered. He was American as well. I have lost contact with him.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Tourist visa works in no country I know of, I did not an American girl who got deported. He did it outside the law just like people in the US work under the table.

       Reply
41. Anna

    Hello, I am American citizen, but I really want to move to Poland. What kind of documents do I need for this to stay there forever?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Focus on a work visa first.

       Reply
       1. Hjrr

          Focus on a work visa? It is only good for one year. You can come to Poland as a US Citizen for 90 days with out a VISA to visit, but not work legally. Of course if you have a contract with an American firm and are working remote, then you can do that work in Poland. You just can not work for a Polish company.
          Now, if you want to work in Poland and do not already have a job and a work permit , you need to apply for a Residency Card , know as “Karta Poybutu” at the nearest office of foreigners. This can take 3-6 months to process.
          So get your shit together before you come.
          If you can get a job offer and the required documents from your employer in advance, you need to send this to the nearest Polish consulate/embassy in the USA along with a payment and wait one week for your work visa to be returned in your Passport.
          If you go this route, then as soon as you arrive apply for the residency card other wise when your work visa expires, you Will have to return to the usa to once again renew it at the polish consulate.
          If you have 6 months living expense and want to move today, then I say come. But be sure you are white,mchristian and European decent.
          HJRR

          Reply
42. James

    I’m currently saving up money to move to Poland and I would like to know what you tend to do for fun outside of your home or would highly recommend I try once I make the move.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Everything, in Poland they have mountains for hiking and skiing and lakes and biking and no limits, Poles are very outdoorsy people.

       Reply
43. Julie

    Hi I am older white Christian female, I am interested in Poland. I do not need to work , I am financially stable. What I need to do to immigrate to Poland?

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       I think like all countries you need the ability to prove that you are stable financially. They will ask your reason, but I would start with an immigrant visa via the embassy website.

       Reply
44. Jake

    I have no Polish ancestors that I’m aware of. I would love to move to Poland and the benefits it brings is great too! I obviously don’t speak Polish either right now but wouldn’t mind learning.

    No degree but also something I’d love to do and becoming a citizen would be great too especially if I could get a degree much cheaper.

    Any options? What if I work at a factory here in the US for a bit and ask to be transferred to the Poland facility?

    Any other options? What if the factory puts me off before the 3 or 9 years required to become a citizen? Id have to move back I’m assuming and I don’t want that

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Poland will evaluate you on economics, reasons and bloodline. If you have no bloodline the other two need to be brought forth as a clear case.

       Reply
45. Robert

    Hi!
    My grandpa is (was) also from Poland and I always wanted to visit it. Never got to do so. It’s so refreshing to read your feelings about a country I deeply love without ever being there. I love the commitment to go against all odds (EU) and to preserve national culture; I love the way the people get ahead with their lives; I loved the anti communist movement started by Lech Walesa and I totally love the Polish food my grandma used to cook.
    I don’t know if I will follow your lead, but thanks for sharing your experience. MAGA and and go to Poland.

    Reply
46. William gawel

    Would love to move to a farm where I could rent a room and work or at least help with the chores and enjoy the outdoors walk to church and shopping I am retired but in good health.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       Hi – I need more information. Do you want to stay for the summer, a year or forever. That is every village in Poland. That is what we do in my wife’s village.

       Reply
47. Susan

    Wow! And ditto. I love Poland and have been there 6x for 1 to 2 mo. each time. Can you tell me please, is there a protocol I need to follow as I plan to move there later this year but I don’t know if I need to let the US government you know I’m moving to Poland? Do I need to tell the embassy in Poland that I’m leaving here? I know these things probably sound rather silly or odd but I have no clue and I’m concerned I’m going to be finding out all these things I should have done but didn’t do.
    Bardzo Dziekuje!

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       You do not have to say anything to the embassy. After living there a few years I registered just to keep updated on I do not know what. I found an English speaking Catholic church, but usually went to Polish Mass, nothing really to do but explore and have a lot of fun. I envy you, Poland is a special place.

       Reply
       1. Susan P

          Czesc!!! Thank you for your response Mark.
          You wrote that I need to do nothing in advance, just to move to and enjoy Poland! I have about 25 third and fourth cousins but they speak Polish and very little English at all.
          In my doing just a tiny bit of googling recently,I thought I have to have a Visa in order to stay in Poland past 3 or 6 months. And eventually if I want to live there I thought I need to have some sort of forms submitted or permit for residency. Is this not true?

          –Bardzo dziekuje, SusN

          Reply
48. Mark

    Hi,

    Commented before (quite a while back) and was wondering… do you know if they have many welding jobs?

    Thanks,

    Mark

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       There are plenty of jobs in welding jobs, you just need a visa.

       Reply
49. Katie

    Both my husband and myself have ancestry in Poland. My dad’s side for instance came from Poznan. I’m very interested in Poland and seeing where it all began for our families. We are not well to do and we have 5 kids. My husband is an industrial painter/insulator. What is the likelihood of us moving there if we visited there and fell in love with it.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       All you need is a visa.

       Reply
       1. Gwa

          Few people will tell you the truth but it is very difficult to almost impossible to move to this country unless you already have a lot of money. The only jobs available are in IT and you must be white, young and have a masters degree. This is Poland! It is not a completely free society. Be very, very careful. Don’t approach this romantically. You must keep your eyes wide open. There is also an undertone of anti-Americanism. Be careful. The government currently is nationalist and has passed laws making it illegal to say or write certain words or phrases. We all know where this can lead! The Polish people are not the most well informed people. Their knowledge of world events and conditions is sorely wanting. Their views on America and many countries is bizzare and ignorant. But, of course, they think they are better informed and educated than the rest of the world. It is pointless to discuss anything remotely political or historical. They are closed minded and do not know how to think critically.

          The US recently put 14,000 troops and heavy equipment in Poland as part of a NATO show of force to Russia. The poles are non to happy about it. Although I cannot really blame them. America sticks it’s nose into everyone’s business. I for one am sick of it. On this subject I agree with the Polish people. They have been occupied and invaded many times for many, many years. They are weary of foreign soldiers on their soil.

          Just be careful and research everything fully. Don’t depend on one or two sources.

          Reply
          1. Mark Biernat

             It does not matter your gender or money, as long as you have Polish roots you can get a visa. Every country does this from Ireland to Italy.

             After that, it is based on immigration like every country. They look at education and ability to support yourself. Every country in the world does this. Do you think Japan or Switzerland will will just hand out visa’s at the border?

             You say Poland is nationalist, what does that mean? Are you upset that they have a different political stance than you so you try to label them and put them down?

             Every government including the US should stand for the people of that country. It is like a family in the sense the family stands for the family first before they give away their house to another family without careful consideration of their own family.

             Do you have a family? Are you going to invite strangers into your home to live there permanently? Better might be to help strangers on the street or in their home to get their life together. Poland donates a lot of money to other countries and support for the poor.

             I am not personally a fan of military troops stationed anywhere except for home countries. As an American I do not like the idea that we have 800 military bases around the world and spend more then half of our US discretionary budget on military when the streets are full of crime the schools do a poor job, based on our global ranking.

             Reply
          2. Scott Overmyer

             Young, white, and a Masters degree? How about old, fat, and with a PhD in IT?

             Reply
50. Sean

    2 questions for the author (or anyone else who can help):

    1. The article says “no guns”. Do you mean that gun ownership is illegal in Poland? Or is it just not a very common thing for ppl to have? If it’s illegal – do people there hunt? Are bows or crossbows legal? And honestly, why the hell aren’t guns? If anyone should know the importance of having an armed citizenry, it’s Poland.

    2. Are there educational requirements for immigration? I know some countries will only let you become a citizen if you have an advanced degree. What are the requirements in Poland?

    Thanks folks. I really want to get off this sinking American ship and Poland seems like a country worth calling home. Any info would be great.

    Reply
    1. Mark Biernat

       You need to basically be a hunter and it is hard to get approved. My opinion, as a GOP conservative and patriot, guns are tools of the devil. Just an opinion. We have a professional army and now days it is about tech not pistols that defend a country. But the biggest reason is a large percentage of any population, maybe 1% lets say is unstable or border line unstable mentally and that is a bigger threat to the peaceful people. I have lived too long and too many people that I know are borderline mentally stable and some that go in and out of stability, many on medications. Just an observation not a fact. I do not support tools in these people’s hands. Montreal, the massive city full of people from all over the world had 17 murders last year. I live near Jacksonville, Florida and there can be that many in a week and it is a much smaller town.

       A percentage of people are mentally unstable and there will always be this case.

       Reply

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