You have your visa, your contract and your plane ticket — congratulations! The first weeks in a new country can feel overwhelming, but most of what you need to do follows a predictable order. Use this checklist to settle in with confidence.
Before you fly
- Make digital copies of your passport, visa, contract, diplomas and certificates, and store them securely online.
- Carry your original documents in your hand luggage.
- Confirm your first accommodation and how you will get there from the airport.
- Have some Polish złoty for the first few days — and let your bank know you are travelling.
Week 1: arrive and start work
- Get a Polish SIM card. Prepaid cards must be registered with an ID document, which shop staff can do for you.
- Sign your employment contract if you have not done so already — it must be in writing before you start work.
- Complete your onboarding: the occupational medical examination and health and safety training.
- Check your ZUS registration. Once your employer registers you, you are covered by public health insurance (NFZ).
Week 2: make it official
- Register your address (zameldowanie) at the city or municipal office. Non-EU nationals generally have to register their place of stay no later than 30 days after moving in. You will need your passport and confirmation from your landlord.
- Get your PESEL number. It is usually assigned when you register your address, and you will need it for banking, healthcare and online public services.
- Open a bank account. Many Polish banks offer accounts for foreigners; bring your passport and, if you have them, your PESEL number and residence documents.
- Set up a trusted profile (Profil Zaufany). It lets you sign documents and handle official matters online — including residence applications in the MOS system.
Week 3: everyday life
- Choose a family doctor. Register with a primary care clinic (POZ) near your home by submitting a simple declaration.
- Save the emergency number: 112.
- Sort out transport. City cards and mobile ticket apps make public transport cheap and easy in all major cities.
- Understand your payslip. Your gross salary is reduced by social security and health contributions and an income tax advance, which your employer pays on your behalf.
Week 4: plan ahead
- Note your visa expiry date and work backwards: your temporary residence card application must be filed while your stay is legal.
- Keep a document folder — contracts, payslips, your rental agreement and ZUS confirmations are all needed later.
- Start learning Polish. Even basic phrases help at work, at the doctor's and with your neighbours.
- Know your tax deadline. The annual tax return (PIT) for the previous year is due by 30 April.
A few final tips
- Get your rental agreement in writing — you will need it for both your address registration and your residence application.
- If you stay in Poland for more than 183 days in a year, you will usually be treated as a Polish tax resident.
- Join local expat and community groups — they are a great source of practical advice.
Settling in with EU Prime Serwis
We support our clients beyond the visa: accommodation support, document translation, health insurance, tax advisory and residence applications are all part of Our Serwis. Contact us if you need a hand during your first weeks.