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Thinking of relocating to Poland?
Relocating to a new city or country can be a big step especially when you have a new job to face as well. You can only really get a good feel for a country when you have been there, but please keep reading our guide on Poland to give you an overview of this country and what it has to offer, from the essentials to the desirables...
Basics
Economy
Renting or Buying a Property
Education
Setting up a Bank Account
Language
Currency
Transport
Climate
Visas
Interesting Facts
Basics
Poland joined the EU in 2004 and has a population of 38.5 million. This beautiful country is located in Central Europe with Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine and Belarus to the east; and the Baltic Sea, Lithuania and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north. It also shares a maritime border with Denmark and Sweden. Poland's capital is Warsaw with a population of 1.7 million and is located in the centre of the country.
The geological structure of Poland has been shaped by the continental collision of Europe and Africa over many years. Poland has 21 mountains offering amazing scenery and with 10,000 lakes Poland has one of the highest numbers of lakes in the world. This country can offer magnificent landscapes for recreational activities. Combined with 328 miles of Polish Baltic coast which include cliffs, dunes, spits and lagoons this amazing country really does have everything to offer.
Polish culture has a rich thousand-year old history influenced by both West and East. Today, these influences are evident in Polish architecture, folklore, and art.
Since joining the EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy and with significant amounts of foreign investment coming in, the economic climate is a positive one. As of 2006 the economy grew by 5.5% on the previous year with inflation well under control and Poland is predicted to maintain this growth over the next five years. Sectors of economic growth include IT & Telecommunications, Banking & Finance and Sales & Marketing.
A property boom is spreading from Warsaw to Kraków, Gdańsk to Poznań and Wrocław to Katowice. Poland’s primary and secondary cities are now ringed with new-build developments catering to today's professionals taste. Poland has a wide variety of property to offer, whether you are seeking an apartment or a detached house in one of the main towns or surrounding suburbs.
The overall standard of education in Poland is high and Poles are considered to be well educated. There are several English and American schools in Poland ranging from primary to university. The education system commences at the age of seven in a primary school, progressing to lower secondary school and then upper secondary school. There are then several forms of advanced education leading to Polish equivalents of Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree and then eventually a PHD. Foreign languages are taught from a young age creating an increasing number of linguists in Poland.
Poland has a number of different banks, which have a broad range of international affiliations. To set up a Polish bank account you are required to complete the necessary paperwork, show your passport and deposit money into the account. You will then be issued with your account details and a debit card. Polish current accounts are not free of charge, a small monthly fee is payable.
Polish is the official language while English, German and Russian are the most common second languages studied and spoken.
The currency in Poland is the Złoty. The Złoty is divided into 100 groszy. Złoty can be abbreviated to zl though PLN, the international symbol of the Polish currency, is widely used in Poland as well.
Poland has an intricate rail network and is well connected with all its neighbouring countries. Warsaw has direct connections with all major cities. Where the trains do not go, the buses and trams do. In addition to the government service there are also private bus companies on many intercity routes and with 8 main international airports, mobility into Poland could not be easier.
Poland's climate is changeable and has clearly marked seasons. Poland in the winter is a beautiful snow covered country, attracting skiers from neighbouring states with temperatures of -10 degrees Centigrade. Polish summers are pleasantly warm, with average July highs of 24 degrees Centigrade, changing this country from a winter ski resort into a spectacular sight of fields overrun by wildflowers: poppies, cornflowers and daisies. A beautiful country with an attractive climate all year round.
For specific visa information relating to your country of origin please contact your local Polish Embassy in your home country.
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