europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Poland: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Poland for US/EU companies. Visa options, tax implications, best cities, and practical tips for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Poland. EU/EEA citizens can work freely, while non-EU citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days, or apply for a temporary residence permit for remote workers. Poland offers excellent internet infrastructure, affordable living costs, and a thriving digital nomad community in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw.
Visa Options
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
As an EU member state, Poland offers full freedom of movement to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. You can live and work in Poland indefinitely without any special permits. Simply register your residence if staying longer than 3 months.
Non-EU Citizens: Short-Term Stay
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including US, Canada, UK, Australia) can stay in Poland visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or short-term remote work for foreign companies.
Temporary Residence Permit
For longer stays, non-EU remote workers can apply for a temporary residence permit. Common options include:
- Business/Self-Employment Permit: If you register as a freelancer or establish a business entity in Poland
- Study-Related Permits: If you combine remote work with education
- Family Reunification: If you have family ties in Poland
The application process typically takes 1-3 months and requires proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient financial means (around $700/month minimum).
Future Digital Nomad Visa
Poland has been discussing introducing a dedicated digital nomad visa similar to other EU countries. This would allow non-EU remote workers to stay for 6-12 months. Check official government sources for the latest updates.
Tax Implications
Tax Residency
You become a Polish tax resident if you:
- Stay in Poland for more than 183 days in a calendar year, or
- Have your center of vital interests (family, economic ties) in Poland
Income Tax for Residents
Polish tax residents are taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates:
- 12% on income up to PLN 120,000 (~$30,000)
- 32% on income above PLN 120,000
A tax-free allowance of PLN 30,000 (~$7,500) applies to the first bracket.
Tax for Non-Residents
Non-residents working remotely for foreign companies while in Poland for under 183 days typically don’t owe Polish income tax, provided the work is performed for a foreign employer with no Polish permanent establishment.
Social Security Contributions
If you’re employed or self-employed in Poland, you’ll pay social security contributions (ZUS):
- Employees: ~13.7% of gross salary
- Self-employed: Option for reduced rate in first 2 years (~$100-200/month)
Double Taxation Treaties
Poland has tax treaties with over 80 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, which prevent double taxation. Always consult with a tax professional to understand your specific situation.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Warsaw
Poland’s capital and largest city offers the most robust infrastructure for remote workers. With a thriving startup scene, numerous coworking spaces (Google Campus Warsaw, Heart, Mindspace), and excellent international connectivity, Warsaw is ideal for professionals seeking a major European hub. The cost of living is moderate ($1,200-$1,800/month), and English is widely spoken in business contexts.
Krakow
One of Poland’s most beautiful cities, Krakow combines medieval charm with modern amenities. Popular among digital nomads for its lower cost of living ($1,000-$1,400/month), excellent cafes with reliable WiFi, and vibrant expat community. The city hosts numerous tech companies and coworking spaces like Krakow Technology Park. Rich cultural scene and proximity to mountains make it attractive for work-life balance.
Wroclaw
An increasingly popular choice for remote workers, Wroclaw offers a perfect blend of affordability ($900-$1,300/month), modern infrastructure, and quality of life. The city has a growing tech sector, numerous universities creating a young, international atmosphere, and beautiful architecture. Less touristy than Krakow but with all essential amenities and strong English-speaking community.
Timezone Overlap
Poland operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer.
Working with US Companies:
- East Coast (EST/EDT): 6 hours ahead (9 AM in New York = 3 PM in Warsaw)
- West Coast (PST/PDT): 9 hours ahead (9 AM in Los Angeles = 6 PM in Warsaw)
This allows for 2-4 hours of overlap with US East Coast during standard working hours, though you may need to adjust your schedule for meetings. Many remote workers in Poland start their day later (10-11 AM) to maximize overlap.
Working with European Companies:
- Same or ±1 hour with most EU countries
- Perfect alignment with Berlin, Paris, Rome, Stockholm
- Excellent for real-time collaboration across Europe
Working with Asian Companies:
- 6-8 hours ahead of India
- 7-8 hours behind East Asia (Japan, Singapore)
- Limited real-time overlap, requires asynchronous communication
Your Poland Remote Work Setup Checklist
- 1 Verify your visa requirements and allowed length of stay
- 2 Research and book accommodation (consider 1-month Airbnb first)
- 3 Obtain comprehensive health insurance (required for residence permits)
- 4 Set up Polish bank account if staying long-term (Revolut works for short stays)
- 5 Register with local authorities if staying over 90 days (EU) or per visa requirements
- 6 Find coworking space or reliable cafe with good WiFi
- 7 Set up local SIM card (Play, Orange, T-Mobile offer good data plans)
- 8 Consult with international tax advisor about your tax obligations
- 9 Join expat and digital nomad communities (Facebook groups, Meetup.com)
- 10 Learn basic Polish phrases (though English widely spoken in cities)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Polish to work remotely from Poland?
No, you don't need to speak Polish for remote work, especially in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw where English is widely spoken among young professionals and service workers. However, learning basic Polish phrases will enhance your daily life and show respect for local culture. Official documentation and government services may require Polish, so having a translator app or Polish-speaking friend can be helpful.
How reliable is the internet in Poland for remote work?
Poland has excellent internet infrastructure, ranking among the best in Europe. Most cities offer fiber optic connections with speeds up to 1 Gbps for $10-20/month. Average speeds are 100-300 Mbps, more than sufficient for video calls and file transfers. Mobile 4G/5G coverage is extensive and affordable. Coworking spaces and cafes typically have reliable WiFi, making it easy to work from anywhere.
What's the average cost of living for a remote worker in Poland?
A comfortable lifestyle costs $1,000-$1,800/month depending on the city. Warsaw is most expensive ($1,200-$1,800), while cities like Wroclaw and Gdansk are more affordable ($900-$1,300). This includes rent for a one-bedroom apartment, food, local transport, and entertainment. Eating out is affordable ($5-10 per meal), and public transport is efficient and cheap ($25-30/month unlimited pass).
Can I open a bank account in Poland as a remote worker?
Yes, but requirements vary. EU citizens can open accounts relatively easily with passport and proof of address. Non-EU citizens may need a residence permit (PESEL number). For short stays, digital banks like Revolut, Wise, or N26 work well for daily expenses. Traditional banks like PKO BP, mBank, and ING offer full services but may require more documentation. Some banks now offer accounts specifically for foreigners and digital nomads.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Poland for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Poland for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Poland.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Poland?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Poland visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Poland?
The cost of living in Poland is relatively affordable, with monthly budgets of $1,200-2,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Poland have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Poland's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Poland?
The best cities for remote workers in Poland typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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