Remote work is no longer an option only for people in the IT sector who could work from anywhere in the world, as the pandemic has forced companies to find alternatives to calling people to the office. This way, they enabled them to work from home which enabled many persons to become digital nomads.
Digital nomads are people who can offer services or work for employers from other places than the ones established by contract, which makes their situation uncertain in terms of residency and taxation. This is why many European countries have come up with digital nomad visa programs.
At the moment, there is no special Poland digital nomad visa, however, foreigners who want to work from here can do that by applying for various types of visas. Below, our immigration lawyers in Poland explain how foreign citizens can live and work remotely from here.
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A Poland digital nomad visa scheme is not in place yet
Foreign citizens who want to live in Poland but work for companies in other countries can apply for digital nomad visas, which are special visas issued by more and more European states. However, this is not the case in Poland yet, which is why those choosing it must consider traditional visas that enable them to move here.
While citizens of EU member states and Schengen countries do not need to comply with too many formalities, non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Schengen citizens must apply for Polish residence permits.
As there is no special program, obtaining a digital nomad visa for Poland can be easier and less demanding.
Our immigration law firm in Poland is at the service of foreign citizens who want to move here and work as freelancers or entrepreneurs with their own businesses.
Obtaining Polish permanent residence is not difficult. As a matter of fact, Poland is very welcoming with foreign citizens who want to establish themselves here, many companies seeking to bring workforce from other countries in an attempt to increase their productivity levels.
Getting Polish citizenship also enters the attention of our immigration lawyers. They can guide foreign citizens who want to move and settle here, as well as those who want to bring their families. Contact us and get the latest information on the requirements to obtain citizenship in Poland right away!
EU citizens do not need to apply for digital nomad visas for Poland
As an EU member state, Poland does not have any visa system or alternative immigration program for citizens of EU states who want to work remotely from here. This is why it is not the case to obtain a Polish digital nomad visa if you come from any of these countries.
However, in order to respect the conditions associated with a remote worker visa, if the program were to be enabled, you should note that:
- your place of work or other activity should be registered in another country, this way you won’t be liable for taxation in Poland;
- you should be able to complete your activity remotely;
- you should be able to sustain yourself during the stay in Poland.
The digital nomad visa also enables entrepreneurs and freelancers to carry out their activities from another country, if it is possible. So, you can also immigrate to Poland on a short-time basis provided that you are involved in another operation that implies remote work.
Our immigration lawyer in Poland is at your service if you want to move here as a digital nomad from an EU country. We remind you that you need to register your address with the local municipality of the city you will live in.
What does it mean to obtain a digital nomad visa in Poland?
Digital nomad visas have been enabled to keep remote workers out of the grey area of taxation, or better said tax residency. However, at the moment there is no Poland digital nomad visa which means that people who choose this country to work from must apply for temporary residence permits. They must also register for taxation here if they exceed a certain number of days of stay here.
In order to make a comparison with other countries Poland could follow the lead upon the creation of a digital nomad visa program, here are the main aspects to pay attention to:
- digital nomad visas are usually issued to people who live in a country but work for employers in other countries;
- such visas are also available for freelancers who have clients exclusively in other countries than the one they live in;
- digital nomads must have a specific income they must prove upon moving to another country (each state has minimum requirements related to such income);
- remote workers will live in their country of choice for a limited period of time (usually, digital nomad visas are issued for one year).
So, if you are interested in a Poland digital nomad visa and need guidance on how to move here and work remotely, our immigration lawyer can help you choose a suitable visa.
Why choose Poland as a digital nomad
Poland is considered the most appealing country to live in Southeastern Europe. With many co-working spaces in cities like Warsaw, the capital, but also Krakow and Gdansk, foreign remote workers and freelancers have plenty of reasons to choose it. Moreover, the living costs are quite lower compared to other European countries, such as Austria and Germany.
Here are the main types of visas that can qualify as a digital nomad visa in Poland:
- the Type C visa which enables a foreign citizen to live in Poland for 3 months within a period of 6 months;
- the Type D visa which is a long-term residence permit which enables a foreigner to live here for more than 3 months and has a validity of maximum one year;
- the Schengen visa obtained in another country and based on which a non-EU citizen can relocate to Poland.
Our immigration lawyers in Poland can help third-country citizens who want to live and work from here to apply for such visas.
What to consider when moving to Poland as a remote worker
Poland welcomes digital nomads. As a matter of fact, their number has increased substantially thanks to the lower prices and living costs, when compared to other neighboring countries.
Before relocating to Poland to work remotely, you should consider the following:
- if you meet the minimum living requirements that would enable you to not to depend on social welfare;
- the time you intend to stay in Poland (exceeding 183 days of living here in a calendar year will imply becoming a Polish tax resident);
- you should also calculate the rent and utilities when moving here.
We also remind you that Poland is not in the Eurozone yet, so its official currency remains the Polish zloty (PLN).
At the beginning of 2022, the minimum gross wage in Poland was established at 3,010 PLN (approximately 800 EUR). However, when deciding to move here as a digital nomad, you should consider the average wage which was around 7,560 PLN (around 1,800 EUR) per month. The amount also depends on the industry one works in.
If you have any questions on the digital nomad visa in Poland, our local lawyers can offer extended advice.
Top digital nomad cities in Poland
With many co-working spaces in various cities, settling for one is not difficult. Poland is considered a cheap tourism destination compared to the rest of Central European countries. For example, the average rent per month here starts at 400 EUR. However, an apartment for rent can cost up to 900 EUR/per month in the center of the capital. Warsaw is the most sought destination by digital nomads, as the population here is young and is a good English-speaker. Another appreciated city is Krakow which is also full of young people, mostly students. Wroclaw and Gdansk are two other major destinations often chosen by digital nomads.
Apart from the rent, you must also consider the utilities, which can cost around 250 EUR per month, however, food and transportation are very cheap.
If you are considering becoming a digital nomad in Poland, do not hesitate to ask for the support of our immigration law firm. We are also at your service if after living here you decide to apply for a residence permit. We can also offer support if you want to apply for citizenship in Poland or brining family members here.
How many people live in Poland based on work permits?
The number of foreigners who moved to Poland for work reasons has been constantly growing in the past few years, according to the Migration Department. According to recent data:
- 183,718 people moved to Poland based on temporary residence permits in 2018;
- in 2019, the largest quota of work permits was issued to Ukrainian citizens – 49,636 permits;
- in 2020, 64,251 residence permits were issued for foreign citizens, most of them relocating to the region of Mazovia.
If you want to apply for a Poland digital nomad visa and need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our immigration law firm.
