Poland is an Eastern European country, one that may not be among the top 10 retirement destinations. However, for retirees on a stable pension, the country can be an ideal location. Poland enjoys its unique position in world history, and thus offers the same kind of urban feel and architecture as many European countries. Dense cities, old buildings, typical countryside, modern transport facilities, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture; are things that retirees look forward to at a lower cost compared to other parts of Europe.
Poland is part of the European Union but insists on using its currency, the Polish Zloty instead of the Euro. The exchange rate is around US$ 0.25.
Visa requirements
To stay in Poland longer than more than 90 days, one must apply for a National long-stay visa at their local Polish embassy. The validity of the visa is one year (12 months), renewable at request, provided that the request is made at least 30 days before expiration.
The requirements for the National Long-Stay visa are:
- A valid passport (at least 3 months valid after the returning date)
- Travel medical insurance coverage within Poland and the Schengen region of up to 30,000 Euros
- Statement to prove your purpose of visit.
- Proof of financial means to support a decent living and cover transportation and other sudden expenditures.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Poland depends entirely on where you choose to live. The country’s capital Warsaw is the most expensive city, where the rent for a single room apartment will set you back upwards of 500 Euros a month.
Should you choose to live in a mid-size city, such as Lublin, which is a nice multicultural city, the same accommodation will only cost you around 400 Euros. This may still be expensive for some, for such folk small town such as Augustow may be ideal; where a one-room apartment may cost as low as 200 Euros.
The price difference between cities follows in daily use items too. Milk may cost 3 Euros a liter in Warsaw, and 2 Euros in a small town. Hence, choosing the city you retire in, depends majorly on how much you wish to spend.
Accommodation in Poland
Unlike most of the European capitals where owning an apartment is reserved for the wealthy, an apartment in Warsaw can comfortably be procured for between US$ 100-150,000. A small countryside farmhouse can be bought even cheaper if you wish to spend your golden years in a quiet, relaxed, and laid-back manner.
On the other hand, if you are planning to have a buzzing life, you can rent a stylish apartment in a big city or a few acres of an estate near the Masurian lakes of the Tatra mountains.
Location to suit your preference
If you happen to be a nature lover, spending time near nature will surely be the ideal retiring location. The Masurian lakes, consisting of nearly 2000 lakes and spreading throughout Northeastern Poland, is a picture-perfect location. Other places such as Gdansk, Zakopane, and Olsztyn, etc. offer a range of landscapes; hills, water canals, farms, etc.
The decision entirely depends on two things; how much you wish to spend, and what lifestyle you wish to adopt. However, like many retirees, if you too are confused between urban and countryside dwelling, living in a city that is close to all-natural landscapes as well as offers urban delights, the safest choice would be Warsaw, Lodz, or Lagiewnicki. These cities offer urban amenities as well as are close to the natural places you can visit every now and often to quench your thirst for nature.
