Moving to a new country for work is an exciting but demanding experience. Below is a practical guide to your first three months of work in Poland, based on the experience of hundreds of workers the Alimat Group team has supported.
Week 1: formalities and first steps
The first days after arrival are mainly about paperwork. The most important things are registering at your address (zameldowanie), getting a PESEL number (if required) and making sure your employer has filed all the documents confirming that your employment is legal. From day one, keep copies of all your documents — contract, permits, ID — both on paper and as photos on your phone. It is also a good moment to learn the main emergency number (112), find the nearest clinic and save the contact details of your coordinator at the agency or employer.
Weeks 2–4: getting into a routine
This is when your daily routine takes shape — the commute, shifts, shopping and your first Polish words beyond “dzień dobry”. Many workers like to connect with people from their home country at this stage, which really helps them settle in, but it is worth starting to learn basic Polish now: even a little knowledge of the language makes dealing with your landlord, shop staff and colleagues much easier.
It is also worth getting to know the local public transport timetable, shop opening hours and where the nearest large supermarket is — these small details genuinely save time and money in the first weeks.
Month 2: budgeting and banking
By now most workers open a Polish bank account and set a budget that covers rent, food, transport and money sent to family back home. Before choosing a bank, compare a few offers in terms of account fees and the cost of international transfers — the differences can be significant.
It is also a good time to check that your employer is paying your health and social insurance contributions correctly — you can verify this by contacting the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) or asking your recruitment agency for help.
Month 3: looking ahead
The third month is a natural time to think about renewing your documents well in advance, to check whether your length of employment qualifies you for a longer residence path, and to decide whether to extend your current contract or consider another position in Poland. It is also a good time for a first review: what has worked and what is worth changing in the coming months.
Health and insurance
Every legally employed worker in Poland whose employer pays contributions is entitled to public healthcare (NFZ). It is worth registering with a family doctor (POZ) as soon as possible after arrival rather than waiting for an emergency. In urgent cases, hospital emergency departments and the emergency number 112 are available.
Learning the language and integrating
Knowing Polish — even at a basic level — opens doors both at work and in everyday life. Many cities offer free or inexpensive language courses for foreigners, and language-learning apps can be a good addition. Taking part in local events, Facebook groups for migrant communities or sports activities is a natural way to widen your circle beyond colleagues from your own country.
The most common mistakes to avoid
- Putting off address registration or getting a PESEL number — without them, many other formalities are harder.
- Not keeping copies of your documents somewhere safe (cloud, email) in case you lose the originals.
- Signing a tenancy agreement without checking its content or getting the terms confirmed in writing.
- Putting off questions to your employer or agency when something is unclear — it is better to ask straight away than to act on guesswork.
We are here to help
Alimat Group supports workers not only in finding a job but also with the practical side of life in Poland — from paperwork and help finding accommodation to ongoing support once you have started work. If you have questions about your first weeks in Poland, contact our team.
