Investing in Poland: The Ideal Retirement for Expat Seniors

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In search of a retirement that is both peaceful and dynamic, expatriate seniors are increasingly turning their attention to Poland, a country offering promising opportunities and exceptional quality of life. With its highly attractive living environment, combining historic cities and picturesque natural landscapes, Poland presents investment options that appeal to a growing number of foreign retirees.

Whether you’re drawn to the cultural ambiance of Krakow or the coastal charm of Gdansk, investing in Poland could well transform your retirement dream into reality.

Discover the Best Investment Strategies

Optimizing your taxes and benefiting from modern infrastructure—this is what this article invites you to explore, in order to turn your retirement into a true haven of peace.

Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in Poland for Expatriate Seniors

Attractive Cities for Expatriate Seniors in Poland

• Krakow: A historic city with a rich cultural atmosphere, Krakow attracts many seniors thanks to its quiet, green neighborhoods, its UNESCO World Heritage sites, and its adapted infrastructure (accessible transportation, modern hospitals).
• Warsaw: A dynamic capital offering excellent quality medical care, varied services for foreigners, and a wide choice of serviced residences. The cultural life is vibrant (museums, concerts), appealing to active retirees.
• Gdansk: A port city on the Baltic Sea known for its pleasant lifestyle, beneficial sea air, and attractive real estate costs. Gdansk attracts those seeking tranquility while enjoying a historic urban setting.

Cost of Living Comparison and Financial Benefits

Expense Category	Poland (major city)	France (major city)
Monthly individual cost including housing	€1,390	€1,710
Family (4 people) including housing	€3,465	€4,766
3-bedroom apartment downtown	~€629/month	>€1,200/month
Restaurant meal	half price	—

• The cost of living is generally 25% to 50% lower than in France or other Western European countries, particularly for housing, food, and leisure.
• Rents are up to 60% cheaper, especially in cities like Gdansk or Krakow.
• For retirees benefiting from a foreign pension not taxed locally due to existing bilateral tax treaties between France/Belgium/Switzerland and Poland (situation to be verified on a case-by-case basis with a specialized tax advisor):
  • No or low taxation on certain foreign income
  • Favorable taxation compared to Portugal or Spain

Popular Housing Types Among Seniors

List of preferred housing types:

• Secure apartments with elevators in city centers
• Serviced residences (“apartamenty senioralne”), offering concierge services, optional dining, social activities
• Small single-family homes in urban outskirts

Appreciated features:

• Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
• Enhanced security
• Proximity to medical facilities

Healthcare Options for Expatriate Seniors

Expatriates can choose between two systems:

1. Polish public health insurance (“Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia”, NFZ) – accessible after official registration; adequate basic coverage but sometimes long wait times outside major cities.
2. International private insurance – recommended for quick access to the best private facilities often located in Warsaw or Krakow.

Main advantages of the Polish system:

• Modern hospitals in all major cities
• Well-developed specialized geriatric services
• Wide availability of English/French-speaking staff in the private sector

Legal Aspects of Property Purchase by Foreigners

Simplified list of procedures:

1. European citizens can freely purchase apartments/houses without special permits since EU accession.
2. For a single-family home with land outside urban areas: sometimes an obligation to obtain a specific ministerial permit.
3. Essential verification of the land register (“księga wieczysta”) before purchase to ensure the property is free of mortgages/easements.

Practical tips:

Always hire an experienced bilingual local notary

Plan for sworn translation if needed

Prefer agencies specialized in working regularly with international clients

Testimonials / Anecdotes

“We chose Gdansk three years ago; here everything is simpler: easy access to healthcare even without speaking Polish thanks to French-speaking staff… We live very comfortably on our French pension!”

“In Warsaw I found a modern senior residence with private green spaces… I especially appreciate the many activities organized weekly by the management!”

Useful Resources & Contacts

Indicative list:

• Real estate agency specialized in senior expatriation:
  https://www.polandsothebysrealty.pl/ – Multilingual service
• Bilingual legal advice:
  https://notariusz-warszawa.com.pl/ – Notaries accustomed to international clients
• Recommended private health insurance:
  https://www.allianz.pl/en.html
• French-speaking forum sharing experiences & practical tips:
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/francaisenpologne
• For personalized tax procedures: consult https://www.pwc.pl/en/services/hr/payroll-expatriate-tax-services.html

Key Takeaway:
The affordable lifestyle combined with a welcoming environment now makes Krakow, Warsaw, or Gdansk three top destinations for French retirees wishing to fully enjoy their European retirement!

The Best Cities for a Peaceful Retirement in Poland

Important Criteria for Choosing a Retirement City in Poland:

• Cost of living: Polish cities generally offer a lower cost of living than Western Europe, with attractive rents and affordable services.
• Medical infrastructure: Access to modern hospitals, private clinics, specialized doctors, and well-distributed pharmacies.
• Social and cultural activities: Presence of museums, theaters, local events, urban parks, senior clubs, and universities of the third age.
• Beauty & tranquility: Historic cities with protected heritage or seaside/mountain resorts offering peace and green spaces.

Criterion	Importance for Retirees
Housing cost	Manage monthly budget
Medical quality	Quick access to care
Cultural activities	Maintain an active social life
Natural environment	Physical & mental well-being
Public transportation	Ease of movement without a car

Polish Cities Renowned as Ideal for Retirees

1. Krakow (Kraków)

• Specific attractions:
  • UNESCO-listed historic center; architectural wealth (Main Market Square, Wawel Castle).
  • Dense cultural offerings (theaters, international festivals).
  • Numerous urban parks (Planty Park), lively cafes suitable for seniors.
• Estimated senior population:
  • Approximately 20% of the population is over 60 years old (~150,000 retirees).
• Average housing cost:
  • Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment downtown: ~3,200 PLN/month; purchase price per m²: ~13,500 PLN.
• Health & transportation
  • Large university hospitals; accessible trams/buses with reduced fares from age 65.

2. Gdańsk

• Specific attractions:
  • Port city on the Baltic with beaches accessible by tram/train.
  • Peaceful residential neighborhoods near the seafront (nearby Oliwa/Sopot).
  • Dynamic cultural life around the Shakespearean Theater and maritime museums.
• Estimated senior population:
  • Over 100,000 elderly people (>60 years), about 18% of inhabitants.
• Average housing cost:
  • Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment downtown: ~3,600 PLN/month; purchase price per m²: ~14,200 PLN, higher by the sea/historic center than inland.
• Health & transportation
  • Modern hospital network; bus/tram/train SKM connecting the entire coastal metropolitan area.

3. Rzeszów

• Medium-sized city known as very safe (“crime rate” low) and clean;
• Immediate proximity to preserved nature (Bieszczady Mountains);
• Less dense senior population but rapid growth due to residential attractiveness;
• Moderate rental cost (~2,500 PLN/month for a 2-bedroom downtown), easy access to care via local university hospital;
• Efficient bus network without major urban congestion.

4. Zakopane

• Mountain resort nestled in Tatra National Park
• Ideal for lovers of fresh air / hiking / alpine landscapes;
• Small senior community appreciating tranquility outside tourist season
• Seasonal housing available starting from about 3,000 PLN/month depending on standard

Synthetic List of Practical Advantages:

• Reduced fares on municipal public transportation from legal age (>65 years)
• Developed public + private medical infrastructure in all major cities
• Municipal programs dedicated to “active aging”: free workshops/senior universities/social support

Incentive Tax Aspects:

Foreign pensions are taxable in Poland but often subject to bilateral treaties avoiding double taxation

Some expatriates may benefit from a tax allowance or partial tax exemption depending on their country of origin

Medical expenses partially deductible depending on individual situation

Key Points

Poland attracts retirees thanks to its low overall cost, solid infrastructure, and a secure environment blending rich history or preserved nature depending on the chosen regions.

Krakow is ideal for those seeking living cultural heritage; Gdańsk will appeal to seaside lovers; Rzeszów offers modern provincial tranquility; Zakopane will delight mountain enthusiasts.

Evaluating the Cost of Living for Retirees in Poland

The cost of living in Poland is significantly lower than in most Western European countries, with a common estimate of about 50% lower than in France. This difference is explained by the general price level, the lower average salary, and the use of the zloty as the local currency.

Detailed Analysis of Common Expenses for Retirees:

Expense Category	Monthly Range (2023)	Comment
Housing (2-bedroom rent)	€250–600	More expensive in large cities; utilities not included
Utilities	€60–120	Heating, electricity, water; highly dependent on housing
Food	€150–250	Competitive supermarket prices; imported products more costly
Transportation	€15–40	Efficient and affordable urban network
Healthcare	Public free or low cost	Private: consultation ≈€25-40, insurance recommended for expats
Leisure	€50–100	Museums, cinema, restaurants at moderate prices

Amounts vary depending on lifestyle and location.

Variation Between Cities and Rural Areas

• Warsaw and Krakow have the highest rents and prices in the country.
• Rural regions or small towns allow substantial savings on housing (up to -30%), with local food also being cheaper.
• Examples: Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Warsaw ≈€550 vs. ≈€300 in a medium-sized city.

Average Cost in Poland in 2023

• Estimated total monthly expenses: €400 to €600 without rent, about €700 to €1,000 all inclusive for a modest couple.
• Observed average annual inflation: 6.6%, mainly impacting food (+10%) and some utilities.
• Annual pension indexation partially compensating for this increase.

Financial Aid & Tax Benefits

• Guaranteed minimum pension revalued each year
  • In March 2023: minimum pension raised to 1,588 PLN/month
  • Supplementary “14th pension” paid occasionally to low-income individuals
  • Special allowance after 75 years
• Favorable taxation on certain foreign pensions according to bilateral treaties
  • Low taxation on small pensions

Impact of Exchange Rate

Daily life can fluctuate significantly depending on the euro/zloty value. A depreciation of the zloty makes Poland even more affordable for a French expatriate receiving their pension in euros.

To monitor particularly during significant annual variations.

Testimonials from Expatriate Retirees

• Some emphasize that it is “possible to live comfortably on a modest budget if you avoid tourist city centers.”
• Others mention that “the public medical network sometimes requires patience,” justifying then a private health supplement that is inexpensive compared to Western standards.

Practical Tips:

• Systematically compare local costs before definitive relocation.
• Ensure your tax regime is compatible with your foreign income.
• Stay informed regularly about the euro/zloty rate evolution to optimize your transfers.