In recent years, more and more people have decided to leave the UK and return to Poland. Motivations can vary: a desire to be closer to family, lower living costs or new career opportunities. Whatever the reason for the decision, it’s worth approaching the move in a planned and organised way. Below you will find a comprehensive list of things to do before you leave to make your return to Poland as smooth as possible.
1. Immigration status and identity documents
- Check your status in the UK
– Pre-Settled Status or Settled Status: if you have obtained one of these statuses under the EU Settlement Scheme, make sure you understand the rules relating to retaining it while you are away from the UK.
– British passport or identity card: If you have additional citizenship, check the validity of the documents and the legal conditions attached to your stay in Poland.
- Validity of Polish documents
– Passport: If you plan to travel frequently between Poland and the UK or other countries, check that your Polish passport is valid.
– Identity card: An up-to-date identity card is necessary for formalities in Poland (e.g. registering, signing an employment contract). Make sure the document is valid and undamaged.
2. Customs formalities and transportation of property
- Notification of export of personal effects
– Customs declaration: following the UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit), the rules for transporting goods have changed. If you are transporting a large amount of stuff, including electronics, valuables or furniture, be prepared to fill in the relevant declarations.
Moving as a parcel: You can arrange for your belongings to be transported by a courier service or a company that specialises in international removals. Make sure you know which forms you need to fill in and what the value limits are.
- Items subject to restrictions or charges
– Alcohol and cigarettes: Limits apply to the importation of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. If you carry these products in larger quantities, additional charges may apply.
– Pets: If you want to bring your dog or cat to Poland, remember to microchip, have up-to-date vaccinations and a pet passport. After Brexit, there are new rules for the entry of animals into the EU from the UK.
3. Insurance
- Health insurance
– UK: If you have previously used the NHS (National Health Service), remember that once you move to Poland, you lose your right to free healthcare in the UK unless you retain another title to insurance.
– Poland: To be entitled to insurance under the NFZ, you must be registered in the system (e.g. by your employer or on the basis of your status as a student or unemployed person). You can also use private health insurance to avoid queues and have access to specialists.
- Property insurance
– Transporting possessions: check whether the removal company provides insurance for the transport. If not, it is worth considering an additional policy to avoid costs in the event of damage or loss of belongings.
– Property in Poland: Once you are settled in Poland, it is a good idea to take out insurance for your flat or house (if you will be a landlord or insurable landlord).
- Motor insurance
– Car registered in the UK: If you want to bring with you a car registered in England, remember to re-register it in Poland and purchase Polish third party insurance.
– EHIC card: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no longer fully available to UK citizens after Brexit, but there are some exceptions for those with status in the UK and citizenship of an EU country (it is worth checking this for specific situations).
4. Banking and financial matters during the move
- Bank accounts
– UK account: Before you leave, consider whether you want to close your UK bank account or leave it open (e.g. if you expect to make further financial settlements in the UK). Be aware of the potential costs of maintaining an account for non-UK residents.
– Account in Poland: If you don’t already have a Polish account, set one up before you move or as soon as you arrive. This will make it easier to get paid in zloty, pay bills or use online services.
- Currency and transfers
– Transferring funds: Make sure to find out the most advantageous way to transfer money from your UK account to your Polish account. Sometimes it can be advantageous to use services that specialise in international transfers and offer better exchange rates.
– Cash: Consider withdrawing a certain amount in pounds and exchanging it at a Polish exchange office (or using an online exchange office).
5. Organisation of transport and logistics
- Transport of personal effects
– Removal companies: compare several offers, check reviews and scope of services (packing, storage, insurance).
– Courier shipments: if you have few items, a courier option can be cheaper than hiring a whole moving van.
- Journey to Poland
– Plane: Be aware of baggage allowances and possible excess baggage charges.
– Car: If you are travelling in your own car, plan your route and check the regulations in force in the countries of transit (if you are crossing the borders of other countries).
– Ferry or Eurotunnel: When leaving England by car, this is a popular option. Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you (registration certificate, insurance, etc.).
6. After moving to Poland – formalities
- Registration and tax office
– Registration: Although the formal registration obligation has now been simplified in Poland, it may still be necessary for certain official matters (e.g. car registration).
– Tax registration: If you intend to work or operate in Poland, remember to update your data with the tax and social security authorities.
- Work and social security
– Employment contract: In order to work legally, you need a valid PESEL number and identity card. If you have Polish citizenship, the procedure is simpler.
– ZUS: If you are employed in Poland, you pay social security contributions. If you are self-employed, you make your own contributions to ZUS.
7. International relocation – formalities
- Documents
-Check the validity of your passport and identity card.
– Regularise your immigration status in the UK and familiarise yourself with the rules for maintaining it.
- Customs formalities
– Prepare customs declarations for the carriage of goods.
– Check the import limits for alcohol and cigarettes.
- Insurance
– Take care of your health insurance in Poland (NFZ or private).
– Insure your possessions for transport.
– Re-register the car and buy Polish motor insurance if you are importing a car.
- Finance
– Think about closing or maintaining your UK account.
– Open an account with a Polish bank, consider favourable methods of transferring funds.
- Removal logistics
– Decide whether you use removal companies or courier services.
– Plan your trip (plane, ferry, car).
- First steps in Poland
– Registration (if required).
– Registration with the tax and social security authorities.
– Taking up a job or registering a business.
Moving from England to Poland is a major undertaking that requires proper preparation. By going through the paperwork efficiently and taking care of the necessary documents, the whole process can be far less stressful. We hope that the above guide will help you organise your move in a comprehensive and orderly manner – we wish you good luck in your new chapter of life in Poland!
