Kraków is one of Europe’s most liveable cities. It has a beautiful Old Town, a lively international community and a lower cost of living than most UK cities. More people are moving to Kraków from the UK for work, study or a fresh start. Here are our practical tips to help your move go smoothly in 2026.
1. Check your visa or residence permit before you book
As a UK national, you can visit Poland for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. To live in Kraków, you need the right visa or residence permit, so check this before you book your removal. The GOV.UK guide to living in Poland is the best place to start. Applications for a temporary residence permit go to the regional voivodeship office. For Kraków, that’s the Małopolska Voivodeship Office. You can also apply online through the MOS portal.
2. Sort out your paperwork when you arrive
Once you’ve arrived, plan time for the local admin:
- Register your residence in Poland, as GOV.UK advises
- get a PESEL number, the Polish ID number you’ll need for banks, doctors and contracts
- register for healthcare with the NFZ (National Health Fund) through your employer, or arrange private cover
- exchange your UK driving licence. According to GOV.UK, you can drive on it for up to 6 months after becoming resident, and after that you must exchange it (no test needed)
3. Plan van access around the Old Town
Kraków’s historic centre has cobbled streets, restricted traffic zones and very little parking. If you’re moving into Stare Miasto, Kazimierz or Podgórze, your removal van may need a permit to stop outside, or the crew may need to carry items a short distance. Kraków also has a Clean Transport Zone (Strefa Czystego Transportu), which has applied since 1 January 2026. Vehicles entering it have to meet emission rules, so check the latest requirements on the ZTP Kraków website.
When you move with MoveDay Removals, we plan the right vehicle size and access for your street, so there are no surprises on moving day.
4. Measure stairwells in older tenements
Many flats in central Kraków are in old tenement buildings (kamienice) with steep stairs and no lift. Measure your large furniture before moving day. Ask your landlord or building manager about access to the courtyard and stairwell. Bulky items like wardrobes and bed frames may need to be dismantled first.
5. Get your customs paperwork right
Since Brexit, household goods going from the UK to Poland cross an EU customs border. You’ll need a detailed inventory and the correct declarations. If you’re moving your normal residence to Poland, you may be able to bring your personal belongings in without paying import duty. Read our UK Customs Guide 2026, or see our customs services if you’d like us to handle the paperwork for you.
6. Choose the right neighbourhood
- Stare Miasto (Old Town): beautiful and central, but busy, with tricky van access.
- Kazimierz: the historic Jewish quarter, full of cafés, galleries and character.
- Podgórze: across the river, with a mix of older and new flats and good transport links.
- Krowodrza and Bronowice: quieter, residential and popular with families.
- Zabłocie: a regenerated area with modern flats, close to the centre.
7. Connect with the expat community
Kraków has a big English-speaking community, thanks to its universities and international employers. Join local expat groups before you move to get advice on renting, schools and paperwork. For more on this, see our post on why joining expat communities before a move is a great idea.
Moving to Kraków? We can help
MoveDay Removals moves families and businesses between the UK and Poland, and we can take care of the customs paperwork too. Take a look at our moving to Poland page or get a free quote.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk
This article is general guidance, correct as of September 2026. Rules and requirements can change, so always check the latest information on GOV.UK and with the Polish authorities before you move.