Can you help me before I arrive in Poland?

Yes. Most of the preparation happens while you are still abroad: choosing a district, shortlisting international schools and arranging visits, planning residence permit paperwork, starting the property search and booking temporary accommodation for your first weeks. We work by video call, e-mail and WhatsApp.

When should I get in touch?

For families with school-age children, three to nine months before the school year, because admissions and deadlines drive everything else. For a rental without school constraints, six to ten weeks before your move is usually enough. If you arrive next week, get in touch anyway — we start from where you are.

Can I rent an apartment in Warsaw from abroad?

The search, shortlisting and viewings can start before you arrive — viewings are done with vetted local agents and shared with you by video. Most landlords want the contract signed in person or by a representative, so the usual plan is temporary accommodation for the first weeks and signing once you are here.

How do I choose a district if I have never been to Warsaw?

Start with the district profiles and the neighbourhood quiz on this site: they translate commute, schools, green space and price level into three districts worth seeing first. We then go through them together and match them to your actual commute and school choice.

What can only be done after arrival?

PESEL number and address registration, signing most leases, opening a bank account, collecting keys and utility handover, and biometrics for residence permits. These are planned in advance and handled in your first weeks here.

In which languages do you work?

English and Polish. Where a matter needs a lawyer, tax advisor or immigration specialist, you are introduced to vetted bilingual partners rather than left to find one yourself.

How does working together start?

With a free 15-minute call or a message through the contact form. We identify what you need and whether a focused hourly consultation is enough or you would benefit from support at every stage. Afterwards, I propose a clear scope and price for your approval before any paid work begins. There is no pressure to continue.

Premium Relocation Services

Relocating to Warsaw — relocation support

A new beginning

Relocating to Warsaw

Navigating the transition to Poland's capital requires more than just logistics. I coordinate every step so you can settle in with clarity and confidence.

See services

A symphony of old and new.

Warsaw Expat Guide

Expat choice

A typical timeline

01
3–6 months before
School shortlist, district research, visa and permit planning.
02
6–10 weeks before
Property search, movers, pet paperwork, temporary accommodation.
03
Arrival week
Handover, utilities, internet, first shopping, orientation walk.
04
First month
PESEL, address registration, banking, healthcare, school start.
05
First three months
Driving licence, clubs, language lessons, tax and residency status.

What we can do before you arrive

Most clients start while they are still living abroad. We work by video call, e-mail and WhatsApp, so distance is not the problem — timing usually is.

From abroad, before you land

District shortlist matched to your commute, budget and family
International school shortlist, visits and applications
Residence permit and visa planning with a bilingual partner
Property search and viewings reported to you by video
Temporary accommodation for your first weeks
Movers, shipping and pet paperwork

Once you are in Warsaw

Signing the lease and key handover
PESEL number and address registration
Bank account and private healthcare
Utilities, internet and furnishing
Biometrics and in-person permit steps
Orientation, clubs, language lessons, driving licence

After the free call

You choose how much support you need

We clarify the need

During the 15-minute call, you tell me where you are in the move and what feels unclear or difficult.

I suggest the right format

It may be focused advice billed by the hour so you can handle the move yourself, or broader support at every stage.

You receive scope and price

Before any paid work begins, I send a clear proposal. You decide whether to continue — without pressure or hidden commitments.

Services

Immigration

Residence permits and visas

Guidance through temporary residence, work permits and family reunification applications.

Who needs it:: Non-EU nationals and their families.
When:: Before arrival, or within the first weeks.
Handled by:: Immigration law partner — introduced on request.

Administration

PESEL and address registration

Obtaining a PESEL number and registering your address, the keys to most Polish services.

Who needs it:: Everyone staying longer than a few months.
When:: First two weeks after arrival.
Handled by:: Relocation coordinator.

Banking setup

Opening a Polish account with English-language service and cards for the whole family.

Who needs it:: All new residents.
When:: First month.
Handled by:: Relationship managers at expat-friendly banks.

Legal support

Legal advice

Contract review for leases and purchases, employment matters and family law.

Who needs it:: Anyone signing a Polish contract.
When:: Before signing anything.
Handled by:: Bilingual law firm.

Tax support

Tax advisory

Residency status, double-taxation treaties and annual filing.

Who needs it:: Employees, founders and property owners.
When:: Before your first Polish payroll or purchase.
Handled by:: International tax advisor.

School search

School and preschool search

Shortlisting schools, arranging visits, preparing applications and managing deadlines.

Who needs it:: Families with children.
When:: 3–9 months before the school year.
Handled by:: Handled personally by Elwira.

Property search

Curated rental or purchase search matched to district, school and commute.

Who needs it:: Every relocating household.
When:: 6–10 weeks before your move for rentals.
Handled by:: Independent, vetted local agents.

Temporary housing

Temporary accommodation

Serviced apartments and short-term rentals for the first weeks.

Who needs it:: Anyone arriving before their home is ready.
When:: As soon as your arrival date is set.
Handled by:: Serviced apartment operators.

Utilities

Utilities and internet

Transferring or opening electricity, gas, water, waste and internet contracts.

Who needs it:: All tenants and owners.
When:: At handover.
Handled by:: Relocation coordinator.

Furnishing

Furnishing and interior design

From a full furniture package to a considered interior scheme and styling.

Who needs it:: Unfurnished rentals and new purchases.
When:: 4–8 weeks before move-in.
Handled by:: Interior designers and staging partners.

Renovation

Renovation management

Contractor selection, budgeting and supervision for purchased homes.

Who needs it:: Buyers of older apartments and houses.
When:: Immediately after purchase.
Handled by:: Vetted contractors.

Moving

Moving and shipping

International movers, customs paperwork, storage and unpacking.

Who needs it:: Households shipping belongings.
When:: 6–10 weeks before the move.
Handled by:: International moving companies.

Healthcare

Healthcare and insurance

Private medical subscriptions, English-speaking GPs, paediatricians and dentists.

Who needs it:: All family members.
When:: First month.
Handled by:: Private healthcare networks.

Pet relocation

Documents, microchipping, vaccinations, transport and local vets.

Who needs it:: Households moving with animals.
When:: At least 3 months ahead for some countries.
Handled by:: Pet relocation specialists.

Childcare

Nannies and childcare

Finding vetted, often multilingual, nannies and after-school care.

Who needs it:: Families with young children.
When:: After housing is confirmed.
Handled by:: Childcare agencies.

Cleaning

Cleaning and housekeeping

Regular housekeeping, deep cleans and end-of-tenancy cleaning.

Who needs it:: Most households.
When:: After move-in.
Handled by:: Trusted local providers.

Lifestyle setup

Sports clubs, language lessons, driving licence exchange, car leasing and airport transfers.

Who needs it:: Anyone settling in for the long term.
When:: First three months.
Handled by:: Curated local network.

Questions people ask before moving

Can you help me before I arrive in Poland?: Yes. Most of the preparation happens while you are still abroad: choosing a district, shortlisting international schools and arranging visits, planning residence permit paperwork, starting the property search and booking temporary accommodation for your first weeks. We work by video call, e-mail and WhatsApp.
When should I get in touch?: For families with school-age children, three to nine months before the school year, because admissions and deadlines drive everything else. For a rental without school constraints, six to ten weeks before your move is usually enough. If you arrive next week, get in touch anyway — we start from where you are.
Can I rent an apartment in Warsaw from abroad?: The search, shortlisting and viewings can start before you arrive — viewings are done with vetted local agents and shared with you by video. Most landlords want the contract signed in person or by a representative, so the usual plan is temporary accommodation for the first weeks and signing once you are here.
How do I choose a district if I have never been to Warsaw?: Start with the district profiles and the neighbourhood quiz on this site: they translate commute, schools, green space and price level into three districts worth seeing first. We then go through them together and match them to your actual commute and school choice.
What can only be done after arrival?: PESEL number and address registration, signing most leases, opening a bank account, collecting keys and utility handover, and biometrics for residence permits. These are planned in advance and handled in your first weeks here.
In which languages do you work?: English and Polish. Where a matter needs a lawyer, tax advisor or immigration specialist, you are introduced to vetted bilingual partners rather than left to find one yourself.
How does working together start?: With a free 15-minute call or a message through the contact form. We identify what you need and whether a focused hourly consultation is enough or you would benefit from support at every stage. Afterwards, I propose a clear scope and price for your approval before any paid work begins. There is no pressure to continue.

Tell me where you are in the process

Some people need everything. Others need one difficult thing solved. Both are fine.

WarszawaRelocating to Warsaw — relocation support