Kraków is Poland’s most beloved city — a beautifully preserved medieval capital with a world-class Old Town, a thriving cultural scene and a rapidly growing economy. For Polish nationals returning home and for international professionals attracted by Kraków’s booming tech and BPO sector, the city offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of London’s cost.
This guide covers the practical side of moving to Kraków from the UK: where to live, what it costs, how residency works and how to get your belongings there efficiently.
Why People Choose Kraków
For Polish nationals returning from the UK: Kraków is Poland’s cultural heart, and for many Poles from the south of the country — Małopolska, Silesia, Podkarpacie — it is the natural homecoming destination. The city has grown dramatically as a professional centre, with opportunities that simply did not exist a decade ago.
For UK expats and international professionals:
- BPO and tech hub — Kraków is Poland’s second-largest city for business services. Companies including IBM, Google, Motorola, Shell, HSBC, Capgemini and hundreds of others have major Kraków operations, many of which operate in English
- Cost of living — dramatically lower than London. High quality of life on a modest income
- Outstanding culture — the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Wawel Castle, Kazimierz (former Jewish quarter, now a vibrant arts and café district), world-class salt mines at Wieliczka
- Student city energy — with multiple universities and a large student population, Kraków has a young, cosmopolitan atmosphere
- Excellent direct flights from the UK — Kraków Airport (KRK) has direct routes from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK cities
Kraków Districts: Where to Live
Stare Miasto (Old Town) — Living inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautiful but touristy; more expensive and noisy. Best for short stays; most residents prefer surrounding districts.
Kazimierz — Former Jewish quarter, now Kraków’s most vibrant neighbourhood. Independent cafés, restaurants, galleries and bars. Extremely popular with younger professionals and expats.
Podgórze — Across the Vistula from Kazimierz, rapidly developing. More affordable, increasingly hip, good arts scene. The Schindler’s Factory museum is here.
Krowodrza / Bronowice — Quieter western residential districts. Good value, family-oriented, well-connected by tram. Popular with Polish families and returning expats.
Nowa Huta — Former Soviet-era industrial district now undergoing regeneration. Very affordable, interesting Brutalist architecture, strong local community.
Dębniki / Zakrzówek — Attractive riverside districts south of the Old Town. Green, quieter, good for families. Some of Kraków’s most pleasant residential streets.
Cost of Living in Kraków
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (central) | 2,500 – 4,000 PLN (£500 – £800) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outer districts) | 1,800 – 2,800 PLN (£360 – £560) |
| Monthly public transport pass | ~180 PLN (£35) |
| Groceries (one person) | 700 – 1,200 PLN (£140 – £240) |
| Eating out (mid-range restaurant) | 35 – 65 PLN (£7 – £13) |
Kraków is one of Europe’s best value cities for quality of life. For those earning in GBP, a comfortable life in a great neighbourhood is achievable at a fraction of London costs.
Residency in Kraków
For Polish nationals: Register your address (zameldowanie) at the local Urząd Dzielnicy. Ensure your PESEL number is active.
For UK nationals: Post-Brexit, UK nationals in Poland need a residence permit for stays over 90 days. Apply at the Małopolski Urząd Wojewódzki in Kraków. You will need:
- Proof of purpose of stay (employment contract, self-employment registration, or proof of sufficient funds)
- Confirmed address in Kraków
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
Processing times vary; apply promptly after arrival. UK nationals already resident in Poland before 31 December 2020 were eligible for a special protected status — if you were in this category, check your current permit status.
Shipping Your Belongings to Kraków
Easy Move operates regular weekly UK departures covering Kraków, with all customs documentation included as part of our removals to Poland service. Transit time from the UK to Kraków is typically 3–5 working days.
Post-Brexit customs apply — your household goods qualify for duty-free import under Transfer of Residence relief. Easy Move handles the Polish-language customs inventory and all documentation on your behalf.
For the full guide: moving from UK to Poland and moving from London to Poland.
👉 Get a free removal quote for your move to Kraków
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Kraków from the UK
Is Kraków a good city for English speakers?
Yes, particularly in the professional and expat community. Kraków’s large BPO and tech sector means English is a working language in many offices. Younger Poles generally speak good English. For daily life, Polish is helpful but not always essential — especially in the Kazimierz and Old Town areas.
How does Kraków compare to Warsaw for expats?
Kraków is smaller, more compact and more culturally rich. Warsaw is larger, more corporate and has more multinational employer options. Kraków is often preferred by those who value culture, quality of life and a more human-scale city; Warsaw by those who prioritise career opportunities and higher salaries.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Kraków?
Yes. Kraków Airport (KRK) has direct routes from London Stansted, London Luton, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK airports, operated by Ryanair, Wizz Air and other carriers. Flights typically take around 2.5 hours.
What international companies are based in Kraków?
Kraków has a major BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) and shared services sector. Companies with significant Kraków operations include IBM, Google, Motorola Solutions, Shell, HSBC, Capgemini, Lufthansa Systems, ABB and many others. Most operate in English.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to Kraków?
Easy Move’s typical transit time from the UK to Kraków is 3–5 working days, with weekly departures and full Polish customs documentation included.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.