Temporary Accommodation Options in Poland for Foreigners
Securing temporary accommodation is often the first step for individuals arriving in Poland for work, study, or residence. This period allows newcomers to complete administrative requirements, such as obtaining a PESEL number or opening a bank account, while searching for long-term housing. Temporary options vary by cost, legal status, and the type of services provided.
Primary Categories of Temporary Accommodation
Temporary housing in Poland is categorized based on the duration of stay and the level of service required. The following table outlines the most common options available to foreign nationals upon arrival.
| Option Type | Typical Duration | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels and Hostels | 1–14 days | Standardized services, high availability, no long-term commitment. |
| Short-term Apartments | 3 days – 1 month | Fully furnished, private kitchen facilities, managed via booking platforms. |
| Aparthotels | 1 week – 3 months | Combination of hotel services with apartment-style living. |
| Corporate Housing | 1–6 months | Tailored for professional relocations, often arranged by employers. |
| Student Dormitories | Semester-based | Subject to university enrollment or seasonal availability for non-students. |
Short-term Rental Apartments
Private apartments rented for short periods are widely available in major Polish cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk. These are often preferred by families or individuals requiring kitchen and laundry facilities. Most bookings are processed through international and local digital platforms.
Payment for short-term rentals usually includes all utility costs (electricity, water, heating, and internet). In most cases, a formal lease agreement (umowa najmu) is not signed for stays shorter than 30 days; instead, the terms of service of the booking platform or the provider's regulations apply.
Hostels and Budget Options
Hostels offer shared or private rooms and are generally the most economical choice. They are prevalent in city centers and near major transportation hubs. While suitable for short stays, they may not provide the necessary environment for remote work or long-term storage of personal belongings.
Aparthotels and Extended Stay Suites
Aparthotels function as a middle ground between hotels and private apartments. They provide hotel-like amenities (such as reception desks and cleaning services) alongside residential features like kitchenettes. For foreign professionals, these facilities often provide VAT invoices (faktura VAT), which may be required for reimbursement by employers or for business accounting purposes.
Practical Handling and Considerations
Registration of Stay (Meldunek)
Under Polish law, every individual staying in Poland is subject to a registration requirement (obowiązek meldunkowy). The timeframe for this requirement depends on the individual's citizenship and the length of stay:
- EU/EFTA citizens: Must register no later than the 30th day of stay.
- Non-EU/EFTA citizens: Must register no later than the 4th day of stay.
Hotels and professional accommodation providers typically handle this registration automatically upon check-in. However, for private short-term rentals, the responsibility may fall on the individual. The ability to register at a temporary address depends on the provider's willingness to provide a confirmation of stay or the existence of a valid rental contract.
Booking and Payments
Most temporary accommodation providers require a credit card or electronic payment. Cash payments are increasingly restricted or subject to specific limits in professional establishments. It is standard practice for providers to request a valid passport or national ID card for identity verification during the check-in process.
Verification of Standards
Standards for temporary accommodation are regulated by the Polish Act on Hotel Services. Hotels are graded on a 1 to 5-star scale. Other forms of accommodation, such as "Guest Rooms" (pokoje gościnne) or "Hostels," do not follow the same star-rating system but must comply with basic health and safety regulations.
Limitations and Uncertainties
The availability of temporary accommodation fluctuates significantly based on the season, local events, and the specific city. Prices in major urban centers are notably higher than in rural areas. Foreigners should note that many temporary accommodation options do not allow for the registration of a "permanent residence" address, which may be required for certain long-term administrative procedures.
Specific rules regarding pets, smoking, and additional guests vary by provider. For those arriving with pets, "pet-friendly" filters on booking sites are the primary method of identifying suitable locations, as many Polish providers apply strict no-pet policies.
External Resources for Information
For official information regarding stay requirements and administrative procedures in Poland, refer to the following government resources: