Living in Krakow: the ultimate expat guide

Krakow has transformed into one of Central Europe's leading business hubs, attracting multinational corporations and startups alike. The city's low unemployment rate, skilled workforce, and competitive salaries make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking career growth in an affordable European city.

Key Industries and Employers

The IT and technology sector dominates Krakow's economy, with over 60,000 IT specialists employed across more than 200 companies. Major employers include Comarch (2,550 IT staff), Cisco (2,118), Aptiv (2,100), Motorola Solutions, and HSBC. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector accounts for roughly one-fifth of Poland's half-million-strong industry. Finance, accounting, and shared services centers operated by companies like Shell, UBS, and Heineken offer thousands of positions for multilingual professionals.

Work Permits and Visas

EU/EEA citizens can work freely without permits. Non-EU nationals require a work permit (Type A for standard employment) and a national D-type visa. The EU Blue Card is available for highly skilled professionals earning at least PLN 12,273 per month (150% of national average). Processing typically takes 1-3 months. Since June 2025, work permit applications must be submitted electronically via praca.gov.pl.

The table below summarizes key employment indicators for Krakow:

Sources: Statistical Office in Krakow, MOTIFE Krakow IT Market Report 2025

Krakow is Poland's premier academic center, home to prestigious institutions that attract students worldwide. Over 10% of the city's student population pursues ICT-related degrees, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled graduates for local employers.

Top Universities

Jagiellonian University (UJ), founded in 1364, is Poland's oldest and most respected institution. Ranked 304th globally in QS World University Rankings, it offers over 85 disciplines with strong programs in Medicine, Law, and International Relations. English-taught bachelor's programs cost approximately EUR 4,500 per year, while the prestigious MD program costs EUR 15,500 annually.

AGH University of Science and Technology leads in engineering, computer science, and emerging technologies. With 21,000 students including 500 international admits, AGH offers 17 English-taught programs. Annual tuition ranges from PLN 12,100 to PLN 18,960 for bachelor's degrees.

Admission and Fees

International students apply through the IRK online system (irk.uj.edu.pl). Requirements typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs), and a registration fee of approximately PLN 85. Holders of a Karta Polaka (Card of the Pole) or C1 Polish certificate may study tuition-free in Polish-language programs. The Erasmus+ program and NAWA scholarships provide additional funding opportunities.

Sources: Jagiellonian University Admissions, AGH University Fees

Families relocating to Krakow will find excellent educational options ranging from Polish public schools to international institutions following British, American, and IB curricula. The city's established expat community has driven growth in quality international schooling over the past two decades.

International Schools

The International School of Krakow (ISK), founded in 1993, is southern Poland's first international school. This non-profit, co-educational day school serves the expat community with American and IB curricula. Tuition for 2024-2025 is approximately PLN 45,683 for Early Years and PLN 74,868 for K-12, with a one-time application fee of PLN 6,350.

The British International School of Cracow (BISC) has offered British education for 30 years, combining the Cambridge International Curriculum with the IB Diploma Programme. An IB World School for 19 years, BISC maintains a 100% IB pass rate and welcomes students from over 30 nationalities.

Embassy International School provides British curriculum education in the city center with small class sizes and modern facilities.

Polish Public Schools

Polish public education is free for all residents, including expats. The system includes przedszkole (preschool, ages 3-6), szkoła podstawowa (primary school, ages 7-15), and liceum or technical schools (ages 15-19). While instruction is in Polish, some schools offer bilingual programs. Private kindergartens charge approximately PLN 1,650 per month.

Sources: U.S. Department of State - ISK Fact Sheet, British International School of Cracow

Krakow's rental market offers diverse options from historic apartments in the Old Town to modern developments in emerging districts. While prices have risen in recent years, rents remain significantly lower than in Western European capitals.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

Stare Miasto (Old Town) places you at the city's historic heart, steps from the Main Market Square, restaurants, and cultural venues. Expect to pay a premium for this central location.

Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter, has evolved into Krakow's most vibrant bohemian neighborhood. Trendy cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and a legendary nightlife scene attract young professionals and creatives.

Podgórze, across the Vistula River, offers a residential atmosphere with growing culinary and arts scenes. The MOCAK contemporary art museum and Schindler's Factory are major draws.

Krowodrza, near major universities, balances residential calm with easy access to parks and the city center—ideal for families and academics.

Dębniki and Ludwinów provide quieter settings with green spaces, river access, and family-friendly amenities.

Rental Prices

The table below shows typical monthly rents:

Rental contracts typically require a one-month deposit and one month's advance rent. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) average PLN 1,000–1,100 monthly for a standard apartment.

Sources: Numbeo Krakow

Krakow's cultural scene rivals major European capitals, offering world-class museums, festivals, and entertainment at a fraction of the cost. From medieval landmarks to cutting-edge galleries, the city caters to every interest.

Museums and Landmarks

Wawel Royal Castle, perched above the Vistula River, served as the royal residence for four centuries. Now a premier art museum, it houses Italian Renaissance paintings, the Sigismund II Augustus tapestry collection, and Europe's largest collection of Ottoman tents. Individual exhibition tickets range from PLN 32–49. The legendary Dragon's Den cave beneath the castle opens seasonally.

The Rynek Underground Museum, beneath the Main Market Square, reveals medieval Krakow through archaeological exhibits and multimedia displays. Schindler's Factory in Podgórze chronicles the city's WWII history. Art lovers should visit the Czartoryski Museum, home to Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine," and MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

The Planty, a green belt encircling the Old Town, offers peaceful strolls. Błonia Meadow, one of Europe's largest urban green spaces, hosts concerts and festivals. For swimming, head to Zakrzówek Park with its crystal-clear quarry lake. The Vistula Boulevards provide popular cycling and jogging paths with sunset views.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Kazimierz remains the nightlife epicenter, with cocktail bars, live jazz venues, and legendary clubs. A pint of local beer costs around PLN 16, while cinema tickets run PLN 30. The city hosts major events including the Jewish Culture Festival (June-July), Krakow Film Festival, and open-air concerts throughout summer.

Sources: Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow Travel Official

Krakow offers an easy, walkable lifestyle with efficient public transport, safe streets, and a rich café culture. Most expat-friendly neighborhoods are compact, making daily errands manageable without a car.

Getting Around

The city's integrated tram and bus network, operated by MPK Krakow, covers all districts efficiently. A single ticket costs PLN 6, while a monthly pass runs approximately PLN 150 (or PLN 90 with the discounted Krakowska Karta Miejska city card for taxpayers). The JakDojade app provides real-time journey planning. Taxis are affordable, with an average ride costing PLN 20–40, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber operate citywide.

Krakow's main railway station (Kraków Główny) connects to Warsaw (2.5 hours by express train), the Tatra Mountains (2 hours), and international destinations. John Paul II International Airport, 11 km west, offers direct flights to major European hubs.

Lifestyle and Culture

Poles value work-life balance, with shops typically open 10am–9pm on weekdays and limited hours on Sundays. Supermarkets like Biedronka, Lidl, and Carrefour offer affordable groceries, while Stary Kleparz market provides fresh local produce.

English is widely spoken among younger generations and in business settings, though learning basic Polish phrases enhances daily interactions. The city enjoys a continental climate with warm summers (20–25°C) and cold, snowy winters (-5 to 2°C). Air quality can be a concern during winter months due to heating emissions.

Sources: ZTP Krakow Transport, Krakow Travel

Krakow offers exceptional value, with living costs approximately 65% lower than cities like London or Amsterdam. While prices have increased in recent years, the city remains one of Europe's most affordable destinations for expats.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The table below outlines typical expenses for a single professional living in the city center:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo Krakow 2025, Statistical Office in Krakow