Moving to Spain from Poland: Complete 2026 Guide
Over 54,000 Polish citizens now call Spain home, with the community continuing to grow. As an EU citizen, you enjoy full freedom of movement. No visa required, with work rights from day one.
Key Facts for Polish Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Poland tolerates dual citizenship; Spain requires renunciation
EU Free Movement Rights
As a Polish citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU membership since Poland joined in 2004. You can enter Spain with your Polish passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.
While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.
The Polish Community in Spain
The Polish community in Spain has grown steadily since EU accession:
- Population: Over 54,800 Polish citizens registered in Spain (2024 data)
- Main Locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Huelva, and Valencia have the largest Polish populations
- Working Population: Many Poles came during Spains economic boom in the 1990s and 2000s
- Entrepreneurship: Growing number of Polish business owners, with Spanish regulations similar to Polish ones
- Spains Ranking: Spain is the second most popular destination for Polish emigrants after the UK
Why Poles Choose Spain
- Climate: Exchange Polands harsh winters for Spains Mediterranean warmth and 300+ days of sunshine
- Economic Opportunities: Strong job market, especially in tourism, hospitality, construction, and services
- Business Environment: Spanish business regulations are similar to Polish ones, making entrepreneurship accessible
- No Work Permit Required: Full work rights from day one as an EU citizen
- Cost of Living: Similar to Poland in many areas, with much better weather
- Quality of Life: Excellent healthcare, outdoor lifestyle, and vibrant culture
- Direct Connections: Multiple daily flights between Warsaw, Krakow, and major Spanish cities
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Polish citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.
Important dual citizenship consideration: Polish law does not explicitly permit dual citizenship, but it is tolerated in practice. There are no penalties for holding another citizenship, but exercising foreign citizenship (such as identifying yourself to Polish authorities with a foreign document) may have legal consequences. Polish citizens who acquire another nationality do not automatically lose Polish citizenship.
However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Poland. This means that if a Polish citizen acquires Spanish citizenship, Spain will require renunciation of Polish citizenship. Since Poland tolerates (but does not formally recognize) dual citizenship, the practical situation can be complex. Many Polish residents in Spain choose to maintain their Polish citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Poland
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Poland
Spain maintains diplomatic representations across Poland:
Note: Honorary consulates typically provide limited services and may not process visas or passports.
Tax Considerations
Poland-Spain Tax Framework
Both Poland and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Polish Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type under the tax treaty. Coordination between ZUS and Spanish authorities required
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Tax Rate Comparison: Poland has progressive rates (12-32%); Spain has progressive rates (19-47%). Planning essential for higher earners.
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax that Poland does not. Important for high-net-worth individuals
- Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is Spanish for Polish speakers?
While Polish and Spanish are not linguistically related, Spanish pronunciation is relatively straightforward. Many Poles find Spanish easier to learn than English due to its consistent spelling rules. The large Polish community in Spain can help during the transition.
Can I keep my Polish citizenship if I become Spanish?
Poland tolerates dual citizenship in practice. Acquiring another nationality does not automatically cause loss of Polish citizenship. However, Spain requires renunciation of Polish citizenship when naturalizing. This creates a complex legal situation. Consult with immigration lawyers before proceeding.
Where do most Poles live in Spain?
The largest Polish communities are in Madrid, Barcelona, and coastal areas like Malaga and Valencia. Huelva has a significant Polish population due to agricultural work. Many Poles also settle along the Costa Blanca and in the Canary Islands.
Can I start a business in Spain?
Yes, as an EU citizen you have full rights to establish and run a business in Spain. Spanish business regulations are similar to Polish ones, making the transition easier. Youll need your NIE, register with tax authorities, and comply with Spanish business requirements.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Polish citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between ZUS and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment and company formation
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Poland as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.