¡Hola Kraków! A Spaniard’s Guide to Thriving in Poland’s City of Kings

Moving from the sunny plazas of Madrid or the coastal breeze of Valencia to southern Poland might seem like a leap into the unknown. You might be picturing harsh winters and a difficult language barrier. However, for the growing community of Spanish professionals and families relocating to Kraków (Poland), this historic city has proven to be a surprisingly warm, vibrant, and welcoming second home.

If you are trading jamón ibérico for pierogi and navigating the transition for your family, you are not alone. Whether you are relocating from Spain to Poland for a role at major hubs like Santander, Caixa Bank, Heineken, ArcelorMittal, or Accenture, Kraków offers a dynamic blend of career opportunity and family-focused living that resonates deeply with Spanish values.

Here is what you need to know about bridging the gap between Spain and Poland, settling in, and ensuring your children’s education helps them flourish.

Is Poland a great place for Spaniards to live? Absolutely! Cultural Connections: Shared Values in a New Setting

At first glance, Poland and Spain seem worlds apart. Yet, once you look past the weather, you will find a similar heartbeat. Both nations share a profound historical connection to the Catholic faith, which influences the calendar of public holidays and the general rhythm of life. Just like in Spain, family is the cornerstone of society here. Sundays are sacred times for family gatherings, parks are full of children, and there is a shared respect for tradition and history.

Kraków itself, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town (Stare Miasto), offers a walkable, café-filled lifestyle that feels familiar to anyone used to the lively streets of Seville or Barcelona. While dinner might be served a few hours earlier here, the Polish spirit of hospitality—captured in the saying “Gość w domu, Bóg w domu” (Guest in the house, God in the house) – mirrors the Spanish warmth of “Mi casa es su casa”.

Relocating from Spain to Poland with kids? Discover the best schooling options here!

For Spanish parents, one of the biggest concerns is often the education system. You are likely familiar with the broad, rigorous demands of the Bachillerato and the pressure of the EBAU/Selectividad exams.

Moving to Poland from Spain offers a unique opportunity to transition your child into the British education system, which is the framework used by Embassy International School. This can be a refreshing change for students used to the Spanish model.

• Skills over Memorisation: While the Spanish school system often leans heavily on rote learning and memorising vast amounts of theory, the British curriculum (culminating in A-Levels) prioritizes critical thinking, analysis, and the practical application of knowledge.
• Specialisation: In the British education system, older students (16-18 years old) choose 3 or 4 subjects to study in great depth for their A-Levels. This is ideal for a student who already knows they love the Sciences or the Arts and wants to focus on their strengths, rather than spreading themselves thin across compulsory subjects they may not enjoy.
• The “Native” Advantage: A major worry for expat parents is their children losing their mother tongue. It is vital to look for a school that understands this. Embassy International School, for instance, offers a dedicated Native Spanish Programme. This ensures that while your children master English and integrate into an international environment, they continue to develop their academic Spanish, keeping the door open for a return to Spanish universities in the future.

Professional Life and Logistics: Why Poland is the Perfect Professional Destination for Citizens of Spain

Kraków is a major European hub for business services, and Spanish speakers are in high demand. If you are moving here for work, you will find the professional environment in Poland to be modern and English-friendly.

Because Spain and Poland are both EU member states, the relocation logistics are refreshingly simple compared to moving outside the bloc. There are no visas required for Spanish citizens. You simply need to register your residence if you plan to stay longer than three months, a straightforward administrative process.

Furthermore, connectivity is excellent. With direct flights connecting John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice to cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and Alicante (often via carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air), hopping back home for a summer holiday or Christmas is easy and affordable.

Comparing Lifestyle and Living Costs in Spain and Poland

Let’s talk about food. While you will surely fall in love with Polish soups and breads, there will be days when you crave the taste of home. Kraków’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years. You can find authentic tapas at spots like Euskadi or El Toro in the Kazimierz district, and even buy authentic ingredients if you prefer to cook tortilla at home.

Financially, moving from Madrid or Barcelona to Kraków can feel like a raise. While the cost of living in Poland is rising, it remains lower than in major Spanish cities. Rent, dining out, and entertainment often cost less, allowing for a high quality of life. This financial buffer often allows families to invest more in premium education and travel.

Why Poland is the Perfect Hub for Spanish Travel Lovers

Poland is geographically positioned in the heart of Europe. For a Spanish family used to coastal road trips, Poland offers a different kind of beauty. You are a short drive from the breathtaking Tatra Mountains (perfect for skiing in winter, a sport many Spaniards love but travel far for), and close to Vienna, Prague, and Budapest for weekend getaways.

Why Relocating from Spain to Poland is the Best Move for Your Family

Relocating to Poland is an adventure that offers the best of both worlds: the safety and family values you cherish, combined with an international dynamism that propels your career and your child’s future.

By choosing an educational path that respects your native language while offering the global passport of British A-Levels, such as the programme at Embassy International School, you are setting your family up for success. Kraków is ready to welcome you.