Country guide · Europe

Veterans in Poland

A growing U.S. Army presence, low costs, and a Social Security office in Kraków and Warsaw.

Veterans in Poland (photo: unsplash)

Poland at a glance

EntrySchengen 90/180 · ETIAS not yet live
Retiree visaNone · Temporary residence
U.S. presencePoznań · V Corps forward HQ
Time zoneUTC+1 · Currency: złoty
Cost of livingRoughly USD 1,350–1,500 a month.
Money · language · timePolish złoty (PLN) · Polish · UTC+1

Entering Poland

Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 without a visa. The EU Entry/Exit System is running. ETIAS pre-travel authorization has not started yet and no firm date has been set.

Long-stay and retirement visas

  • No retirement visa. Retirees can apply for temporary residence showing stable income and insurance.

VA care and benefits in Poland

No VA medical facility. FMP reimbursement. Social Security Federal Benefits Units are in Kraków and Warsaw.

Veterans and friends together (photo: Unsplash)

Vets in Poland are already in the group

Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.

Healthcare

Voluntary public coverage (NFZ) available to residents. Private clinics are inexpensive.

Where veterans live

  • Kraków: Culture and value.
  • Poznań: U.S. Army hub.
  • Warsaw: Capital.

Cost of living and property

Roughly USD 1,350–1,500 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.

Apartments are generally open to foreigners. Land may need a permit.

Watch out for

Rotational forces don't have retiree-oriented commissaries.

Veteran organizations

None confirmed. See all veteran organizations abroad.

Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

The OCONUS Veterans community

Find your people overseas.

Free to join. Veterans of every branch, wherever you've landed. Country groups, meetups, a VA Benefits Abroad channel and free courses, all in one place.

  • Country and region groups
  • Meetups in the cities where vets live
  • Answers from vets who have done it