Moving from UAE to Poland (2026 Guide): Costs, D-Visa & Customs Rules
MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
Key Takeaways (Too Long; Didn't Read)
- Visa: You must secure a National Visa (D-Type) before leaving the UAE. You cannot work on a tourist Schengen visa.
- Customs: Household goods enter duty-free if you have lived outside the EU for 12+ months (Mienie Przesiedleńcze relief).
- Logistics: Sea freight enters via Gdańsk or Gdynia. Transit time is 35–45 days port-to-port.
- Cost: Budget AED 16,000 – 23,000 for a full 20ft container move.
- Car Warning: Importing a car >2.0L engine triggers an 18.6% Excise Tax plus VAT and Duty.
Introduction: The Gateway to Central Europe
Relocating from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Poland is a strategic move to one of Europe's fastest-growing economies. Whether you are relocating to the business hubs of Warsaw (Warszawa), the tech centers of Kraków, or the maritime gates of Gdańsk, this transition requires navigating strict EU customs borders.
Poland is a member of the EU and Schengen zone, but it retains its own currency (PLN) and distinct bureaucratic procedures. This guide covers realistic 2026 shipping costs, the National D-Visa process, and the specific customs documents required by the Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa (KAS) to import your goods tax-free.
Quick Answers (For Fast Research)
What is "Transfer of Residence" relief in Poland?
Known locally as Mienie Przesiedleńcze, this relief allows new residents moving from outside the EU (like the UAE) to import used personal belongings free of customs duty and VAT. To qualify, you must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and owned the goods for at least 6 months.
How much does it cost to move from UAE to Poland?
A full 20ft container from Jebel Ali to Gdynia or Gdańsk typically costs AED 16,000 – 23,000 door-to-door. Smaller shared shipments (LCL) start from AED 5,000.
Can I bring my car to Poland?
Yes, but it is financially risky. Unless you strictly qualify for resettlement relief, you face 10% Duty, 23% VAT, and an Excise Tax (Akcyza) ranging from 3.1% to 18.6% depending on engine size.
How long does shipping take?
- Sea Freight: 35–45 days port-to-port, plus 7–10 days for clearance and delivery.
- Route: Vessels typically transit via North European hubs (Rotterdam/Bremerhaven) before feeding into the Port of Gdańsk or Port of Gdynia.
1. 2026 Shipping Costs: Detailed Breakdown
Shipping to Poland typically involves sea freight to the Baltic coast followed by road transport to inland cities.
Estimated Door-to-Door Costs (UAE → Poland)
| Service Type | Suitable For | Est. Cost (AED) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (Groupage) | Studio / 1-bed (5-10 CBM) | 5,000 – 9,000 | 6 – 8 Weeks |
| 20ft Container | 2-bed apartment | 16,000 – 23,000 | 5 – 7 Weeks |
| 40ft Container | 3-4 bed villa | 25,000 – 35,000 | 5 – 7 Weeks |
| Air Freight | Urgent boxes (200kg) | 12,000 – 18,000 | 5 – 10 Days |
What Increases the Cost?
- Old Town Zones: Delivering to historic zones in Kraków (Stare Miasto) or Wrocław often requires small shuttle vans due to truck restrictions.
- Customs Inspections: Physical inspections at the Port of Gdańsk can incur port storage fees (demurrage) if documents are missing.
- Insurance: "All-Risk" transit insurance is calculated as a percentage (usually 2.5–3%) of your declared value.
💡 Calculate Your Move: Use our International Moving Cost Calculator to get a precise estimate based on your exact volume.
2. Visas & Residency: The Legal Framework
You cannot simply arrive in Poland and apply for residence. The process begins in the UAE.
Step 1: National Visa (D-Type)
This long-stay visa allows you to enter Poland for work, study, or family reunification.
- Authority: Issued by the Polish Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
- Requirement: You generally need a Work Permit (Zezwolenie na pracę) secured by your employer before applying.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory coverage of at least €30,000.
Step 2: The EU Blue Card
For highly skilled professionals, the EU Blue Card offers a faster path to permanent residency.
- Salary Threshold (2026): You must earn at least 150% of the average national salary (approx. PLN 11,000+ gross/month).
- Qualification: You must hold a university degree recognizing at least 3 years of study.
Step 3: Temporary Residence (Karta Pobytu)
Upon arrival, you must apply for this card at your local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki).
- Note: Processing times in cities like Warsaw (Mazowieckie) and Wrocław (Dolnośląskie) can take 3–6 months.
3. Customs Clearance: "Mienie Przesiedleńcze"
Poland follows EU Council Directive 2009/132/EC, which governs the duty-free import of personal property.
Conditions for Tax Exemption
To avoid paying 23% VAT and customs duties, you must prove:
- Residency: You lived outside the EU (in UAE) for at least 12 continuous months.
- Usage: You owned and used the goods for at least 6 months.
- Timing: You import the goods within 12 months of establishing residence in Poland.
Required Documents
- Copy of Passport & D-Visa.
- Confirmation of Polish address (Lease or Zameldowanie).
- Inventory List: A numbered list of all items (translated into Polish).
- Work Certificate: Proof of employment in the UAE (to prove previous residence) and Poland.
⚠️ Restricted Items:
- Meat/Dairy: Strictly prohibited.
- Medication: Personal use only (prescription required).
- Alcohol: Highly taxed. Do not ship wine collections.
4. Can I Bring My Car to Poland?
Technically yes, but it is financially complex.
The Tax Reality: Unless you strictly qualify for Mienie Przesiedleńcze (resettlement property) relief, importing a car triggers:
- Customs Duty: 10% of vehicle value + shipping.
- Excise Duty (Akcyza):
- Engine < 2.0L: 3.1%
- Engine > 2.0L: 18.6% (This is the "SUV trap" for many UAE cars).
- VAT: 23% standard rate.
Compliance: Your car must also pass EU homologation standards. UAE specs often require costly light and emission modifications.
5. Timeline Checklist: Planning Your Move
90 Days Before:
- Secure your Work Permit (Employer responsibility).
- Book your D-Visa appointment via e-konsulat.
- Request moving quotes.
60 Days Before:
- Confirm your shipping volume (Do you need 20ft or 40ft?).
- Begin creating your Valued Inventory for insurance.
30 Days Before:
- Finalize customs documents.
- Sell your car (recommended).
- Book Secure Storage in Dubai if your Polish home isn't ready.
Why MoveConnector?
Moving to Poland involves navigating the Baltic transit corridor and strict EU documentation. A generalist mover may not know the specific inventory formats required by the Mazowieckie Customs Office.
Our partners specialize in the UAE-to-Europe route.
What we provide:
- ✅ Door-to-Door to Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk
- ✅ Customs "Transfer of Residence" Guidance
- ✅ Experience with Port of Gdańsk Procedures
- ✅ Professional Packing Services for long-haul transit