Importing Personal Effects into Poland: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Poland Import Guide (PDF)

FOREIGN NATIONALS Employees of Foreign Represent. Offices duly permitted to function in Poland, Employees of Foreign (& Polish) businesses duly incorporated in Poland (incl. Members of Board, persons delegated to Poland etc. )

• Work permit copy (for non EU-members countries citizens).
• Working visa from Polish Consulate (for non EU-members countries citizens).
• Copy of passport – for all (personal data and photo page only) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland – original.
• Check with your destination agent as a simple copy of passport may potentially satisfy Customs).
• Copy of air ticket confirming arrival to Poland.
• Any documents confirming that the client has stayed more than one year abroad, outside European Community (back period of continued full 14 months before relocation to Poland).
• What documents satisfy Polish customs - they need 3 types of living confirmation:
• Original letter issued on company letterhead from home/origin company confirming working period in home country. This document should be signed and stamped by authorized person or HR department.
• Copies of bills client has paid in origin country like – house renting, taxes, insurances, electricity, medical treatment etc. (should be full 14
• months continued covered).
• Bank statements for whole previous year, tax paid, monthly health care paid.
• Temporary residence permit in Poland (for non-EU members countries citizens) if work visa has not been issued.
• EU citizens’ residency certificate confirming temporary residence in Poland (for EU nationals).
• Address registration in Poland and PESEL references – originals and copy and residence rental contract copy.
• Any documents confirming will of staying in Poland (for example contract signed with any provider in Poland, TV, internet or any other, or document confirming sending kids to school etc.).
• Detailed valued inventory prepared in Polish language signed by owner.
• It must be fully descriptive (no “Packed by owner inventories” are acceptable. – required original in 2 copies.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to act on client behalf (certified by a public Notary in Poland – however not compulsory) - required in original.
• Customs request form signed by the customer.

• All eligible Foreign Nationals taking up residence for more than three months must obtain work permit along with working visa.
• Foreign Nationals who intend to stay in Poland for longer than 1 year, instead of requiring an extension of visa in a Polish Consulate abroad, may now apply for a Temporary Residence Card at a County Office Dept. in Poland.
• For the Foreign Citizens, Temporary Residence Card is then valid for the next 3 years. This new Residence Card can be extended in Poland up to a maximum of 10 years.
• For details contact your destination agent.

PERSONS RELOCATING FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN POLAND AFTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE ABROAD.

• A) Foreign Nationals
• Copy of residence permit and original of Polish address registration and PESEL references.
• Documents confirming will of staying in Poland (for example contract signed with
• any provider in Poland, TV, internet or any other, or document confirming sending kids to school etc.).
• Work permit copy (not mandatory) for nonEU members countries citizens.
• Copy of air ticket confirming arriving to Poland.
• Any document confirming that client stayed more than one year staying abroad, outside European Community (back period of continued full 14 months before relocation to Poland).
• What documents satisfy Polish customs - they need 3 types of living confirmation:
• Original letter issued on company letterhead from home/origin company confirming working period in home country. This document should be signed and stamped by authorized person or HR department.
• Copies of bills client has paid in origin country like – house renting, taxes, insurances, electricity, medical treatment etc. (should be full 14 months continued covered).
• Bank statements for whole previous year, tax paid, monthly health care paid.
• Copy of passport – for all (personal data and photo page only) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland. Check with your destination agent as a simple copy of passport may satisfy Customs).
• Detailed valued inventory prepared in Polish language signed by owner. It must be fully descriptive (no “Packed by owner inventories” are acceptable) - required in 2
• originals.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to act on client behalf (certified by a public notary in Poland) – required in original.
• Customs request form signed by the customer in original. B) Polish Nationals returning to Poland after temporary stay abroad
• Any document confirming that client stayed more than one year staying abroad, outside European Community (back period of continued full 14 months before relocation to Poland).
• What documents satisfy Polish customs - they need 3 types of living confirmation:
• Original letter issued on company letterhead from home/origin company confirming working period in home country. This document should be signed and stamped by authorized person or HR department.
• Copies of bills client has paid in origin country like – house renting, taxes, insurances, electricity, medical treatment etc. (should be full 14 months continued covered).
• Bank statements for whole previous year, tax paid, monthly health care paid.
• Copy of passport (personal data and photo page + foreign visa pages) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland (notarized copy is not obligatory) in original.
• Copy of Polish ID certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland (notarized copy is
• not obligatory) in original.
• Original of permanent Polish address registration.
• Any documents confirming will of staying in Poland (for example contract signed with any provider in Poland, TV, internet or any other, or document confirming sending kids to school etc.).
• Detailed valued inventory in Polish language signed by owner.
• It must be fully descriptive (no “Packed by owner inventories” are acceptable).
• Original signed version is required.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to act on client behalf (certified by a public notary in Poland) - notarization is obligatory in original.
• Customs request form signed by the customer in original. C) Polish Nationals returning to Poland after permanent residence abroad
• Same as B. above

• HHGs and personal effects can be imported free of duty/tax (only used). This also refers to vehicles proved to have been used by shipper at least 6 months prior to departure.
• Vehicles must be used and registered in the name of relocating person for at least 6
• months.
• The goods must enter Poland within 12 months of the date of termination of foreign residence as shown in the certificate of employment and alternative documents.
• Same as A. above

• For details, contact your destination agent.

STUDENTS, RESEARCH, MEDICAL SCIENTIST, PRIESTS, TEACHERS, ETC

• Suitable certification of their status from Polish University, Medical Clinic, Church etc.
• Appropriate visa from Polish Consulate (for non-EU nationals).
• Copy of passport – for all (personal data and photo page only) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland in original.
• Detailed valued inventory signed by owner. It must be fully descriptive (no “Packed by owner inventories” are acceptable) in 2 originals.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to
• act on client behalf (certified by a public Notary in Poland) in original.
• Customs request form signed by the customer in original.
• Original of Polish address registration.

• No work permit required.

EMPLOYEES OF FREE LANCE Persons working for foreign governmental agencies.

• For details, please contact your destination agent.

DIPLOMATIC REMOVALS

• Appropriate Certificate from Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Inventory list in Polish stamped by Diplomatic Protocol.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency, stamped by the Embassy / Diplomatic Unit.
• Photocopy of passport stamped by the Embassy / Diplomatic Unit.

• Importation free of duty/tax.
• Articles may not be sold for three years from the date of entry.
• Diplomatic removals:
• Duties/tax exemption based on reciprocity.
• Alcohol may not be sold for three years from the date of entry.
• Please consult your embassy prior to shipping.

• Duty/tax exemption is based on reciprocity.

JOURNALISTS Duly accredited by Polish Government.

• Appropriate certificate from Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dept. of Press & Information. Copy of passport – (personal data and photo page only) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland in original.
• Detailed valued inventory signed by owner. It must be fully descriptive (no “Packed by owner inventories” are acceptable) in 2 originals.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to act on client behalf (certified by a public
• notary in Poland) in original.
• Customs request form signed by the customer in original.
• Photocopy of accreditation ID card issued by Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Temporary residence permit in Poland (for non EU-members countries citizens).
• EU citizens residency certificate confirming temporary residence in Poland (for EU nationals).
• Address registration in Poland and PESEL references in originals and residence rental contract copy.

• Importation free of duty/tax. Articles may not be sold for three years from the date of entry.
• Diplomatic removals:
• Duties/tax exemption based on reciprocity.
• Alcohol may not be sold for three years from the date of entry.
• Please consult your embassy prior to shipping.

• Duty/tax exemption is based on reciprocity.
• Exception:
• If Poland has no reciprocity, a security guaranteeing payment of duty/tax in case of non-re-exportation is required.
• Customs clearance is based on temporary importation then (on the strength of financial security).

Inheritances

• Original of the last will confirming right to inheritance with its sworn translation into Polish. Copy of the death certificate of the testator with the sworn translation into Polish.
• Documents of the beneficiary / beneficiaries:
• Copy of passport – (personal data and photo page) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland.
• Copy of Polish ID certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland (for Polish nationals).
• Copy of permanent Polish address registration.
• Detailed valued inventory signed by the beneficiary.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to act on client behalf (certified by a public Notary in Poland).
• Customs request form signed by the beneficiary.

• Free of duty/tax for importation by direct heirs.

New furniture

• Original invoices / bill of sale.
• Detailed valued inventory signed by owner. It must be fully descriptive.
• Signed authorisation for customs agency to act on client’s behalf (certified by a public Notary in Poland) in original.
• Copy of passport – (personal data and photo page) certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland in original.
• Copy of Polish ID certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland in original.
• Original of Polish address registration and PESEl references.

• Brand new furniture is subject to import duties and taxes.

• If brand new furniture is imported (in manufacturer’s original crates), the Customs will require presentation of original invoice/bill of sale.

Electrical appliances

• See removal goods.

• See removal goods.

• Electricity in Poland: 220-230 V, 50 Hz.

Precious metals

• It is recommended that jewellery be carried only as personal luggage.

Pre-1945 Antiques/Objects of art

• Certificate of Antiquity from recognised authority for antiques.
• Photos in duplicate should be supplied to destination agent (in case of re-export of these goods from Poland).

• Note on items made before 1945 and paintings:
• Given the strict controls over the export of all items (art & antiques), exceeding
• an age of 100 years or 50 years, regardless of country of origin (including old books) a single licence for permanent export is required.
• It is important they are noted by Customs on their importation.
• All such items should be clearly marked on the inventory and stowed for easy access at Customs inspection.
• Photos of all such items should be supplied in duplicate to destination agent for customs processing.

Food products

• Small amounts for personal consumption are allowed.

Alcohol

• Importation not recommended.
• Alcohol found in household goods will be confiscated and the customer requested to pay a fine.
• In most cases, cost is greater than current retail price and in fact a licence to import alcohol in excess of the allowance is practically impossible to obtain.
• Diplomatic removals:
• Duties/tax exemption based on reciprocity.
• Alcohol may not be sold for three years from the date of entry.
• Consult your embassy prior to shipping.

Dogs/cats

• Good health certificate issued max.5 days prior to arrival.
• Anti-rabies vaccination certificate at least 21 days prior to departure.
• Pet must be microchipped.
• A tattoo is an acceptable form of identification as long as it was given prior to July 3, 2011 and is clearly visible.
• Puppies must be older than 3 months, younger are not allowed to travel to Poland.

• For details, please contact your destination agent.

Other animals

• Requirements may vary depending on country of origin.
• Importation subject to consultation with the Polish Ministry of Agriculture prior to departure from origin country.

• It is advisable to check in advance with your destination agent.
• Animals sent without proper certificates are subject to quarantine.
• For some species, importation is prohibited, and these may be denied entry.

Plants

• Most of the plants require phytosanitary certificate.

• Subject to examination at destination.
• Only allowed substance in which plants are to be transported is peat.
• Other substances like earth, sand etc. are prohibited as potential carriers of pests and diseases.

• Not all customs houses have personnel authorised to carry out phytosanitary examination so please check with your destination agent.

Cigarettes and tobacco products

• Not allowed as a household goods part of the move.

Medicines/prescription drugs

• Import of medicines / prescription drugs is subject to some restrictions.

• For details, please contact your destination agent.

Firearms (hunting weapons)

• Firearms certificate granted by the Polish Consul.

• For details, please contact your destination agent.

Exporting Personal Effects from Poland: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Poland Export Guide (PDF)

Household goods & personal effect – private person

• Power of attorney authorizing the moving company to represent the exporter
• Inventory list with goods value
• Copy of passport
• Copy of Polish ID (for Polish citizenship)
• Copy of the EU ‘CITIZEN’ card (for EU citizenship)
• Copy of car registration

• Without these documents, shipment cannot be released. This is valid for all nationalities.

Diplomatic shipments

• Power of attorney authorizing the moving company to represent the exporter (stamped by the Embassy)
• Inventory list with goods value (stamped by the Embassy)
• Copy of passport (stamped by the Embassy)
• Diplomatic ID Card (stamped by the Embassy)
• Customs request (stamped by the Embassy)
• Copy of car registration (stamped by the Embassy)

Poland Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Poland Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of work permit (for non-EU nationals)
• Working visa from the Polish consulate (for non-EU nationals)
• Copy of passport -- personal data and photo page only, certified as a true copy by a public notary in Poland (a simple copy may satisfy customs; confirm with the destination agent)
• Copy of air ticket confirming arrival to Poland
• Documents confirming at least 14 continuous months of residence abroad outside the EU, covering the full period prior to relocation. Customs requires three categories of supporting evidence: (1) an original letter on company letterhead from the origin employer confirming the working period, signed and stamped by an authorised person or HR department; (2) copies of bills paid in the origin country (rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, medical) covering the full 14-month period; and (3) bank statements, tax payment records, and monthly healthcare payment records for the previous year
• Temporary residence permit in Poland (for non-EU nationals if a working visa was not issued), or EU residency certificate confirming temporary residence (for EU nationals)
• Original of Polish address registration and PESEL reference
• Any documents confirming intent to stay in Poland (e.g., utility contracts, internet agreements, school enrolment)
• Detailed valued inventory in Polish, signed by the owner, prepared in two originals -- no "packed by owner" inventories are accepted; all items must be fully described
• Signed authorisation for the customs agency to act on the client's behalf, certified by a public notary in Poland, in original
• Customs request form signed by the customer

Foreign Nationals: Same document set as above, plus a copy of the residence permit and the original of Polish address registration and PESEL reference.

Polish Nationals Returning After Temporary Stay Abroad:

Polish Nationals Returning After Permanent Residence Abroad: Same as for returning nationals after temporary stay (see above).

• Documents confirming at least 14 continuous months abroad (same three-category evidence requirement as above)
• Copy of passport -- personal data, photo page, and foreign visa pages -- certified as a true copy by a notary in Poland (notarisation is not obligatory)
• Copy of Polish ID certified as a true copy by a notary in Poland (notarisation not obligatory), in original
• Original of permanent Polish address registration
• Documents confirming intent to stay in Poland
• Detailed valued inventory in Polish, signed by the owner, in original
• Signed authorisation for the customs agency, certified by a notary (notarisation is obligatory for returning Polish nationals), in original
• Customs request form signed by the customer

• Certification of status from a recognised Polish institution (university, medical clinic, church, etc.)
• Appropriate visa from the Polish consulate (for non-EU nationals)
• Copy of passport (personal data and photo page only), certified by a notary in Poland, in original
• Detailed valued inventory in Polish, signed by the owner, in two originals -- fully descriptive, no "packed by owner" entries
• Signed authorisation for the customs agency, certified by a notary in Poland, in original
• Customs request form signed by the customer
• Original of Polish address registration

• Certificate from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the list of goods being imported
• Detailed inventory in Polish, stamped by the Diplomatic Protocol
• Signed authorisation for the customs agency, stamped by the Embassy or Diplomatic Unit
• Photocopy of passport stamped by the Embassy or Diplomatic Unit

• Certificate from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Press and Information
• Copy of passport (personal data and photo page only), certified by a notary in Poland, in original
• Photocopy of accreditation ID issued by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Detailed valued inventory in Polish, signed by the owner, in two originals -- fully descriptive
• Signed authorisation for the customs agency, certified by a notary, in original
• Customs request form signed by the customer
• Temporary residence permit (for non-EU nationals) or EU residency certificate (for EU nationals)
• Address registration in Poland and PESEL reference, plus residence rental contract copy

• Original of the last will confirming the right to inheritance, with a sworn translation into Polish
• Copy of the death certificate of the testator, with a sworn translation into Polish
• Copy of the beneficiary's passport (personal data and photo page), certified by a notary in Poland
• Copy of Polish ID certified by a notary (for Polish nationals)
• Copy of permanent Polish address registration
• Detailed valued inventory signed by the beneficiary
• Signed authorisation for the customs agency, certified by a notary in Poland
• Customs request form signed by the beneficiary

Specific Information

To qualify for the TNR duty-free exemption, the owner of the goods must have habitually resided outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months prior to relocation (in practice, documentation covering 14 full months is advisable to satisfy Polish customs scrutiny). The goods must have been owned and used by the applicant at the former place of residence, and all goods must arrive in Poland within 12 months of the date of termination of foreign residence as evidenced in the employment letter or equivalent documents.

Goods must be used household goods -- new goods, new furniture, and unopened items in original manufacturer's packaging are dutiable. Brand-new furniture requires original invoices and is assessed for import duties and taxes. Electrical appliances are subject to the same rules as household goods; note that Poland uses 220-230V, 50Hz.

Precious metals and jewellery are recommended to be carried as personal baggage rather than included in a shipment.

The detailed inventory must be prepared in Polish and signed by the owner in the original. It must be fully descriptive -- generic entries such as "miscellaneous household goods" or "packed by owner" are not accepted by Polish customs.

Under the diplomatic exemption, imported articles may not be sold for a period of three years from the date of entry. The same resale restriction applies to alcohol imported under the diplomatic quota. Duty and tax exemptions for diplomats and journalists are based on reciprocity; where Poland has no reciprocity agreement, a financial security guaranteeing payment of duties may be required.

ISPM 15 (heat-treated wood packaging): Poland enforces EU-wide ISPM 15 requirements. All wooden packing materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) in shipments originating from non-EU countries must carry the ISPM 15 mark. Non-compliant wood packaging is subject to treatment or destruction at the consignee's expense.

Foreign nationals intending to stay in Poland for more than three months are required to obtain a work permit and working visa. Those planning to stay for longer than one year may apply for a Temporary Residence Card at the local County Office in Poland rather than seeking a visa extension abroad. The Temporary Residence Card is valid for three years and may be extended for up to 10 years.

Duties & Taxes

Poland is an EU member state. Shipments arriving from within the EU move under EU free movement rules and are generally not subject to customs duties or formal clearance procedures. Shipments originating outside the EU are subject to Polish customs controls administered by the Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa (KAS -- National Revenue Administration). The primary duty-free pathway is the Transfer of Normal Residence (TNR) exemption under EU Regulation 1186/2009.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

The following items are prohibited from import into Poland:

• Narcotics and controlled substances
• Pornographic materials
• Weapons of all kinds (without prior authorisation -- see firearms in Section 4)
• Explosives and inflammable materials
• Chemicals and toxic substances
• Radioactive materials
• Protected animal species and CITES-listed fauna and flora without valid documentation
• Plant matter in non-permitted growing media (earth, sand) -- see Section 4
• Food and fluids (subject to limited personal-use allowances; commercial quantities prohibited)
• Alcohol in household goods shipments beyond personal allowances (see Section 4)
• Tobacco in household goods shipments (must be declared separately as personal allowance)
• Counterfeit goods and goods infringing intellectual property rights

As an EU member, Poland adheres to EU-wide import prohibitions and restrictions. The EU TARIC database can be used to verify whether a specific product is subject to CITES restrictions, import suspension (PROHI), or import restriction (RSTR).

Shipments arriving from other EU member states are not subject to customs duties. There are no formal quantity restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, or other goods for personal use when moving from one EU country to another for personal consumption, provided the quantities are reasonable for personal use. As a general reference, intra-EU guidance treats the following as indicative personal-use thresholds: 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, or 1 kg of tobacco; 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine (of which no more than 60 litres sparkling), and 110 litres of beer.

The following duty-free allowances apply to goods arriving from outside the EU:

Alcohol: up to 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine or beer (22% ABV or below). Alcohol found within a household goods shipment beyond these allowances will be confiscated, and the customer may be required to pay a fine. Obtaining a licence to import alcohol commercially is practically impossible, and costs associated with importation generally exceed Polish retail prices. Alcohol importation in household goods shipments is strongly discouraged.

Tobacco: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco. Tobacco products are not permitted as part of a household goods shipment; they must be declared separately as personal allowance items or not shipped at all.

Medications: personal-use medications may be imported subject to restrictions. Prescription drugs require documentation confirming the personal medical need. Confirm specific requirements with the destination agent.

Plants: most plants require a phytosanitary certificate for import from non-EU countries. Plants may only be transported in peat; earth, sand, and other growing media are prohibited as potential carriers of pests and diseases. Not all customs offices have personnel authorised to conduct phytosanitary examinations; confirm the inspection point with the destination agent before shipping.

Antiques and Objects of Art (pre-1945): a Certificate of Antiquity from a recognised authority is required for items older than 100 years. Two photographs of each item must be provided to the destination agent (for potential future re-export from Poland). All such items should be clearly noted by customs at importation and stowed for easy access during inspection. Poland applies strict controls on the export of art and antiques exceeding 100 years of age (or 50 years for certain categories regardless of origin, including old books); a single export licence is required for permanent re-export. All documentation acquired during the import process must be retained for future export.

Firearms (hunting weapons): a firearms certificate granted by the Polish consulate is required. Contact the destination agent for specific procedures.

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially regarding differences between air, sea, and road shipments.

The detailed inventory must be prepared in Polish and signed by the owner in original. It must be fully descriptive -- generic entries are not accepted. For antiques, artworks, and items made before 1945, these must be clearly noted on the inventory and stowed in the container for easy access during inspection.

The signed authorisation for the customs agency to act on the client's behalf must be an original, certified by a public notary in Poland. For Polish nationals returning after permanent residence abroad, notarisation is obligatory. For other categories it is not strictly compulsory but is strongly recommended.

A customs request form signed by the customer is required in original for most import categories.

All translated documents (vehicle registration cards, insurance policies, employment letters in a foreign language) require sworn translation into Polish. Standard copies are not accepted.

Consignees should be aware that Polish customs exercises the right to inspect any shipment. Ensure items requiring special documentation (antiques, firearms, medications, plants) are packed for easy access and clearly noted on the inventory.

Be prepared for unpredictable additional expenses, including storage fees, inspection fees, and costs associated with document deficiencies. These cannot always be anticipated in advance; coordinate closely with the destination agent.