If you wish to rent an apartment in Kraków, you should consider registering for a temporary stay.

Registering for temporary residence is a legal and administrative obligation for a foreigner planning to stay in Poland for more than a month (or three months for European Union citizens) without the intention of permanent residence. This requirement applies to all residents in Poland, emphasizing the importance of being aware and responsible.

Although registration is believed to be a relic of a bygone era, and the residential address increasingly replaces the registered address, there are still places where it is essential—e.g., at the Employment Office (Jobcenter). A person without registration may have problems registering as unemployed. Registration is also crucial for students who qualify for a social grant. Confirmation of registration may also provide benefits such as discounts for residents in paid parking zones.

What should be included in the tenancy agreement? 

(A contract to rent out real estate is called Umowa Najmu.) The agreement must first specify the parties and the subject of the lease. The parties to the contract are the landlord (i.e., the owner of the premises) and the tenant (the person who will live in the premises).

It is necessary to indicate the primary personal data of the parties:

Names and surnames,

PESEL numbers,

Series and numbers of ID cards,

Registered addresses,

Contact details (telephone numbers, e-mail addresses – as agreed by the parties).

The tenancy agreement must also include more detailed information about the rented premises. The contract must include a complete description of the premises, i.e. the address of the property, its area, number of rooms and equipment.

The essential elements of a lease agreement also include the duration of the contract – the parties determine whether the deal will be concluded for a fixed period (a fixed-term agreement is usually concluded for a year) or maybe – for an indefinite period. This is also important due to the notice period, i.e. the possibility of early termination of the contract.