For Families
Job opportunities
For families in Poland, Kraków offers many job opportunities for foreigners. There are various international-friendly job portals for English-speaking roles across various sectors, including research positions, IT, business, and more.
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Education and support children
According to Polish law, every child between 6 and 18 is subject to compulsory education. Parents who have full parental authority are responsible for ensuring their child fulfills this obligation by enrolling them in a preschool or school. An information guide on the education of foreign children prepared by The Office for Foreigners can be found below.
In Poland, all children and youth, regardless of nationality, have a constitutional right to free education in public schools. This right is also guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other national and international laws.
Foreign students in Poland have access to free public education (including artistic schools) up to the age of 18 or until they finish secondary school (high school, technical school, vocational school). Further education (e.g., adult schools, post-secondary, vocational courses) is usually paid, but exemptions apply to:
• EU, EFTA, Swiss citizens and their families
• People of Polish origin or with a valid Polish Card
• Holders of permanent or long-term EU residence permits
• Refugees, people with humanitarian protection, temporary protection, or tolerated stay
• Asylum seekers and their families
• Visa/work permit holders (under specific legal articles)
• Students with scholarships from the Ministry of Education or local authorities
Additional Support offered
Preparatory classes are available for foreign students or returning Polish citizens. These focus on the Polish language and integration.
After joining regular classes, students can access additional Polish lessons (min. 2 hours/week) and remedial classes (up to 1 hour/subject/week, for 12 months).
A cultural assistant may support foreign students for 12 months.
Students can get help from school psychologists and pedagogues, and from 8 local psychological-pedagogical counseling centers (Kraków).
Foreign students can take national exams (8th-grade, matura) with adjustments (e.g., extra time, simplified papers), subject to school approval.
Language and culture classes from the student’s home country can be organized by embassies or cultural associations (min. 7 participants, 5 hours/week).
Helpful Resources:
International Schools in Kraków
Kraków offers several international schools, which follow English-language curricula, ideal for expatriates:
Public Schools
Public schools in Poland teach primarily in Polish, but many are open to accepting international students. Some offer Polish as a foreign language course and have support for children of expats.
• To find the best fit for your child, check local school websites and contact them directly to inquire about language integration programs.
• A list of schools in Kraków can be found below.
• A list of schools in Małopolska is available for primary schools, and for higher schools.
Caring for toddlers and preschoolers (up to 6 years old):
For younger children, there are both private and public nurseries (przedszkole) in Kraków. Many private ones may offer English or bilingual programs.
A list of kindergartens in Kraków can be found below.
A list of kindergartens in Małopolska can be found below.
A map of nurseries (6 months-3 years old) and daycares can be found below.
Cultural institutions and activities
Kraków is a cultural hub in Poland, offering numerous cultural institutions and family-friendly activities. Some highlights include:
• The National Museum in Kraków (mnk.pl) — Exhibitions, educational workshops, and family activities.
• Kraków Opera House (opera.krakow.pl) — Family-friendly opera and ballet performances.
• Wawel Castle (wawel.krakow.pl) — Iconic Polish history, great for kids.
• The Polish Aviation Museum (muzeumlotnictwa.pl) — Interactive exhibits about aviation.
• Other family-friendly activities in the Malpolska region – see Visitmalopolska.pl
Visit KrakówCulture for more information:
Joining expat and International Community groups can provide great networking and social opportunities for families:
Expat Social Networking Małopolska | Facebook
https://www.internations.org/krakow-expats