English is fairly widely spoken in Poland in bigger cities as just over a third of Poles overall reported as being able to speak English to some degree. But, this doesn't you won't encounter issues in public institutions, shops or with some people.

In 2026, it is entirely possible to live in Poland using only English, particularly in major urban hubs like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk. These cities have thriving international business sectors and large expat communities where English is the primary language of the workplace. Services such as private healthcare, banking, and modern retail are increasingly "English-first" to cater to foreign professionals and digital nomads. However, while you can survive with English, your quality of life improves significantly with basic Polish. Everyday tasks like dealing with government bureaucracy (the "Uząd"), reading utility bills, or interacting with older generations in smaller towns will still require a translator or a basic grasp of the local language. For 2026 expats, the consensus is that while you can navigate the "corporate and social bubble" in English, the "real" Poland remains Polish-speaking, and a lack of the language may leave you feeling socially isolated if you step outside the major metropolitan centers.