Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lodz is the third-largest city in Poland, renowned for its textile industry and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 680,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PLN ≈ 0.22 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Play, T-Mobile, and Orange, with decent prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like PKO Bank Polski and Santander accept various payment types, including debit and credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Spotahome, and local rentals through Gumtree. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Oferteo are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Centrum and Funky Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center, particularly around Piotrkowska Street. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Retkinia and the area around the University of Lodz offer many coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workspace 1. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Księżycowa. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Lodz IT meetup events are held monthly, along with various startup networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local Facebook groups and community meetups provide opportunities for socialization. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates widely and offers competitive prices. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing service called Veturilo is available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is in Łódź, with a waterpark, approximately 40 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LOT Polish Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and WizzAir provide connections to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A1 and A2 highways are easily accessible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lodz Fabryczna Station serves major domestic routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly public transportation passes cost around 110 PLN. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains operate regularly to Warsaw, Wroclaw, and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Clinical Hospital in Lodz. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Loft and Satva Yoga Studio offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Academy and Zdrofit are popular gym chains. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available in most districts. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Pyszne.pl is widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Żurek, a traditional sour rye soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Vegan Bistro and Zjadliwi cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cukiernia Sowa is famous for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Manufaktura Market area has budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Allegro.pl serves as the main online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Frisco.pl and Auchan delivery services are reliable. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Piotrkowska Street is famous for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Browar Staropolskie is a local favorite. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteka serves a curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Foodtrucks at Manufaktura offer various cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tandoor offers excellent Indian food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Manufaktura and the White Factory are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Lodz Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Piotrkowska Street features many historic buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. Stanislaus Kostka is noteworthy. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lodz Design Festival happens every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Księży Młyn area is rich in cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatr Wielki hosts operas and ballets. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Manufaktura Market showcases local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various clubs feature live music, such as JAZZ Cafe. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Lodz is known for vibrant street art, particularly in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various culinary schools offer traditional Polish cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | New Theatre offers contemporary exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Villa Roy and Izrael Poznański's palace are iconic. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lodz has a rich Jewish heritage, prominently displayed in its cultural landscape. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lodz's parks, like Park Źródliska, provide green space. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Spalski Landscape Park is accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The walking trails alongside the Bzura River provide scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewing points are located throughout the city's parks. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands are perfect for observing local wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many parks allow bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and InPost are available for deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center provide repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Lodz has several community centers with table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language School Lodz offers Polish language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The City Library has quiet areas for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cultural Center offers various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers' Lounge is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Royal offers gambling options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €96,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 32%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 23%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Poland has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Poland offers various incentives for foreign income, with a focus on long-term residency options. |