Visa, tax, healthcare, and other policy news worth knowing — in plain English.
Poland's energy regulator approved 2026 tariffs with a slightly lower power price (495.16 PLN/MWh vs. the 500 PLN frozen rate in 2025) but higher distribution fees, resulting in roughly 3% average bill increases for typical households.
Poland's mortgage market saw exceptional growth in Q1 2026, with 144,000 loan applications—up 83% year-on-year. Rising WIBOR rates and geopolitical fears are driving buyers to close deals faster, even as mortgage costs remain elevated at 7.2–7.8%.
After five years of rapid growth that saw rents jump 60%, Poland's rental market is cooling. Warsaw's average rent dropped 0.8% year-on-year to around 4,880 złoty, while Eurostat data shows national rental inflation at 4.1% in May—still above overall inflation but slowing.
Petrol and diesel prices surged by up to 0.86 złoty per liter on July 1 as Poland's temporary VAT reduction and price cap expired, sending pump prices to their highest levels since the Middle East conflict began in March.
The Polish currency has lost ground against the dollar and euro in June, with the USD/PLN rate rising above 3.76, affecting expats paid in foreign currency.
Poland's annual inflation rate slowed to 3.1% in May from 3.2% in April, surprising economists with a sharper-than-expected drop despite surging fuel costs.
The National Bank of Poland kept its benchmark rate unchanged for the third consecutive month as inflation pressures ease, leaving mortgage and savings rates stable for now.
Housing costs remain near record highs across major cities, though the pace of increases has moderated in 2026 as new construction catches up with demand.
