ETA for £20 for everyone (including infants) – but not for settled status holders, who can still enter with their ID; the meat and dairy ban applies both ways (kabanosy and cheddar will be confiscated), customs limits and cash £10k/10k EUR, EU pet passports only work to GB, UK261 passenger rights (£220/£350), and hope for a negotiated SPS agreement.
Since 2020, Poland has applied the credit method for income from the UK, with PIT-36/ZG for residents and a possible additional payment, while the abatement relief (1360 PLN) does not cover rental income or dividends.
UK and Polish periods still count together, State Pension (£241.30/week from April 2026) is indexed in Poland, and the S1 form provides retirees with NHS treatment at the UK's expense; the key news is that from April 6, 2026, NI contributions from abroad are tightened (Class 2 abolished, Class 3 requires 10 years) – you can still pay for back years up to 2025/26 under the old rules, plus taxes from the 2006 agreement and why to keep your occupational pension in the UK.
The old BRP is valid for setting up a UKVI account only until December 31, 2026, and the automation of EUSS in April 2026 extends and upgrades status but also sends a 'minded to curtail' notice with 28 days for defense.
The NHS (National Health Service) provides free healthcare for UK residents (UK citizens, settled status, work visa, student visa after paying the IHS Immigration Health Surcharge ~£1,035/year).
A Polish driving licence is valid in the UK for up to 12 months for tourists, but UK residents must exchange it within 12 months of assuming residency, with specific rules applying post-Brexit.
Poles in the UK often overpay taxes due to various situations such as working only part of the year, having multiple jobs, changing jobs, or leaving the UK before the end of the tax year (April 5). HMRC refunds through Self-Assessment (online form) or P85 (leaving the UK). The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570 (2024-25) tax-free, with rates above that being 20% (basic rate), 40% (higher), and 45% (additional). Emergency tax codes (BR, OT, M1, W1) often lead to overpayments. The average Polish tax refund is £1,000-3,000+. Tax refund companies charge 25-40% – it can be done for FREE by oneself. The deadline is a maximum of 4 years back. Forms P60 (from employer) and P45 (from previous job) are key.
Council Tax is a local tax in the UK levied on each household, funding municipal services (waste collection, police, schools, roads), paid by adult residents (16+) or owners of empty homes, with rates depending on the property's band (A-H, based on 1991 values) and local council decisions, averaging £1,200-2,500 annually, with discounts available for single occupants, students, disabled individuals, and low-income residents.
Renting in London requires: £2,000-4,000+ upfront (1 month rent + 5-week deposit + agent fees), proof of income (3x monthly rent), references from previous landlord + employer, UK bank account (sometimes), right to rent check.
The British social benefits system: who can receive it, how to apply, how much can be received in 2026, and when benefits are lost.
Annual tax filing in the UK for the self-employed and employees with additional income – deadlines, forms, costs.
NIN for working in the UK – who needs it, where to apply, waiting time, and whether you can work without a NIN.