This query is one of the most common questions asked by expats considering relocation to Warsaw. Many of my clients wonder what to expect when moving to an Eastern European city – historically perceived as less developed and less safe than Western capitals. The good news is that in 2025, this perception no longer holds true. Warsaw is a fast-growing, dynamic, and safe place to live. Of course, by definition, it may not be as safe as Dubai or, arguably, even Pyongyang, but it is definitely much safer than cities like Paris or Stockholm. I was born in Warsaw and have witnessed its remarkable transformation over the past 50 years—from a post-Soviet city to a fully modern European capital. I must say that I feel completely safe when I am out in the downtown area on a late Saturday night. The level of comfort is even higher in the districts of the city which are popular destinations for expats due to both international schools and a large selection of high-quality apartments and houses for rent. For example, in 2019, the Wilanów district—highly favored by expats due to its proximity to American, British, French, and German schools—registered only 162 thefts and zero fights or assaults. Although the figures for 2025 may be slightly different, the overall level of safety remains very high.

Leading research company IPSOS has studied various aspects of threats in 29 countries for over a decade. In their latest report, dated January 24, 2025, Poland ranks at the very bottom of the list of countries where citizens express fear of crime and violence. Only 7% of Poles reported such concerns, compared to 65% of Swedes and 28% of Germans.

So, the answer is YES — Poland is a safe place to live, and Warsaw is a great city to settle down. Just let us prove it.

Jakub Pajnowski
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