Law / Sell my books as private person? Tax question [8]

I should not think you need to set up a company - most authors are simply self-employed (savings come for those with high incomes by incorporation, but there is a cost so not worth it for starting out).

The first post says "I do not work in Poland, or have any income in Poland" and this may be the start for serious misunderstandings. An author typically works from home and in the scenario here, will sell books via the internet. So (a) he or she works in Poland (presumably) and he/she will need to bring the receipts from sales of books into Poland, therefore he/she has an income in(to) Poland. Looked at another way the work (writing) is done in Poland and the fruits of that work (income from sales) is brought to Poland.

As a Polish resident, tax is due on all income, wherever earned - and there is no exclusion via a double tax treaty as there are none with "t'internet".

Travel / Southern Lakes in the South of Poland for sailing / boating [22]

How about gródek nad dunajcem?

History / WWII - who really was the first to help Poland? [900]

This comes from an excellent Yahoo answer:

The Lend-lease programme alone cost Britain $31.4 Billion at the time, $6.8 billion in paying costs for US bases on UK territory, and - because payment for goods supplied was not due until AFTER the war - a post-war debt of $1.075 billion.

The first thing to remember was that The US government did not want British currency. They thought Britain was about to be defeated by Germany, leaving Sterling worthless.

So the first payments were made by signing over British-owned businesses in America. You could say it cost Britain her stake in the US economy.

Next, the Americans took Britain's gold reserve.
US warships had not sailed to help Czechoslovakia, Poland, France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, or Norway... but they sailed to South Africa to take British gold.

Only after that did the US begin accepting British currency.

What the US did do was grant Britain a massive discount on equipment retained after the war - some was given at only 10% of its value.

Even then, Britain knew it would not be able to afford to keep everything. Whole squadrons of aircraft were pushed into the sea rather than become liable for payment.

The US charged interest on Britain's war debt at 2% - which was lower than the market rate, but on a debt of $1.075, still huge.

They also made provision in the terms of the loan for payment to be postponed in times of economic hardship - a measure that Britain has had to use on six occasions.

It was finally paid off in 2006.

History / WWII - who really was the first to help Poland? [900]

Because the US SOLD the war materiel to Britain, until her gold reserves were drained, then LOANED materiel, which had to be paid back.....

History / WWII - who really was the first to help Poland? [900]

I doubt you'd find a single Englishmen who are grateful for the US contribution to WW2 - certainly not amongst the generations that lived through it.

The US drained Britain dry before Pearl Harbour, then entered the war only for it's own interests.

Travel / Poland travel with baby (car seat?) [18]

There is no checked/hand baggage allowance for infants. However, one fully collapsible pushchair per child may be carried free of charge. Additional infant equipment such as car/booster seats and travel cots may be carried in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance. Infant equipment up to a maximum of 20kilos (car/booster seats and travel cots) booked online is charged at the rate of £10/€10 per item/per one way flight or at the airport or through a Ryanair call centre, the higher rate of £20/€20per item/per one way flight will apply. Any infant equipment weighing over the 20 kilos allowance will be charged for the excess at the applicable excess baggage rate per kilo.

Love / Marriage with a polish woman - Heaven or Forever Hell ? [60]

In the UK: fathers-4-justice.org

News / What's the stupidest question asked about Poland? [414]

Can you see the Northern Lights from Nowy Sacz (from a friend in London, some miles to the North of us!)

Law / Do i need to pay any tax in my case? [2]

Have a look at a summary like this which gives you the basics - taxable on your worldwide income but only on the income earned/received since coming to Poland, so your savings should be OK. Interest earned on your savings will be taxable here, though, so check on that.

Poland taxes gifts - again something to check out.
Do some research, then check ... tax law is complex, especially cross-border.

Life / Poznan: Doctors, Contraceptive Pill ... [7]


Be careful what you say/do as the UK free NHS consultation and NHS prescription price is dependant on your being UK resident. You said you've been in Poznan for a while ... are you still registered with a doctor in the UK and do you still have a UK address (if your NHS doctor knows you live outside the UK, he/she is duty-bound to get you removed from the system).

If you're staying in Poland, as stated you may already be in the system (PESEL/ZUS) in which case registering here is a formality, albeit one you will most likely require Polish to complete, then you follow the ZUS route to any refund of prescription costs or pay a reduced price for your meds. FWIW, I have a GP who speaks decent English, but a cardiologist and a dentist who do not - luckily I moved to Poland with my Polish partner!

History / State People in early Poland? [10]

I used google translate to translate from english to polish and back to english, which gave me "people state". I wonder if the OP is referring to the commonwealth?

Real Estate / Buying a farm in Poland [14]


I'm pretty sure I meant "when" .... but maybe that's trained into me, being a professional cynic, glass half empty sort of guy!

Real Estate / Buying a farm in Poland [14]

Unless you want to give your money to your GF, do not even consider registering the farm in her name. If you do, then legally it's hers and will remain hers when she dumps you... or vice versa. If you insist on it, insist also on a formal and binding agreement that you have the right to occupy the farm for your lifetime, to be registered as part of the sale/transfer.

Real Estate / Buying a farm in Poland [14]

Be aware of restrictions on land close to the border and agricultural land - for the latter you need a permit to buy up to 2016

"Issuance of permits to entrepreneurs from the European Economic Area (EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein)

On 1 May 2004, the general rule whereby a permit is required for purchase by foreigners of real estate or shares in companies which are legal owners or perpetual usufructuaries of real estate ceased to apply to nationals and entrepreneurs residing or established in the territory of the European Economic Area (EEA).

However, the Act provides for derogation in this respect. EEA nationals and entrepreneurs must obtain a permit in case:

To purchase agricultural and forest land - for 12 years after Poland became a member of the EU (i.e. until 2 May 2016).
[/i]
However, EEA foreigners will not be required to obtain a permit during this transitory period in the following cases:

to purchase agricultural land situated in:

The following eight western and northern provinces: Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubuskie, Opolskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Wielkopolskie, Zachodniopomorskie - after the end of the seven year period since the execution of a lease contract (date of execution must be certified), if during that period they have pursued farming in person on the land concerned and have legally resided in Poland,

The following eight central ane eastern provinces: Lubelskie, £ódzkie, Małopolskie, Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Śląskie, Świętokrzyskie - after the end of the three year period since the execution of a lease contract (date of execution must be certified), if during that period they have pursued farming in person on the land concerned and have legally resided in Poland"

Life / Where have all the carollers in Poland gone? [9]

We had the carollers today. And last night, about 8pm, a band stopping at each junction of the road, to play for the close houses!

Love / Advice Please! Meeting my Polish boyfriend's parents!! Gifts, customs... [105]

Our Polish friends like us to bring English foodstuffs - mustard, chutney, Marmite, anything like that.

Love / Polish girls and American boys (who don't even know where Poland is located ;) [36]

There's a big difference an American (US) and a European. An American lives in a huge country, with all sorts of land, scenery, cities, mountains ... basically jump in the car and it's all there, in their own country, where you spend US dollars and talk English. All sports, hobbies, tastes are catered for, somewhere in the US. Canada to the North and Mexico to the South, the biggest problem with the neighbours is illegal immigration or drug smuggling. Then consider Europe. We live in Malopolskie, but still not very far from Ukraine, where politicians are fighting - literally - and in a country which ceased to exist for getting on for 120 years because the neighbours carved it up, then 20-odd years later two neighbours carved it up again and one kept it under control for 50 years before Poland became free again. The neighbours are no so different. Some were not even countries 150 years ago - Germany, Italy, etc - and they always like a good fight, but Europeans in addition to fighting travel to other countries - to ski, to sunbathe, to see historic places ... a much higher proportion travel and history is so much more "on your doorstep". Europe, the great EU, may yet break up, and again the states of Europe may become foes. At the very least, some of the EU member states may break up - the UK, Spain, Italy - it's all happening, just down the road, today. An American could drive 1,000 miles and cross a couple of states - driving from the Channel to our house is 1,000 miles and we cross France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Poland. So of course we know more about our neighbours. That does not make Americans ignorant, though, it just means that in such a huge country with so much going on, and a limited amount of time to spend on news or geography, you can see how the focus is on the US, not the rest of the world.

UK, Ireland / Poles 2nd to Indians in UK [23]

Before moving to Poland, I lived in a part of London which, for the last 100 or so years, had been white, working class. I lived there from 1993 till 2011, so after a few years I saw first an influx of albanians, serbs and such, who seemed to hang around in street corners giving passers by the evil eye. Then the council flats (4 huge blocks) were decanted so they became sink estates, taking the scum the counicil could not or would not place in nice areas or properties. Then I became aware of the Polish influx, but that was spread thinner. I saw a small number of Polski Skleps open; Tesco had 1/4 of an aisle devoted to Polish foodstuffs, but in truth, the Polish population merged in more with the general population than lothers before them. You became aware of "polish builders" because that was a newspaper favourite, but also true - lots of building tradesmen were/are Polish. The building trade seemed to attract a large number of Poles, both skilled and manual labour. I also met a gew Poles when I spent three months in hospital, nurses mostly, or skilled people working to earn their UK equivalent qualifications. I worked with Poles in the office - the firm employed Poles in one particular department, with clients and connections in Poland and Eastern Europe. Elsewhere British was the staff norm, but the firm employed people from all over the world. So, I worked with Polish people, with them in the same street, shopped with Poles and visited the doctor and hospital with (or to be treated by) Poles and I did hire a Polish decorater!

To what a extent are today's Polish newcomers assimilating to British cultural and social norms, customs and values? They fit in for the most part. Like all people, like attracts like, so at work and at leisure they can often be found together or working/spedning free time with other Poles. There were few occasions when you could "spot" polish people, but in eg Tesco you'd see and maybe think "Polish" as two young guys push a trolley around buying beer, Polish foodstuffs etc.

Have the Polish influenced native Brits and their lifestlyes in any way? In the North of Engand, where I came from, there were still Polish guys who'd stayed behind after WW2. Very much a part of the community. I'd say that in London they have fitted in rather than stood out - but E Wedel chocolate became quite popular!

Among the average Brit does the sound of Polish spoken on the streets evoke: curiosity, interest, indifference or resentment? I'd say the average Brit does not recognise Polish when he/she hears it. There are so many languages spoken in London, hearing Polish would invoke no reaction. Hearing shoutingm, running feet, threatening sounds ... that is what British people, especiaslly city-dwellers, are on the lookout for.

In your view, do the majority plan to make a life for themselves in the UK or only want to earn a nest egg before returning home or moving elsehwere? I'm not sure anyone these days has a true long-term plan that they are activiely following in the way the question suggests. The majority of people - Polish, British or other - are surviving, hoping they will still have a job next week, month or next year. Hoping they can afford Xmas ...

Law / Driving in Poland on a foreign license [45]

"tunisian driving licence and a UK provisional driving licence"
The tunisian licence should mean you can get an international driving permit, which will be all you need. the uk provisional licence wil not entitle you to drvive in pl.

History / Double faith - the origin of Crylic writing and Poland [9]

WTF does this post mean? And does he not know there was 150 years between the Commonwealth and communism, during most of which Poland did not exist as an independent country?

Language / Addressing a widow who lives in Poland [12]

Just to remind our British members of Princess Michael of Kent, the couple being Prince and Princess Michael.

My granny hated it when people stopped calling her Mrs John Elliott. She felt people were forgetting her late husband and she wanted him, and their relationship, to be remembered.

Maybe, then, and older generation thing. Or just an older people thing?

My ex-wife was/is Mexican, where the tradition is that she has a long name containing both her father and mother's surname. When we married, she added mine, prefixed by a "de". Her mother, a widow, was Paulina (maiden name) widow of (husband's surname) So on, letters she was Paulina X Vd de Y

Travel / Restaurant reviews in Poland. [86]

Well, wikipedia has an excellent answer here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebab

"a wide variety of skewered meat".

Most restaurant or home-made kebabs will be skewered horizontally and barbecued or grilled, but doner kebabs, very often found as street food in the UK (and famously post-pub food!) is meat which is skewered vertically, so you have a big lump of meats consisting of many layers, and which is then turned on a vertical grill, carved in down strokes, then eaten with salad in a pitta bread pouch. In the UK the choice is usually lamb or chicken.

Travel / Restaurant reviews in Poland. [86]

The point is that it's NOT doner bread, that's just the use in which you maybe see it more often. It's simply a flat bread which is made so that it's easy tio split and make a pocket for any filling you want to use. What's simpler as a take away bag than a tasty bread pocket you can eat?

Travel / Restaurant reviews in Poland. [86]

No - but then the bread is sort of an edible plate, like a mega naan table cover when you have a balti or a fried tortilla used as a bowl for salad, nachos with cheese, or what have you. Get a deep frying pan and half fill with oil. Lay a tortilla on top of the hot oil and balance a ladle so the weight is resting in the centre of the tortilla. It'll fry into the shape of a bowler hat, ideal as an edible serving bowl! With pitta bread, the more filling (like, but not exclusively, a doner kebab) the more it's an edible take-out bag - you CAN eat it, maybe even in the same mouthful as the contents, but you don't have to! We "freshen" them in the oven, then slipt them open and use them for sandwiches at

home or on picnics. Excellent as road food as the contents do not escape while you're driving...

Love / Polish couples living out of wedlock? [108]

An Irish Catholic couple I know in London wanted to get their son into a Catholic high school (in London) and could only get an interview with a recommendation from their priest - which they could only get after several months of regular (frequent) church attendance.

Australia / I've got some important 'parcel' to transfer from my parents in Lodz - back from Poland to Perth anybody? [3]

Honestly? Your use of "" around "parcel" suggests funny business, and no-one in their right mind is going to carry a "parcel" for a stranger without knowing exactly what is in it and being able to demonstrate that at the airport security and customs. So no gift-wrapped items, nothing in a sealed box, nothing which might look, feel and sound suspicious, nothing airport security cannot see for theselves is 100% harmless and (customs) legal .. but even then, at the airport, what do they say when check-in asks "has anyone asked you to carry any item with you?

Sorry, you are asking someone to take on more than you think, to save you a bit of money. If you want to get your family something for Xmas, send them the cash to buy it!

Life / Please help me, with deciding a good Polish name for my baby boy :) [48]

I like Maciek, with Maki for short

History / Memos show US hushed up Soviet crime against Poland [97]

So, jon357, how recent must an event or an attitude be to be "relevant? For me, the point is that the US has, for a long time, acted first, second and third in it's own interests and I would therefore believe those for whom Katyn is still an important (and unresolved) issue the right to be sceptical about America's role in covering it up. It was a dreadful event, which impacted on Poland and her people for many many years. Huge numbers of those people, who saw Poland lose the cream of her people and the following absorption of their country into the Russian sphere, are still alive (not so old!) today. "Harping" ? Never forgetting, more like!

History / Memos show US hushed up Soviet crime against Poland [97]

It is a fact that politicians are in it for themselves, and any "good" they do is generally done so that it reflects well on them. It's increasingly noted in the UK that the so called "special relationship" between the UK and US does not exist, except in the minds of self-serving politicos who want to fly to the US and have their photos taken with Obama. The USA looks out for itself, with the interest of alleged allies a long way down the list of priorities. That has been so for a long time, and for sure back to the time of Katyn (for confirmation, consider the actions of the US in the early days of WW2, when they sold then loaned materiel to the UK and avoided any form of actual support for a long time before finally coming in on the side of those fighting Hitler). For a period of years, the US acted in what it saw as it's own interest and stayed out of the war. British people of my father's generation has nothing but for contempt for the US, which stood on the sidelines until most of Europe was overrun and Poles, French, Dutch, etc people could only fight via exile armies or the underground. What's the figure? A million Poles fighting in exile for their country, while the US looked on? I can believe that the US turned it's blind eye to Katyn and more during WW2, bc ause it served the US' interests to do so.

Real Estate / Looking to purchase a house in Poland - Where / How to look. [10]

I'm with Harry - for goodness sake protect yourself! "Putting x in another person's name" is either gifting the asset to the other person or, if you try to unscramble it in the event of later dispute, having to start from admitting having committed fraud at the time of purchase ("yes, I know it was bought in her name, but really it's mine" does not wash, or at the very least is a rocky place to start).

FYI, the agent and our avocat kept us right on Polish law.