Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Poland Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Poland Property Pack
Buying land in Poland as a foreigner involves specific legal requirements that vary significantly based on your citizenship status and intended use of the property. EU citizens face fewer restrictions compared to non-EU buyers, who typically need government permits for land purchases. As of June 2025, Poland's land market offers opportunities ranging from urban development plots to agricultural land, with prices varying from PLN 100 per square meter in rural areas to over PLN 16,000 per square meter in prime Warsaw locations.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Poland, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
EU citizens can freely purchase most types of land in Poland except agricultural land (which requires 5+ years of Polish residency), while non-EU citizens need permits from the Ministry of Interior for land purchases but can buy apartments without permits.
Land prices in Poland range from PLN 100-200 per square meter in rural areas to PLN 16,459 per square meter in Warsaw, with transaction costs including 2% PCC tax on resales or 8-23% VAT on new developments, plus notary fees of 1-2%.
| Buyer Type | Land Restrictions | Permit Required | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA Citizens | No agricultural land without 5+ years residency | No (except agricultural) | N/A |
| Non-EU Citizens | All land types restricted | Yes (Ministry of Interior) | 2-3 months |
| Apartments (All) | Generally unrestricted | No | N/A |
| Border Zones | Additional restrictions apply | Yes (all foreigners) | 3+ months |
| Agricultural Land | Strictly controlled | Rarely granted to foreigners | 6+ months |
What types of land can foreigners legally buy in Poland, and are there any restrictions?
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can freely purchase residential, commercial, and forest land in Poland without permits, but agricultural land requires proof of at least 5 years of continuous residency in Poland.
Non-EU citizens face more comprehensive restrictions and need permits from the Ministry of Interior for most land purchases. They can buy apartments without permits, but houses with land, commercial plots, and any agricultural land require government approval. Properties smaller than 0.4 hectares in urban areas may qualify for permit exemptions depending on specific circumstances.
Agricultural land presents the strictest limitations for all foreigners, with permits rarely granted unless applicants demonstrate farming qualifications, agricultural education, or strong Polish family ties. Border zones near sensitive areas have additional security-related restrictions that apply to all foreign buyers regardless of EU status.
Forest land purchases are generally permitted for EU citizens but restricted for non-EU nationals. Commercial land in city centers and industrial zones follows standard permit requirements based on citizenship status.
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Do foreigners need a special permit to purchase land in Poland, and how do you get one?
Non-EU citizens require permits from the Ministry of Interior for land purchases, while EU citizens only need permits for agricultural land after residing in Poland for less than 5 years.
The permit application process requires submitting detailed documentation to the Ministry of Interior including property specifications, financial proof, and evidence of ties to Poland such as residency status, marriage to a Polish citizen, or existing business activities. The application fee costs PLN 1,570 and processing typically takes 2-3 months for standard cases.
Key approval criteria include demonstrating that the purchase won't threaten national security or public order, showing legitimate reasons for the investment, and proving financial capability to complete the transaction. Applications are evaluated based on the buyer's background, intended use of the land, and strategic importance of the location.
Successful applicants often present comprehensive business plans for commercial developments, detailed residential construction projects, or evidence of long-term commitment to Poland through family connections or professional activities.
Rejected applications can be appealed through administrative courts, but the process adds 6-12 months to the timeline and requires legal representation.
Can buying land in Poland lead to residency or citizenship, and if so, how?
Purchasing land in Poland does not directly grant residency rights or citizenship status, as Poland doesn't operate investor visa programs based solely on real estate ownership.
However, property ownership can strengthen residency applications by demonstrating economic ties and long-term commitment to Poland. Immigration authorities consider real estate investments as supporting evidence when evaluating temporary residency permits, particularly for business-related applications.
Foreign investors who develop commercial projects or create employment opportunities through their land purchases may qualify for business residency permits. This requires demonstrating job creation, tax contributions, and active business operations rather than passive property ownership.
The path to Polish citizenship requires 10 years of continuous legal residency, Polish language proficiency, clean criminal records, and stable income sources. Property ownership alone doesn't reduce these requirements but can support the application process.
EU citizens already enjoy residency rights in Poland and can establish permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence, regardless of property ownership status.
Where in Poland do foreigners typically buy land, and why?
| Region | Average Price per m² | Popular with Foreigners | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | PLN 16,459 | High | Capital city, strong rental yields (6%), appreciation potential |
| Kraków | PLN 15,000-20,000 | Very High | Tourism hub, historical significance, university city |
| Wrocław | PLN 15,000-18,000 | High | Tech sector growth, German border proximity |
| Tri-City (Gdańsk region) | PLN 12,000-15,000 | Medium | Coastal location, port access, tourism potential |
| Łódź | PLN 8,000-12,000 | Medium | Affordable prices, industrial regeneration |
| Szczecin | PLN 6,000-10,000 | Low-Medium | German border, affordable entry point |
What's the full step-by-step process to legally buy land in Poland as a foreigner?
The land purchase process begins with verifying the property's legal status through the Land and Mortgage Register to confirm ownership, zoning classifications, and any existing liens or restrictions.
Non-EU citizens must obtain permits from the Ministry of Interior before proceeding, which requires submitting applications with supporting documentation and paying PLN 1,570 fees. This step takes 2-3 months and must be completed before signing any binding agreements.
Due diligence involves hiring a Polish lawyer to review property documents, verify zoning permissions for intended use, check for environmental restrictions, and confirm utilities access. This typically costs 1-2% of the purchase price and takes 2-4 weeks.
The preliminary purchase agreement includes deposit payments of 10-20% and establishes closing timelines, typically 30-60 days. This contract becomes legally binding and includes penalty clauses for non-performance by either party.
Final closing occurs at a notary office where both parties sign the official deed of sale. The notary verifies all documents, collects required taxes, and registers the ownership transfer with the Land and Mortgage Register within 7 days.
Post-closing requirements include obtaining a Polish tax identification number (NIP), registering for annual property tax obligations, and updating insurance policies for the new ownership.
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What documents do you need to prepare and submit when buying land in Poland?
For permit applications, non-EU citizens need valid passports, proof of financial resources showing ability to complete the purchase, detailed property information including zoning certificates, and evidence of ties to Poland such as residency cards, marriage certificates to Polish citizens, or business registration documents.
The actual purchase transaction requires additional documentation including Polish tax identification numbers (NIP), which can be obtained from local tax offices, notarized powers of attorney if conducting the transaction remotely, and comprehensive property documentation including land registry extracts and zoning confirmations.
Foreign-language documents must be officially translated into Polish by certified translators and apostilled according to international conventions. Bank statements and financial documents typically need to be no older than 3 months at the time of submission.
Property-specific documents include current land registry extracts, zoning certificates confirming permitted uses, environmental impact assessments for larger plots, and utilities availability confirmations for development projects.
Legal representation documentation includes power of attorney forms for lawyers, notarized authorization for property searches, and explicit consent for document submissions to government agencies.
Can you buy land in Poland remotely without being physically present in the country?
Remote land purchases are legally permitted in Poland through notarized powers of attorney, allowing foreign buyers to complete transactions without physical presence during the closing process.
The power of attorney must be executed before a notary public in the buyer's home country and properly apostilled for recognition in Poland. This document grants specific authority to a trusted representative, typically a Polish lawyer, to sign contracts and complete the purchase on the buyer's behalf.
Critical due diligence becomes more challenging with remote purchases, as buyers cannot personally inspect the property, verify neighborhood conditions, or confirm utilities access. Professional property surveys and detailed photographic documentation become essential safeguards against potential issues.
Verification of land status, zoning permissions, and legal encumbrances requires thorough document review through qualified local professionals. Scams targeting remote buyers exist, particularly involving agricultural land misrepresented as development-ready property.
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What are the common mistakes foreigners make when buying land in Poland, and how can you avoid them?
The most frequent error involves misunderstanding agricultural land classifications, where buyers assume they can develop residential or commercial projects on agricultural plots without proper zoning changes.
Non-EU buyers often underestimate permit requirements and attempt to purchase land without obtaining necessary government approvals, leading to invalid contracts and potential legal penalties. Some proceed with preliminary agreements before securing permits, creating binding obligations they cannot fulfill.
Inadequate due diligence on zoning restrictions causes expensive surprises when buyers discover their intended use doesn't match current zoning permissions. Development rights, environmental restrictions, and heritage protections can significantly limit property use options.
Language barriers create documentation problems when buyers rely on unofficial translations or misunderstand contract terms. Technical legal terminology requires professional translation services to avoid costly misinterpretations.
Avoiding these mistakes requires hiring qualified Polish-speaking lawyers for document review, obtaining professional property surveys, verifying all zoning and development permissions before purchase, and never proceeding without proper permits for non-EU buyers.
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What do foreigners usually use the land for—investment, agriculture, residential projects, or other purposes?
Foreign land buyers in Poland primarily focus on residential and commercial development projects in urban areas, taking advantage of growing property values and rental demand in major cities.
Investment purposes dominate foreign land purchases, particularly in Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław where rental yields average 6% annually and property appreciation has averaged 8-12% over the past five years. Developers purchase larger plots for apartment complexes and commercial centers.
Residential projects including single-family homes and vacation properties are popular among EU citizens who can purchase without permits. Many buyers from Germany, Netherlands, and the UK develop private residences in scenic areas near the Baltic coast or mountain regions.
Agricultural land purchases by foreigners are extremely rare due to permit restrictions and requirements for farming experience. Most successful agricultural acquisitions involve buyers with Polish family connections or agricultural education credentials.
Commercial development projects include retail centers, office buildings, and industrial facilities, particularly near major transportation hubs and border crossings with Germany and Czech Republic.
What are the typical land prices per square meter in different regions of Poland?
Land prices in Poland vary dramatically based on location, zoning, and development potential, with urban commercial land commanding the highest premiums.
Warsaw represents the most expensive market with residential development land averaging PLN 16,459 per square meter in prime locations, while commercial plots in the city center can exceed PLN 25,000 per square meter. Kraków and Wrocław follow closely with prices ranging from PLN 15,000-20,000 per square meter for development-ready land.
Secondary cities offer more affordable options with Łódź averaging PLN 8,000-12,000 per square meter, Szczecin at PLN 6,000-10,000 per square meter, and the Tri-City region (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot) at PLN 12,000-15,000 per square meter for residential development land.
Rural and agricultural land prices start as low as PLN 100-200 per square meter in remote areas, with better-located agricultural plots near cities reaching PLN 500-1,000 per square meter. Forest land typically costs PLN 300-800 per square meter depending on location and tree coverage.
Commercial and industrial land prices range from PLN 450-650 per square meter in urban areas to PLN 100-300 per square meter in suburban industrial zones, with logistics hubs near major highways commanding premium prices.
What taxes, fees, and legal costs should you expect when buying land in Poland?
Transaction taxes represent the largest cost component, with resale properties subject to 2% PCC (Civil Law Transactions Tax) and new developments charged 8-23% VAT depending on the property type and intended use.
Notary fees are mandatory for all property transfers and typically cost 1-2% of the purchase price plus 23% VAT on the notary services. Real estate agent commissions range from 2-6% of the sale price when using professional services.
Annual property taxes apply to all land ownership at rates up to PLN 1.38 per square meter for undeveloped land, with agricultural land taxed at lower rates around PLN 0.47 per square meter annually. Commercial and industrial land faces higher tax rates up to PLN 23.47 per square meter.
Legal fees for document review, permit applications, and transaction management typically cost 0.5-1.5% of the purchase price when using qualified Polish lawyers. Translation services for foreign documents add PLN 500-2,000 depending on document complexity.
Additional costs include land registry searches (PLN 30-50), property surveys (PLN 1,000-5,000), and permit application fees of PLN 1,570 for non-EU buyers requiring government approval.
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Is it possible for foreigners to get a mortgage for land in Poland, and if so, under what conditions and interest rates?
Mortgage financing for land purchases is available to foreigners, but requirements vary significantly based on citizenship status and intended use of the property.
EU citizens with Polish residency or income can access mortgage financing with 10-20% down payments and interest rates typically ranging from 6-8% as of mid-2025. Banks require proof of stable income, employment verification, and demonstrated ability to service debt obligations.
Non-EU citizens face stricter requirements including 20-40% down payments, mandatory Polish income sources, and higher interest rates of 7-9% for non-resident borrowers. Most banks require employment contracts or business operations within Poland to qualify for mortgage financing.
Land-only purchases present additional challenges as banks prefer financing developed properties or projects with approved construction permits. Raw land without development plans typically requires 40-60% down payments regardless of citizenship status.
Major Polish banks including PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, and mBank offer foreigner financing programs, but each institution maintains different criteria for income verification, residency requirements, and acceptable loan-to-value ratios for land purchases.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Buying land in Poland as a foreigner requires careful navigation of citizenship-based restrictions, with EU citizens enjoying broader access compared to non-EU buyers who need government permits.
Success depends on thorough due diligence, proper legal representation, and realistic expectations about permit timelines and zoning restrictions that can significantly impact intended land use.
Sources
- InvestRopa - Poland Real Estate for Foreigners
- Estanova - Conditions of Purchasing Real Estate by Foreigners
- Gov.pl - Apply for Real Estate Permit
- Lawyers Poland - Purchase Property Guide
- Consul Law Firm - Property Purchase Guide
- Global Property Guide - Poland Price History
- Credit Space - Mortgage for Foreigners
- Property Forum - Land Prices per sqm