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 property in Poland as a foreigner is straightforward for apartments but involves specific regulations for houses with land.
EU and EEA citizens can purchase most property types freely, while non-EU citizens need permits for land purchases but can buy apartments without restrictions. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks for apartments and 3-6 months for houses requiring permits. Transaction costs range from 2-8% of the property value depending on whether you're buying new or resale property.
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.
Foreigners can buy apartments in Poland without permits, but houses with land require government approval for non-EU citizens.
The entire process can be completed remotely through power of attorney, with notary involvement mandatory for all transactions.
| Property Type | EU/EEA Citizens | Non-EU Citizens | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments/Condos | Freely allowed | Freely allowed | No |
| Houses with land | Freely allowed | Permit required | Yes (2-6 months) |
| Land plots only | Freely allowed | Permit required | Yes (2-6 months) |
| Commercial property | Freely allowed | Generally allowed | Sometimes |
| Agricultural land | Permit required | Permit required | Yes (complex process) |
| Forest land | Permit required | Permit required | Yes (complex process) |
| Transaction costs | 2-8% of value | 2-8% of value | Same fees |
What types of properties can foreigners legally purchase in Poland, and do restrictions vary by nationality or property type?
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can freely buy apartments, houses, and commercial real estate in Poland without needing special permits.
The main exceptions are agricultural and forest land, which require a permit and often at least five years of residency in Poland. For non-EU and non-EEA nationals, the rules are more restrictive but still manageable for most residential purchases.
Non-EU citizens can freely buy apartments and individual residential units without permits. However, purchasing houses with land, standalone properties, land plots, agricultural land, or forestry land requires a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This permit process can take several months and approval is not guaranteed.
Special exemptions exist for foreigners who have lived in Poland for at least five years with permanent residency, or for non-EU spouses of Polish citizens after two years of residency with permanent status. These individuals can purchase property that will become joint marital property without permits.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
Is it possible to buy property in Poland without being physically present, and how does remote purchasing typically work?
Yes, foreigners can complete the entire property purchase process in Poland without being physically present in the country.
The remote purchase process works through appointing a legal representative via a notarized power of attorney (POA). This POA must be notarized in your home country, translated into Polish, and apostilled for international validity.
The remote process involves several steps: property search and due diligence can be conducted online with video tours and digital documentation. Preliminary agreements and reservation contracts can be signed by scan and post. The final notarial deed is signed by your legal representative in Poland on your behalf.
All funds are transferred electronically, and legal registration steps can be handled by your proxy. This system allows international buyers to complete purchases efficiently while maintaining all legal protections and requirements of Polish property law.
How does the property buying process in Poland compare to countries like Germany, France, or the UK in terms of complexity?
Poland's property buying process is moderately bureaucratic, especially for non-EU buyers purchasing land or houses.
For apartments, the process is as straightforward as in Western Europe for both EU and non-EU citizens, since no permits are required. All transactions require a notary and registration in the land registry, similar to Germany and France.
Compared to other countries, Germany and France have no nationality-based restrictions but may involve higher taxes and notary fees, particularly in France. Both require notaries for transactions. The UK uses solicitors instead of notaries and has a more market-driven process with fewer regulatory restrictions.
Poland's main complexity comes from the permit requirements for non-EU buyers of land and houses. For apartment purchases, the process matches Western European standards, though language barriers and local legal nuances can present challenges for international buyers.
What are the exact step-by-step procedures for buying real estate in Poland?
The Polish property purchase process follows a structured sequence of nine key steps.
First, conduct your property search using online portals like Otodom.pl and Morizon.pl or work with real estate agents. Second, perform due diligence by verifying the property's legal status through the public land and mortgage register, checking for debts and encumbrances, and ensuring the seller has the right to sell.
Third, sign a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna) with typically a 10-20% deposit. Fourth, if you're a non-EU buyer purchasing land or houses, apply for a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Fifth, sign the final notarial deed before a Polish notary (or have your proxy do this if buying remotely).
Sixth, make the final payment via bank transfer or cash. Seventh, the notary files for registration in the land and mortgage register (księga wieczysta). Eighth, notify the tax office and pay applicable taxes. Finally, receive the keys and sign a handover protocol to complete the transaction.
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What documents and checks are mandatory versus optional during the purchase process?
Several documents are legally required for all property purchases in Poland.
| Document Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport or ID | Mandatory | For identity verification |
| Tax ID (NIP) or EU VAT number | Mandatory | Required for tax purposes |
| Preliminary purchase agreement | Mandatory | Legally binding contract |
| Final purchase agreement | Mandatory | Signed before notary |
| Title deed/ownership certificate | Mandatory | Proves seller's ownership |
| Bank statement (proof of funds) | Mandatory | Anti-money laundering requirement |
| Land registry excerpt | Mandatory | Shows legal status |
| Notarized power of attorney | Mandatory (remote buyers) | For proxy representation |
| Land survey | Optional | Recommended for land purchases |
| Building permit | Optional | If applicable to property |
| Legal due diligence | Optional | Strongly recommended |
Can foreigners obtain mortgages in Poland, what are current rates and conditions, and how can approval chances be improved?
Mortgage availability for foreigners in Poland depends heavily on nationality and local ties to the country.
EU and EEA citizens are treated similarly to Polish citizens in mortgage applications. Non-EU citizens typically must have a residence permit and income in Poland to qualify. Most banks require a permanent employment contract in Poland and a Polish bank account for all foreign applicants.
Down payments are typically 20-30% for foreigners, sometimes higher if income comes from abroad. Some banks accept foreign income but require higher deposits of 40-50% and stricter documentation. As of mid-2025, fixed mortgage rates are around 5-6% per annum, with variable rates slightly lower. Foreigners may pay 0.5-1% more than locals depending on the bank and risk profile.
To improve approval chances, maintain stable documented income preferably in Poland, secure a long-term employment contract, prepare a higher down payment, and consider using a mortgage broker familiar with foreign buyers. Having established banking relationships in Poland also significantly improves your chances.
Is purchasing with cash possible, and are there specific legal or tax considerations for cash buyers?
Buying property with cash is completely legal and common in Poland.
You can pay the full amount via bank transfer or certified bank check, and the notary will record the payment method in the deed. For large sums, Polish anti-money laundering laws require proof of the funds' origin, especially for non-residents.
From a tax perspective, the obligations are identical whether you buy with cash or a mortgage. The notary collects the relevant taxes at the time of sale regardless of your payment method.
Cash purchases can actually streamline the process by eliminating the 4-8 week mortgage approval timeline, allowing you to complete apartment purchases in as little as 4 weeks from offer to registration.
What are all the costs, taxes, and fees involved in Polish property purchases, with a complete breakdown?
Property purchase costs in Poland vary significantly between new builds and resale properties.
| Cost/Tax/Fee | Amount/Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | 0.2%–2% (plus 23% VAT) | Sliding scale based on property value, paid by buyer |
| Land Registry Fee | 200–300 PLN | For registration of new ownership |
| Agent Commission | 1.5%–3% (plus 23% VAT) | Often split between buyer and seller |
| Transfer Tax (PCC) | 2% of property value | Applies to resale properties only |
| VAT (new builds) | 8% (up to 150m² apt/300m² house); 23% otherwise | Primary market only; no PCC if VAT applies |
| Mortgage Fees | 1%–2% of loan amount | Bank fees, valuation, insurance |
| Legal Fees | 0.5%–1% of property value | Optional but recommended |
| Annual Property Tax | Few PLN per m²/year | Paid to local municipality |
First-time buyers of secondary market homes may be exempt from PCC transfer tax. As of 2024, bulk buyers purchasing 6 or more units pay 6% PCC instead of the standard 2%.
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How long does the property buying process typically take from start to finish?
The timeline for buying property in Poland depends primarily on the property type and your payment method.
For apartments where no permits are needed, the process takes 4-8 weeks from offer to registration if you're paying cash. For houses and land purchases requiring permits for non-EU buyers, add 2-6 months for permit approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
If you need mortgage financing, add another 4-8 weeks for bank approval and processing. The permit application process for non-EU buyers can be the longest component, sometimes extending to 6 months in complex cases.
Remote purchases don't significantly extend timelines since the power of attorney setup can be completed in parallel with other due diligence activities. As we reach mid-2025, processing times have generally improved due to digitalization efforts in Polish government offices.
Are real estate agents in Poland generally reliable, and how should you choose the right one?
The Polish real estate agent market offers mixed quality, with some highly professional agents alongside others with less expertise.
Real estate agents in Poland are not as tightly regulated as in some Western countries, making due diligence essential when selecting representation. The best approach is to choose agents with good reviews, proven experience working with foreign clients, and membership in professional associations.
Look for agents who can communicate effectively in your language and understand the specific legal requirements for foreign buyers. Verify their track record with similar transactions and ask for references from previous international clients.
Regardless of your agent's quality, always use an independent lawyer to review all contracts and legal documents. The agent's role is to facilitate the transaction, but legal protection requires professional legal advice separate from the agent's services.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What are the most common mistakes foreigners make when buying in Poland, and how can these be avoided?
Foreign buyers frequently make several critical errors that can be easily prevented with proper preparation.
The most common mistake is failing to properly verify the property's legal status, including checking for debts, encumbrances, and land registry issues. Many buyers also don't understand permit requirements, particularly non-EU buyers who assume they can purchase houses with land as easily as apartments.
Other frequent errors include relying solely on real estate agents without independent legal advice, not using a notarial deed for the transaction (which is required for legal validity), underestimating total transaction costs and taxes, and failing to verify the seller's authority or the property's physical condition.
To avoid these problems, always conduct thorough due diligence, hire a reputable local lawyer independent of your agent, ensure all steps are properly documented and registered, budget for all costs upfront, and verify every aspect of the transaction through official channels.
Does owning property in Poland provide any pathway to residency, long-term visas, or citizenship?
Property ownership in Poland does not directly grant residency, long-term visa status, or citizenship eligibility.
While buying property can support a residence permit application as proof of ties to Poland, it does not guarantee approval of any immigration application. Polish residency and citizenship require separate applications based on work, business activities, family relationships, or long-term legal stay.
Property ownership may strengthen your case for certain visa applications by demonstrating financial stability and commitment to Poland, but it is not a qualifying factor on its own. Each immigration application is evaluated based on specific criteria unrelated to real estate ownership.
If your goal includes obtaining Polish residency or citizenship, consult with an immigration lawyer about the proper pathways, which typically involve employment, business investment, or family connections rather than property purchase.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
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 property in Poland as a foreigner is achievable with proper planning and understanding of the legal requirements.
The key to success lies in distinguishing between apartment purchases (generally unrestricted) and land purchases (requiring permits for non-EU buyers), while ensuring proper legal representation throughout the process.
Sources
- Dudkowiak Legal - Property Purchase in Poland
- Expatriate Healthcare - Can a Foreigner Buy a House in Poland
- Consul Law Firm - How to Buy Property in Poland as a Foreigner
- Wise - Buying Property in Poland
- Polish Government Business Portal
- Polish Lawyers Association - Buying Real Estate in Poland
- Realting - Mortgage in Poland
- Realting - Poland Property Taxes