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
Yes, foreigners can legally buy and rent out residential property in Poland in 2026, and most apartment purchases don't even require a government permit.
This guide covers the real numbers on rental yields, monthly rents, vacancy rates, and short-term rental rules across Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and other major Polish cities.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and regulations.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Poland.
Insights
- Poland's gross rental yields range from 4.5% in Kraków to 7.5% in Łódź, making it one of Central Europe's more attractive buy-to-let markets in early 2026.
- Most foreign buyers purchasing apartments in Poland do not need an MSWiA permit, but buying a house with land often triggers the permit requirement.
- Warsaw landlords can expect monthly rents of PLN 3,600 to 4,800 for a typical one-bedroom apartment in early 2026, which translates to roughly 850 to 1,130 EUR.
- Poland's rental income tax uses a flat "ryczałt" system with rates of 8.5% on income up to PLN 100,000 and 12.5% above that threshold.
- Short-term rental occupancy in Kraków reaches 60% to 75% annually, but Old Town and Kazimierz are already showing saturation with declining pricing power.
- The EU's new short-term rental data-sharing framework takes full effect on May 20, 2026, which will increase compliance requirements for Airbnb-style hosts in Poland.
- Vacancy rates in Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław typically run between 4% and 7%, meaning landlords should budget for roughly half a month to one month of vacancy per year.
- Praga-Południe and Praga-Północ in Warsaw offer some of the highest yields in the city because purchase prices are lower while rents remain relatively strong.
- Furnished apartments in Poland rent about 10% to 15% faster than unfurnished ones, but only when the furniture is modern and durable.
- Poland has no national cap on Airbnb rental nights, but individual buildings and HOAs can restrict or ban short-term rentals entirely.
Can I legally rent out a property in Poland as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can generally buy and rent out residential property in Poland, though some buyers may need a permit from the Ministry of Interior (MSWiA) depending on their nationality and the type of property they want to purchase.
The most common ownership structure for foreign landlords in Poland is direct freehold ownership of an apartment, which is straightforward and does not require setting up a Polish company in most cases.
The single most common restriction foreigners face is that purchasing a house with land or agricultural property typically triggers the MSWiA permit requirement, while standalone apartments in multi-unit buildings usually do not.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Poland.
Do I need residency to rent out in Poland right now?
You do not need Polish residency to be a landlord in Poland, as non-resident foreigners can legally own property and collect rental income without living in the country.
However, you will need a Polish tax identification number (NIP) to legally report and pay rental income tax in Poland, which you can obtain through the tax office without being a resident.
While a Polish bank account is not strictly required by law, it is strongly recommended because tenants and property managers typically pay rent in PLN via local bank transfers, and many utility payments are easiest to handle from a domestic account.
Managing a rental property in Poland remotely is completely feasible if you hire a local property manager, which is common practice in Warsaw, Kraków, and the Tricity area, though management fees will reduce your net yield by 8% to 12% for long-term rentals.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Poland in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals can generate higher gross revenue in prime tourist and business zones like Kraków's Old Town or Warsaw's city center, but long-term rentals often deliver better stress-adjusted net returns due to lower management costs and more predictable occupancy.
A well-managed short-term rental in central Warsaw might gross PLN 60,000 to 80,000 per year (around 14,000 to 19,000 EUR or 15,000 to 20,000 USD), while a comparable long-term rental would gross PLN 45,000 to 55,000 per year (around 10,500 to 13,000 EUR or 11,200 to 13,700 USD), but the long-term option typically nets more after accounting for higher STR management fees and vacancy.
Short-term renting tends to outperform financially in properties located within walking distance of tourist attractions, universities, or major business districts, particularly in Kraków, Gdańsk, and central Warsaw where tourist and business travel demand remains strong year-round.
What's the average gross rental yield in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential property in Poland ranges from about 4.5% in Kraków to around 7.5% in Łódź, with most major cities falling between 5% and 6.5%.
The realistic gross yield range for most residential properties in Poland spans from 4.5% at the low end in premium neighborhoods of Kraków and Warsaw, up to 7.5% in higher-yield but higher-risk markets like Łódź.
Studios and small one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Poland because they have the lowest purchase prices relative to the rents they command, especially in university cities like Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Poland.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential property in Poland typically falls between 3.3% and 5.0% for well-managed long-term rentals, depending on the city and your management approach.
The realistic net yield range that most landlords actually experience in Poland spans from about 3.0% for hands-off investors using full-service management in expensive neighborhoods, up to 5.5% for self-managing landlords in higher-yield secondary cities.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield in Poland are the flat-rate rental income tax (ryczałt at 8.5% to 12.5%), property management fees (8% to 12% for long-term, 15% to 25% for short-term), and the building administrative charge (czynsz administracyjny) which often cannot be fully passed to tenants.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Poland.
What monthly rent can I get in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Warsaw run around PLN 2,600 to 3,400 (610 to 800 EUR, 650 to 850 USD) for a studio, PLN 3,600 to 4,800 (850 to 1,130 EUR, 900 to 1,200 USD) for a one-bedroom, and PLN 4,800 to 6,500 (1,130 to 1,530 EUR, 1,200 to 1,620 USD) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio apartment in Poland starts at around PLN 2,100 to 2,600 (490 to 610 EUR, 520 to 650 USD) in cities like Wrocław or Łódź, and PLN 2,600 to 3,000 (610 to 700 EUR, 650 to 750 USD) in Warsaw or the Tricity area.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in a good location in Poland rents for PLN 3,000 to 4,200 (700 to 990 EUR, 750 to 1,050 USD) in Wrocław or Kraków, rising to PLN 3,600 to 4,800 (850 to 1,130 EUR, 900 to 1,200 USD) in Warsaw.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Poland commands PLN 4,000 to 5,500 (940 to 1,290 EUR, 1,000 to 1,370 USD) in most major cities, reaching PLN 4,800 to 6,500 (1,130 to 1,530 EUR, 1,200 to 1,620 USD) in Warsaw and the Tricity's premium areas.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Poland.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Poland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Poland in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a typical rental property in Poland ranges from PLN 800 to 2,000 (190 to 470 EUR, 200 to 500 USD) for an apartment, covering management, vacancy reserves, minor repairs, administrative charges, and taxes.
The realistic monthly cost range for most standard rental properties in Poland spans from PLN 600 to 1,200 (140 to 280 EUR, 150 to 300 USD) for a self-managed small apartment, up to PLN 1,500 to 2,500 (350 to 590 EUR, 375 to 625 USD) for a larger unit with professional management.
The single largest cost category for landlords in Poland is typically the combination of property management fees and vacancy reserves, which together can consume 15% to 25% of collected rent for remote investors using full-service management.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Poland.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in good locations in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and the Tricity area runs between 4% and 7%, which translates to roughly half a month to one month of vacancy per year.
Landlords in Poland should realistically budget for 0.5 to 1.0 months of vacancy per year in major cities, or 1.0 to 1.5 months per year in secondary cities and weaker micro-locations, because tenant turnover, cleaning, and minor repairs between tenancies take time.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary across Poland is proximity to employment centers, universities, and public transport, with neighborhoods near metro stations in Warsaw or tram lines in Kraków experiencing significantly faster tenant turnover than peripheral areas.
The highest tenant turnover in Poland typically occurs between June and September when students finish their academic year and young professionals relocate for new jobs, creating a surge of both move-outs and new tenant searches.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Poland.
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Where do rentals perform best in Poland in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Poland are Mokotów and Wola in Warsaw, Krowodrza in Kraków, and Wrzeszcz in Gdańsk, all of which combine good transport links with diverse tenant pools.
Families looking for long-term rentals in Poland gravitate toward Wilanów and Żoliborz in Warsaw, Bronowice and Krowodrza in Kraków, and Oliwa in Gdańsk, because these neighborhoods offer green spaces, good schools, and quieter residential streets.
Students drive strong long-term rental demand in Ochota and Powiśle in Warsaw, Ruczaj in Kraków, and the Plac Grunwaldzki area in Wrocław, due to their proximity to major universities and affordable rent levels.
Expats and international professionals prefer Mokotów and Śródmieście in Warsaw, Kazimierz and Stare Miasto in Kraków, and Stare Miasto in Wrocław, because these areas offer walkable urban living, international restaurants, and English-friendly services.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Poland.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Poland are Praga-Południe and parts of Praga-Północ in Warsaw, Podgórze and Zabłocie in Kraków, and Nadodrze in Wrocław, where purchase prices remain lower while rents stay relatively strong.
The estimated gross rental yield range in these top-yielding Polish neighborhoods typically falls between 5.5% and 7.5%, compared to 4.5% to 5.5% in the more expensive central districts of the same cities.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that they sit one ring outside the premium city center, so purchase prices drop faster than rents, and they often benefit from ongoing gentrification that keeps tenant demand strong.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Poland.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Poland are Śródmieście and premium Mokotów in Warsaw, Stare Miasto and Kazimierz in Kraków, and Sopot in the Tricity area.
A standard one-bedroom apartment in these premium Polish neighborhoods typically rents for PLN 4,500 to 6,500 (1,060 to 1,530 EUR, 1,125 to 1,620 USD) per month, with two-bedroom units reaching PLN 6,000 to 9,000 (1,410 to 2,115 EUR, 1,500 to 2,250 USD).
These neighborhoods command the highest rents in Poland because they combine historic architecture with walkable access to top restaurants, cultural venues, and business districts, making them the default choice for tenants who prioritize lifestyle over price.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent neighborhoods includes senior corporate executives, diplomatic staff, successful entrepreneurs, and high-earning expats who value prestige addresses and are willing to pay a premium for turnkey, high-quality apartments.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Poland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Poland in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Poland are proximity to a metro or tram stop (especially in Warsaw and Kraków), energy-efficient heating systems that keep winter utility bills low, and a dedicated parking space in cities with limited street parking like Warsaw and Wrocław.
The single most valuable feature in Poland is metro or tram proximity, which can add a rent premium of 10% to 20% compared to similar apartments that require a bus connection or longer commute.
One commonly overrated feature that Polish landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is luxury bathroom fixtures, because most tenants prioritize functional heating, good internet, and building security over high-end tiles or designer sinks.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for landlords in Poland is installing high-speed internet infrastructure and adding a proper work-from-home setup, which has become essential for remote workers and can reduce tenant turnover significantly.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Poland typically rent about one to two weeks faster than unfurnished ones in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, though this advantage only holds when the furniture is modern and durable rather than cheap and mismatched.
Furnished apartments in Poland command a rent premium of roughly 10% to 15% over comparable unfurnished units, reflecting the mobile tenant base of students, young professionals, and expats who value move-in readiness and want to avoid the hassle of buying furniture.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Poland right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Poland right now?
In Poland, landlords have full freedom to set the initial rent price when signing a new lease, as there is no rent control on starting rents and the market determines what tenants will pay.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Poland are governed by the Tenant Protection Act, which requires proper notice and justification for increases on indefinite-term leases, though fixed-term contracts typically lock in the rent until renewal.
What's the standard lease length in Poland right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Poland is 12 months fixed-term with an option to renew, though indefinite-term leases are also common and provide more tenant protection.
The maximum security deposit a landlord can legally require in Poland is 12 months' rent under the Tenant Protection Act, but in practice most landlords ask for one to two months' rent, which amounts to PLN 3,000 to 10,000 (700 to 2,350 EUR, 750 to 2,500 USD) depending on the property.
Polish law requires landlords to return the security deposit after the tenancy ends, minus any legitimate deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear, with disputes potentially going to court if the parties cannot agree.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Poland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Poland in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Poland right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are broadly legal in Poland in early 2026, though hosts must comply with registration requirements and local rules that vary by city.
To operate a short-term rental in Poland, you typically need to register your property in the municipal registry for "other accommodation facilities" through your local city office, which is a straightforward administrative process that does not require a special license.
Poland currently has no national cap on how many nights per year you can rent out a property on Airbnb, though individual buildings and HOAs can impose their own restrictions or outright bans on short-term rentals.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Poland is administrative fines and potential removal from platform listings, with enforcement expected to increase after the EU's data-sharing framework takes full effect on May 20, 2026.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Poland.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Poland ranges from about 55% to 65% in Warsaw, 60% to 75% in Kraków, 50% to 70% in the Tricity area, and 55% to 70% in Wrocław.
The realistic occupancy range that most short-term rentals experience in Poland spans from a low of around 45% for poorly located or badly managed properties, up to 75% or higher for well-positioned units with professional management and strong reviews.
The highest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Poland occur during the summer months of June through August, especially in coastal areas like the Tricity, and during major events like Christmas markets in Kraków or business conferences in Warsaw.
The lowest occupancy rates typically hit in January and February after the holiday season ends, and again in November before the winter tourism picks up, when nightly rates often need to drop 20% to 30% to attract bookings.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Poland.
What's the average nightly rate in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Poland runs around PLN 260 to 420 (60 to 100 EUR, 65 to 105 USD) in Warsaw, PLN 240 to 450 (55 to 105 EUR, 60 to 110 USD) in Kraków, and PLN 260 to 480 (60 to 115 EUR, 65 to 120 USD) in the Tricity area.
The realistic nightly rate range covering most short-term rental listings in Poland spans from PLN 180 to 250 (40 to 60 EUR, 45 to 65 USD) for basic studios in secondary locations, up to PLN 500 to 700 (115 to 165 EUR, 125 to 175 USD) for premium apartments in Kraków's Old Town or Sopot's beachfront.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Poland amounts to PLN 80 to 150 (20 to 35 EUR, 20 to 40 USD) per night, with summer and holiday periods commanding the premium and January through February seeing the steepest discounts.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Poland in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental market saturation in Poland varies significantly by neighborhood, with prime tourist cores showing clear saturation while business travel pockets and family-friendly areas still have room for new supply.
The current trend in active short-term rental listings in Poland shows moderate growth in Warsaw and Wrocław, while Kraków's central districts have plateaued and some hosts are shifting back to long-term rentals due to increased competition.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Poland are Kraków's Old Town and Kazimierz, Gdańsk's tourist core near the Main Town, and Sopot's beachfront strip, where supply has outpaced demand and nightly rates face downward pressure.
Neighborhoods in Poland that still have room for new short-term rental supply include Warsaw's business districts outside the very center, Wrocław's emerging areas near tech hubs, and larger family-sized units in the Tricity area that cater to group travelers.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Poland, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| NBP Housing Market Report (Q3 2025) | Poland's central bank publishes the most cited official data on housing prices and rents. | We used it to anchor price and rent direction going into early 2026. We then translated city-level patterns into investor-friendly yield and rent ranges. |
| NBP Exchange Rate Table A | The official reference exchange rate publication of Poland's central bank. | We used it to convert all PLN figures to EUR and USD defensibly. We also used it to keep rent and yield examples consistent across currencies. |
| Otodom Rental Market Report (Nov 2025) | Poland's largest property portal with transparent platform data. | We used it to triangulate city rent levels and demand patterns right before early 2026. We validated that our rent ranges match what tenants actually see in listings. |
| Tenant Protection Act (Dz.U. 2023 poz. 725) | The official consolidated legal text published in Poland's Journal of Laws. | We used it to explain landlord-tenant rules for deposits, rent increases, and termination. We kept wording practical while basing it on the actual statute. |
| Polish Civil Code (consolidated) | The official consolidated Civil Code text from the Sejm's legal system. | We used it to anchor standard lease mechanics and termination frameworks. We explained what is market practice versus what is actual law. |
| Foreigners Real Estate Act (1920, consolidated) | The official text governing real estate acquisition by foreigners in Poland. | We used it to explain when foreign buyers need an MSWiA permit. We translated that into a simple checklist for apartment buyers. |
| MSWiA Permit Procedure Page | The ministry that issues permits is the source of truth for process requirements. | We used it to describe practical permit steps for those who need one. We separated legal requirements from common broker myths. |
| Podatki.gov.pl (Rental Income Taxation) | The Ministry of Finance's official tax guidance site for individuals. | We used it to anchor rental income tax rates and thresholds for private renting. We modeled net yield after tax with clear assumptions. |
| Biznes.gov.pl (STR Registration) | Poland's official government portal for business and administrative procedures. | We used it to explain compliance requirements for short-term rentals. We clarified that Airbnb legal still means some registrations apply. |
| EU Regulation 2024/1028 (STR Data Rules) | EUR-Lex is the official EU law database and the primary legal source. | We used it to cite the May 2026 compliance deadline affecting platforms. We avoided guessing about EU bans by referencing the actual framework. |
| AirDNA Market Data Platform | A widely used dataset for Airbnb and Vrbo performance with clear methodology. | We used it to estimate STR occupancy, nightly rates, and saturation in major Polish cities. We converted those into conservative investor reality ranges. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Poland. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.