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
Foreigners can legally buy property in Poland, though the process varies significantly depending on your nationality and the type of property you want to purchase.
Non-EU citizens can freely buy apartments in multi-unit buildings without special permission, but purchasing houses or land requires government approval that typically takes 4-8 weeks to obtain. EU citizens have broader purchasing rights, facing restrictions only on agricultural and forest land purchases.
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.
Non-EU citizens can buy apartments freely but need permits for houses and land, while EU citizens have broader rights with few restrictions.
Total costs range from 3-8% of property value, including notary fees, taxes, and registration costs, with annual property taxes averaging 1.15 PLN per square meter.
| Property Type | Non-EU Citizens | EU/EEA Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Houses | Government permit required | No restrictions |
| Residential Land | Government permit required | No restrictions |
| Agricultural Land | Permit + 5 years residency | Residency requirements |
| Forest Land | Permit + 5 years residency | Special requirements |
| Processing Time | 4-10 weeks (with permits) | 4-6 weeks |
| Total Purchase Costs | 3-8% of property value | 3-8% of property value |
Can I legally buy property in Poland as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can legally buy property in Poland, but the specific rules depend on your nationality and the type of property you want to purchase.
Non-EU citizens can freely buy apartments in multi-unit buildings without any special government permission or permits. This includes condominiums, flats in residential complexes, and units in apartment buildings throughout Poland.
EU and EEA citizens have broader purchasing rights and can buy most types of property without restrictions, except for agricultural and forest land which have additional requirements. Swiss citizens are treated similarly to EU citizens under bilateral agreements.
The Polish government actively encourages foreign investment in residential real estate, particularly in urban areas like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk where apartment purchases by foreigners have increased by 23% since 2023.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
Are there any restrictions for non-EU citizens when purchasing property in Poland?
Non-EU citizens face specific restrictions primarily when buying houses or land, but apartment purchases remain unrestricted.
For standalone houses and any type of land (residential, agricultural, or forest), non-EU citizens must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior and Administration. This permit process typically takes 4-8 weeks, and approvals are granted in over 90% of cases where the buyer's intent is clear and legal.
Agricultural and forest land purchases require non-EU buyers to have lived in Poland for at least 5 years before they can even apply for permits. Commercial real estate purchases generally don't require permits but may need additional documentation.
Some non-EU buyers establish Polish or EU companies to purchase land or houses, which can circumvent direct permit requirements. However, this approach requires proper legal structuring and ongoing company maintenance costs.
Do I need to obtain any special permissions or approvals from the government before buying property?
The need for government permission depends entirely on your nationality and the property type you're purchasing.
Non-EU citizens need permits from the Ministry of Interior and Administration for houses and land purchases, but not for apartments. The application requires submitting proof of funds, intended use of the property, and personal identification documents.
EU/EEA citizens don't need permits for most property types, except agricultural land (which requires 5 years of farming experience or local residency) and forest land (which has environmental protection requirements).
The permit application process costs approximately 500-800 PLN and involves background checks to ensure the purchase aligns with Polish national security interests. Permits are rarely denied unless there are concerns about money laundering or unclear funding sources.
Is there a minimum time period I need to stay in Poland before purchasing property?
No minimum residency period is required for buying apartments or commercial properties in Poland.
Non-EU citizens can purchase apartments immediately upon arriving in Poland or even before visiting the country, as long as they complete the necessary legal procedures and documentation remotely or through a power of attorney.
However, agricultural and forest land purchases require non-EU citizens to have 5 years of continuous residence in Poland before they can apply for purchase permits. This residency requirement must be documented through official registration with local authorities.
EU citizens can purchase most property types immediately, though agricultural land may require demonstrating farming experience or local connections rather than just residency duration.
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What are the costs involved in buying property in Poland, including taxes and notary fees?
Total property purchase costs in Poland typically range from 3-8% of the property value, depending on whether you're buying new construction or resale property.
| Cost Type | Rate/Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | 0.2%-2% + 23% VAT | All purchases |
| Land Registry Fee | 200-300 PLN | Ownership registration |
| Transfer Tax (PCC) | 2% of property value | Resale properties only |
| VAT | 8% (up to 150m²), 23% (larger) | New construction only |
| Agent Commission | 1.5%-3% + 23% VAT | If using agent |
| Legal Fees | 0.5%-1% of value | Recommended |
| Mortgage Fees | 1%-2% of loan amount | If financing |
How much do property prices typically vary across different regions of Poland?
Property prices in Poland vary significantly by location, with Warsaw commanding the highest prices and rural areas offering the most affordable options.
Warsaw apartments in prime central districts cost €3,500-€6,500 per square meter as of September 2025, making it the most expensive city in Poland. Popular neighborhoods like Śródmieście and Mokotów consistently command premium prices.
Major secondary cities including Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw typically range from €2,500-€4,500 per square meter, with Krakow's historic center approaching Warsaw prices due to tourism and university demand.
Smaller cities and rural areas offer prices between €1,500-€2,500 per square meter, with some remote locations available for under €1,000 per square meter. Coastal areas like Sopot command premiums during summer months.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
Can I buy land in Poland, or is it only restricted to buildings?
Non-EU citizens can buy land in Poland, but they must obtain government permits for all land purchases, including residential plots.
The permit requirement applies to any standalone land purchase, whether for building homes, commercial development, or investment purposes. The Ministry of Interior and Administration reviews each application individually, typically taking 4-8 weeks for approval.
EU citizens can freely purchase residential and commercial land without permits, but agricultural land requires meeting specific farming experience or residency requirements. Forest land purchases have additional environmental protection considerations.
Many foreign investors purchase land through Polish companies, which can streamline the process but requires ongoing corporate compliance and annual filing obligations with costs of approximately 2,000-4,000 PLN per year.
How do I finance a property purchase in Poland?
Financing options for foreigners in Poland include local bank mortgages, developer financing, and international bank transfers for cash purchases.
- Local Polish bank mortgages offer competitive rates (currently 5.5-7.5% as of September 2025) but require extensive documentation and typically 20-30% down payments for foreigners.
- Developer financing programs are available for new construction projects, often with more flexible terms than traditional banks but higher interest rates.
- International mortgage brokers can arrange financing through EU banks for Polish property purchases, though rates may be 1-2% higher than local options.
- Cash purchases remain popular, with approximately 60% of foreign buyers paying in full without financing, particularly for investment properties under €200,000.
- Some buyers use home equity from their origin countries to finance Polish property purchases through international lending arrangements.
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.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Poland, and what are the requirements?
Foreigners can obtain mortgages from Polish banks, though requirements are stricter than for Polish citizens and approval rates are lower.
Most Polish banks require foreigners to have Polish residence permits or long-term EU residence status before considering mortgage applications. Banks typically finance 70-80% of property value for foreigners, compared to 80-90% for Polish citizens.
Income requirements include proof of stable employment or business income for at least 12 months, with monthly income at least 3-4 times higher than the proposed mortgage payment. Many banks prefer income earned in Poland or other EU countries over foreign income.
Required documentation includes passport, residence permit, employment contract, bank statements for 6-12 months, tax returns, and property valuation reports. Some banks also require life insurance and property insurance as loan conditions.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What documents do I need to prepare for purchasing property in Poland?
Document requirements vary by nationality and property type, but all buyers need basic identification and proof of funds.
- Valid passport or national ID card (EU citizens can use national ID, non-EU citizens need passports with valid entry stamps or visas)
- Proof of legal funds source, including bank statements, employment contracts, or business income documentation for the past 6 months
- PESEL number (Polish personal identification number) - not mandatory but significantly simplifies all procedures and banking relationships
- Property-specific documents including preliminary sale agreement, property title verification, and building permits for new construction
- For non-EU citizens buying houses/land: completed permit application forms, intended use declarations, and additional background check documentation
- If using financing: mortgage pre-approval letters, income verification, and insurance documentation
- Power of attorney documentation if not personally present for signing (must be notarized and apostilled in origin country)
How long does the property purchase process take in Poland, from signing the contract to transferring ownership?
The standard property purchase timeline in Poland ranges from 4-10 weeks, depending on your nationality and property type.
For EU citizens buying apartments, the process typically takes 4-6 weeks from preliminary contract to final ownership transfer. This includes due diligence, financing approval (if needed), and notarial deed preparation.
Non-EU citizens purchasing houses or land face longer timelines of 8-10 weeks due to government permit requirements. The Ministry of Interior and Administration permit process alone takes 4-8 weeks, though this can run parallel to other preparation activities.
The process follows these main phases: property selection and due diligence (1-2 weeks), preliminary agreement signing with deposit payment (immediate), permit applications if required (4-8 weeks), final notarial deed signing (1 week), and ownership registration in the Land and Mortgage Register (1-2 weeks).
Are there any post-purchase obligations, such as annual property taxes or maintenance requirements?
Property owners in Poland have several ongoing obligations including annual taxes, registration requirements, and maintenance responsibilities.
Annual property tax rates for residential properties are set by local municipalities with maximum rates of approximately 1.15 PLN per square meter per year as of 2025. Commercial properties face higher rates, and the tax is paid quarterly or annually to local tax offices.
Owners must register their property ownership with local tax authorities within 14 days of purchase and notify them of any changes in property use or ownership. Failure to register can result in penalties of 500-2,000 PLN.
Apartment owners typically pay monthly building maintenance fees ranging from 8-25 PLN per square meter, depending on building amenities and age. These fees cover common area maintenance, utilities, and building management services.
Property insurance is recommended but not legally required, though mortgage lenders typically mandate comprehensive coverage. Annual insurance costs range from 0.1-0.3% of property value depending on location and coverage levels.
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 straightforward for apartments but requires additional permits and time for houses and land purchases.
Total costs typically range from 3-8% of property value, with ongoing annual obligations including property taxes and maintenance fees that vary by location and property type.
Sources
- Immigrant Invest - Poland Real Estate Guide
- Veles Club - Property Investment in Poland
- InvestRopa - Poland Real Estate for Foreigners
- CreditSpace - Buying Property in Poland
- Realting - Ministry Permission for Property Purchase
- Mavenwood Capital - Property Purchase Process
- Expatriate Healthcare - Foreigner Property Rights
- Progress Holding - Mortgage Guide for Foreigners
- InvestRopa - How to Buy Property in Poland
- Living Redefined - Second Home in Poland