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
You don't need permanent residency to buy property in Poland, but your citizenship status determines the specific requirements and restrictions you'll face.
EU and EEA citizens can purchase apartments and houses freely without permits, while non-EU citizens can buy apartments without approval but need government permits for houses with land. The permit process takes 2-6 months and costs around PLN 1,600, making apartment purchases the simpler option for foreign investors.
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.
Foreign property ownership in Poland depends on citizenship status and property type, with EU citizens facing fewer restrictions than non-EU buyers.
Apartments can be purchased freely by all foreigners, while houses with land require permits for non-EU citizens, creating a clear preference for urban residential investments.
| Buyer Category | Apartment Purchase | House with Land | Required Documents | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA Citizens | No permit needed | No permit needed | Standard purchase docs | 4-8 weeks |
| Non-EU Citizens | No permit needed | Government permit required | Additional approval documents | 3-8 months |
| Permit Cost | N/A | PLN 1,570-1,600 (~€350) | Varies by property type | 2-6 months processing |
| Mortgage Access | Easier with residency | Requires stable local income | Bank-specific requirements | Standard loan process |
| Land Restrictions | None for residential | Size and use limitations | Agricultural land excluded | Case-by-case review |
| Transaction Taxes | 2% transfer tax | 2% transfer tax | Same for all buyers | Paid at completion |
| Bank Account | Recommended not required | Highly recommended | Facilitates transactions | Opens before purchase |
Can foreigners buy property in Poland without having permanent residency?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Poland without permanent residency, but the specific requirements depend on your citizenship and the type of property you want to purchase.
EU and EEA citizens face minimal restrictions and can buy both apartments and houses without needing any special permits or residency status. Non-EU citizens can purchase apartments freely but require government approval for houses with land.
The Polish property market operates under different rules for different types of buyers, making it essential to understand your specific situation before starting the purchase process. As of September 2025, these regulations remain stable and well-defined.
Property ownership rights are the same for residents and non-residents once the purchase is completed, meaning you'll have full ownership rights regardless of your residency status.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
Do I need a residence permit if I want to buy an apartment in Warsaw or Kraków?
No, you don't need a residence permit to buy an apartment in Warsaw, Kraków, or any other Polish city, regardless of your nationality.
Both EU and non-EU citizens can purchase apartments without requiring special government approval or residency permits. This applies to all residential apartments in major cities including Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Poznań.
The apartment purchase process is straightforward for all foreign buyers, typically taking 4-8 weeks from contract signing to completion. You'll need standard documentation like passport, proof of funds, and tax identification number (NIP).
This freedom to buy apartments makes urban residential property the most popular choice for foreign investors in Poland's real estate market.
Are there different rules for EU citizens and non-EU citizens when buying property in Poland?
Yes, there are significant differences in property purchase rules between EU/EEA citizens and non-EU citizens in Poland.
| Property Type | EU/EEA Citizens | Non-EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | No permit required | No permit required |
| Houses with land | No permit required | Government permit required |
| Agricultural land | Permit required with residency proof | Generally prohibited or heavily restricted |
| Forest land | Permit required with specific qualifications | Generally prohibited |
| Commercial property | No restrictions | May require permits depending on size/location |
| Mortgage access | Treated as Polish nationals by most banks | Requires residency and local income proof |
| Transaction costs | Standard rates (2-8% of property value) | Standard rates plus permit fees if applicable |
Do I need special government approval to purchase land or a house in Poland?
Government approval requirements depend on your citizenship status and the specific type of property you're purchasing.
EU and EEA citizens can buy houses with land without government approval, except for agricultural or forestry land which requires special permits regardless of citizenship. Non-EU citizens need Ministry of Internal Affairs approval for any house purchase that includes land.
The approval process for non-EU citizens involves submitting detailed documentation about the property, your financial situation, and intended use. Agricultural and forestry land purchases have the strictest requirements for all foreigners.
Standalone houses in urban areas typically include small plots of land, which means non-EU buyers will need permits even for standard residential properties outside apartment buildings.
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Is it easier to buy a flat in a city than a standalone house in the countryside if I don't live in Poland?
Yes, buying a city apartment is significantly easier than purchasing a countryside house if you don't live in Poland, especially for non-EU citizens.
City apartments require no special permits regardless of your nationality, while countryside houses typically come with land that triggers permit requirements for non-EU buyers. Urban properties also have better infrastructure for international transactions and more English-speaking professionals.
Rural properties often involve agricultural or forestry land classifications that create additional legal complications and longer approval processes. City properties benefit from standardized procedures and faster transaction timelines.
The Warsaw and Kraków property markets are particularly well-developed for foreign buyers, with established networks of international real estate agents, lawyers, and financial institutions.
How much does the official permit cost if I need one to buy Polish property?
The government permit fee for non-EU citizens purchasing houses with land costs between PLN 1,570 to PLN 1,600 (approximately €350 as of September 2025).
This stamp duty fee is relatively modest compared to the total transaction costs, which typically range from 2-8% of the property value including notary fees, registration costs, and transfer taxes.
Additional costs may include legal representation fees (PLN 2,000-5,000), translation services for documents (PLN 500-1,500), and property valuation reports if required by the approval process.
The permit fee is a one-time cost paid during the application process and doesn't affect ongoing ownership costs or annual property taxes.
How long does the application process take for a foreign buyer permit in Poland?
The permit application process for non-EU citizens typically takes 2-6 months, with most standard residential property applications completed within 2-3 months.
Complex applications involving larger land parcels, agricultural property, or incomplete documentation can extend the timeline to 6 months or longer. Simple house purchases in urban areas usually process faster than rural or agricultural land acquisitions.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reviews applications in order of submission, and providing complete documentation upfront significantly reduces processing time. Applications with missing documents or unclear property descriptions face delays and additional information requests.
During peak application periods, processing times may extend beyond the typical range, making it important to factor permit timing into your overall purchase timeline.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What documents will I need to show if I apply for the purchase approval?
Non-EU citizens applying for property purchase permits must provide a comprehensive documentation package to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Valid passport or national identification document with certified Polish translation
- Preliminary purchase agreement or letter of intent from the property seller
- Detailed proof of financial resources including bank statements from the past 6 months and source of funds documentation
- Polish tax identification number (NIP) registration certificate
- Complete property description including legal boundaries, intended use, and current zoning classification
- Current ownership documents and title verification from the property seller
- Property valuation report from a certified Polish appraiser if required
- Evidence of ties to Poland such as employment contracts, family connections, or business interests (for certain property types)
- Criminal background check from your home country with apostille certification
- Completed application forms in Polish with all required signatures and stamps
Are there restrictions on how much land a foreigner can buy in Poland?
Yes, Poland imposes specific restrictions on foreign land ownership that vary significantly between EU and non-EU citizens.
EU and EEA citizens can purchase most types of residential and commercial land without size restrictions, but face limitations on agricultural and forestry land purchases that require proof of residency or agricultural qualifications.
Non-EU citizens face stricter limitations on land size and type, with most approvals granted for residential plots under 0.5 hectares. Larger parcels require compelling justification and may be rejected if deemed excessive for the stated purpose.
Agricultural land purchases are heavily restricted for all foreigners, with most approvals requiring proof of agricultural education, experience, or residency in Poland for at least 5 years. Forest land acquisitions have similar strict qualification requirements.
Commercial and industrial land purchases by non-EU citizens are evaluated case-by-case, with larger acquisitions requiring more detailed business plans and economic justification.
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.
Do foreigners need a local Polish bank account to complete a property purchase?
A local Polish bank account is not legally required but is highly recommended for smooth property transactions and ongoing ownership management.
Polish notaries and banks prefer local accounts for fund transfers to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and ensure transaction security. International wire transfers directly to sellers can face delays and additional scrutiny from financial institutions.
Opening a Polish bank account typically requires a Polish address, tax identification number (NIP), and proof of income source. Some banks offer specialized services for foreign property buyers with simplified account opening procedures.
Having a local account also facilitates ongoing property expenses like utilities, property management fees, and annual tax payments, making it a practical long-term investment.
Will not having residency affect my ability to get a mortgage from a Polish bank?
Yes, not having Polish residency significantly affects mortgage eligibility and terms, particularly for non-EU citizens.
EU and EEA citizens without Polish residency can often access mortgages similar to Polish nationals, especially if they have stable employment and income in other EU countries. Non-EU citizens typically need Polish residency and local income verification to qualify for standard mortgage products.
Banks require higher down payments (often 30-50%) from non-resident buyers compared to 10-20% for residents, and interest rates may be 1-2 percentage points higher for foreign borrowers without local ties.
Some Polish banks offer specialized mortgage products for foreign investors, but these typically require substantial documentation, higher income thresholds, and collateral beyond the purchased property.
Alternative financing through international banks or private lenders may be available but usually comes with higher costs and more complex approval processes.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What taxes and extra fees should I expect to pay as a non-resident property buyer in Poland?
Non-resident property buyers in Poland pay the same taxes and fees as residents, with total transaction costs typically ranging from 2-8% of the property value.
| Fee Type | Rate/Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | 2% of property value | Buyer |
| Notary Fee | 0.5-2% of property value | Usually split between parties |
| Land Registry Fee | PLN 200 (flat fee) | Buyer |
| Legal Representation | PLN 2,000-5,000 | Each party pays own lawyer |
| Translation Services | PLN 500-1,500 | Buyer |
| Government Permit (if needed) | PLN 1,570-1,600 | Non-EU buyers only |
| Property Valuation | PLN 800-2,000 | Buyer (if required) |
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.
Poland's property market offers excellent opportunities for foreign investors, with clear legal frameworks and reasonable costs for most types of purchases.
The distinction between apartment and house purchases creates strategic advantages for international buyers seeking straightforward transactions and faster completion times.
Sources
- Dudkowiak Law Firm - Property Purchase in Poland
- InvestRopa - How to Buy Property in Poland
- InvestRopa - Poland Real Estate for Foreigners
- Baker McKenzie - Poland Real Estate Law
- Consultant.net.pl - Land Rights for Foreigners
- Karta Pobytu - Real Estate Purchase Guide
- Polish Government - Ministry FAQ
- Lawyers Poland - Foreign Buyer Guide
- Consul Law Firm - Property Purchase Guide
- Wise - Buying Property in Poland