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
Poland offers accessible property ownership opportunities for foreigners, with EU citizens enjoying nearly unrestricted access to most property types.
Non-EU nationals can freely purchase apartments but face additional permit requirements for houses with land, agricultural properties, and border areas. As of September 2025, the property purchase process typically takes 4-8 weeks with transaction costs ranging from 3-7% of the property value, making Poland an attractive destination for international real estate investment.
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/EEA citizens can buy most property types without restrictions, while non-EU nationals need permits for houses with land and agricultural properties.
Total purchase costs typically range from 3-7% of property value, with a minimum 20% down payment required for mortgages.
| Property Type | EU Citizens | Non-EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | No permit required | No permit required |
| Houses with land | No permit required | Ministry permit required |
| Agricultural land | Restricted conditions | Ministry permit + conditions |
| Border properties | Some restrictions | Ministry permit required |
| Commercial properties | No permit required | May require permit |
| Building plots | Generally allowed | Ministry permit required |
| Forest land | Strict restrictions | Ministry permit + conditions |
What types of properties can foreigners legally buy in Poland without restrictions?
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can freely purchase apartments, commercial properties, and urban houses without any special permits from Polish authorities.
Non-EU citizens face more restrictions and can only buy apartments in multi-unit buildings without needing special permits. For all other property types including standalone houses, building plots, and commercial properties, non-EU nationals must obtain permission from the Ministry of Interior.
The distinction between apartments and houses is crucial for foreign buyers. Apartments are defined as units within multi-unit residential buildings where you own the individual unit but not the underlying land. Houses typically include ownership of both the building and the land beneath it, which triggers additional permit requirements for non-EU buyers.
As of September 2025, this regulatory framework ensures that apartment purchases remain accessible to all foreigners while maintaining stricter controls over land ownership, particularly for strategic or agricultural purposes.
Do I need a special permit from the Ministry of Interior to purchase certain types of real estate as a foreigner?
Non-EU nationals must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior for standalone houses, land parcels, agricultural land, forest land, and properties located near Polish borders.
The permit application process requires submitting various documents including proof of funds, intended use of the property, and personal background information. The application fee is approximately PLN 1,570, and processing can take several months with no guarantee of approval.
EU/EEA citizens are generally exempt from these permit requirements for most property types, except for agricultural and forest land which has special conditions for all buyers regardless of nationality. These conditions often include minimum residency periods or demonstrated agricultural experience.
Properties near border areas (typically within 50 kilometers of international borders) are subject to additional scrutiny due to national security considerations, making permits more difficult to obtain and requiring stronger justification for the purchase.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What are the exact costs involved in buying a property in Poland, including notary fees, taxes, legal fees, and agent commissions?
| Cost Type | Amount/Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary fees | 0.5-2% of property value | Capped by law, varies by region |
| Property transfer tax (PCC) | 2% of property value | Paid by buyer, exempt for new builds |
| Legal fees | PLN 2,000-5,000 | For due diligence and document review |
| Agent commission | 2-3% + 23% VAT | Usually split between buyer and seller |
| Land registry fee | PLN 200-360 | Registration in land and mortgage register |
| Translation costs | PLN 500-2,000 | If documents not in Polish |
| Ministry permit fee | PLN 1,570 | Only for restricted properties (non-EU buyers) |
How much money should I budget for the minimum down payment, and what are the mortgage options available to foreigners in Poland?
Foreign buyers should budget for a minimum down payment of 20% of the property value for residential mortgages, though some Polish banks may require up to 30% for non-residents.
Mortgage options are available to foreigners, with EU citizens generally receiving more favorable terms and easier approval processes. Non-EU nationals face stricter requirements including proof of stable income, credit history verification, and sometimes demonstration of ties to Poland through employment or residency.
Polish banks typically offer mortgage terms of 10-30 years with interest rates varying based on the borrower's profile and loan-to-value ratio. As of September 2025, mortgage rates for foreigners range from 6-8% annually, depending on market conditions and individual creditworthiness.
Some banks may require borrowers to have a Polish bank account and demonstrate income in PLN or EUR. Self-employed individuals and those with income from foreign sources may face additional documentation requirements and higher down payment demands.
Can I open a Polish bank account easily as a foreigner, and is it mandatory for handling the property transaction?
Opening a Polish bank account as a foreigner is strongly recommended and usually required by lenders and notaries for handling property transactions and related payments.
EU citizens can open bank accounts relatively easily with a valid passport and proof of address, while non-EU nationals may need additional documentation including residence permits or proof of legal stay in Poland. Some banks offer account opening services specifically designed for foreign property buyers.
The bank account serves multiple purposes during the property purchase process including receiving mortgage funds, paying the seller, handling notary fees, and managing ongoing property-related expenses like utilities and property taxes.
Most notaries and real estate professionals expect transactions to be conducted through Polish bank accounts to ensure proper documentation and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. International wire transfers for large sums may trigger additional scrutiny and documentation requirements.
What documents do I need to provide as a foreign buyer to complete the purchase process in Poland?
- Valid passport or EU residence permit with at least 6 months validity
- Polish tax identification number (NIP) obtained from local tax office
- Proof of funds and income sources including bank statements and employment contracts
- Polish bank account confirmation and banking relationship documentation
- Ministry of Interior permit application (for restricted properties and non-EU buyers)
- Notarized translations of all foreign documents into Polish language
- Credit history report from home country (for mortgage applications)
- Proof of legal status in Poland (for non-EU residents)
How long does the property purchase process usually take from signing the preliminary agreement to final ownership transfer?
The standard property purchase process in Poland takes 4-8 weeks from signing the preliminary agreement to final ownership transfer for straightforward transactions involving apartments or properties that don't require special permits.
Transactions requiring Ministry of Interior permits can take significantly longer, often 3-6 months additional time, as permit applications must be approved before the final transfer can occur. The permit processing time is unpredictable and depends on the complexity of the application and current workload at the ministry.
The timeline includes several key milestones: preliminary agreement signing (day 1), due diligence period (1-2 weeks), mortgage approval (2-4 weeks), notary appointment scheduling (1-2 weeks), and final transfer and registration (1 week). Each phase can experience delays due to documentation issues or administrative bottlenecks.
Rush transactions are possible but may incur additional costs for expedited services. Buyers should plan for potential delays and avoid scheduling tight timelines, especially during Polish holiday periods when government offices and notaries may have limited availability.
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What are the risks or restrictions if I want to buy agricultural land or property near the border as a foreigner?
Agricultural land purchases face strict restrictions for all foreigners, including EU citizens, who must demonstrate agricultural qualifications, residency requirements, or specific farming intentions to qualify for purchase.
Properties located within 50 kilometers of Polish borders are subject to national security reviews and require special permits from the Ministry of Interior, regardless of the buyer's nationality. These permits are rarely granted to foreign nationals without compelling business or personal reasons.
Non-EU nationals face additional hurdles including mandatory residence periods in Poland, proof of agricultural education or experience, and detailed business plans for land use. Violations of agricultural land use requirements can result in forced sale orders from Polish authorities.
Border area restrictions exist primarily near the borders with Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, where security concerns are heightened. Properties in these areas may also face limitations on resale and development, potentially affecting long-term investment returns.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
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.
How does the preliminary sale agreement work in Poland, and what percentage of the purchase price is usually paid as a deposit?
The preliminary sale agreement (umowa przedwstępna) is a legally binding contract signed by both buyer and seller that outlines the terms of the future property transfer and typically requires a deposit payment of 10% of the purchase price.
This deposit can sometimes be higher, reaching 15-20% for luxury properties or in competitive market conditions. The deposit is held in escrow and serves as security for both parties' commitment to complete the transaction.
If the buyer withdraws from the agreement without valid legal grounds, they forfeit the entire deposit. Conversely, if the seller cancels the agreement without justification, they must return the deposit plus an equivalent amount as penalty compensation to the buyer.
The preliminary agreement includes essential details such as property description, purchase price, completion timeline, conditions precedent (like mortgage approval or permit obtainment), and specific obligations of each party. This document provides legal protection and ensures the property cannot be sold to another buyer during the agreed timeframe.
What are the rules around property inheritance and resale for foreigners in Poland?
Foreign property owners in Poland can freely inherit and resell their properties without additional restrictions, following the same legal processes that apply to Polish citizens.
Property inheritance follows standard Polish succession laws, with foreign heirs able to inherit real estate regardless of their nationality or residence status. The inheritance process requires notarial procedures and proper registration with Polish land records.
Resale of properties by foreigners faces no special restrictions for apartments and most urban properties. However, if the original purchase required a Ministry of Interior permit, the new foreign buyer may also need to obtain similar permits depending on their nationality and the property type.
Capital gains tax applies to property sales, with rates depending on the holding period and the seller's tax residency status. Properties held for more than 5 years are generally exempt from capital gains tax, making longer-term investments more tax-efficient.
Do I need to hire a notary or lawyer, and what exactly are their roles in the property purchase process?
Hiring a notary is legally mandatory for all real estate transfers in Poland, while engaging a lawyer is strongly recommended for foreign buyers to navigate the complex legal and regulatory requirements.
The notary's role includes overseeing the final contract signing, verifying the legal capacity of all parties, ensuring proper documentation, calculating and collecting transfer taxes, and registering the ownership change in the land and mortgage register. Notaries are impartial public officials who cannot provide legal advice favoring either party.
A lawyer's role focuses on protecting the buyer's interests through comprehensive due diligence, reviewing property titles for encumbrances, checking zoning and development restrictions, ensuring compliance with foreign ownership regulations, and facilitating permit applications when required.
Legal fees typically range from PLN 2,000-5,000 for standard transactions, while notary fees are regulated by law and calculated as a percentage of the property value. Both professionals are essential for ensuring a smooth and legally compliant property purchase process.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What taxes will I need to pay annually as a property owner in Poland, and how much should I expect on average?
| Tax Type | Rate/Amount | Calculation Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Residential property tax | PLN 0.60-1.00 per m² | Usable floor area |
| Land tax | PLN 5-10 per m² | Land area (if applicable) |
| Commercial property tax | PLN 15-25 per m² | Usable floor area |
| Apartment building tax | PLN 5-8 per m² | Rental apartment area |
| Garage/parking tax | PLN 8-12 per m² | Garage floor area |
| Luxury property surcharge | Additional 2-5% | Properties over PLN 1M |
| Average annual cost | EUR 100-200 | Standard 60m² apartment |
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 offers an accessible pathway to property ownership for foreign investors, with clear distinctions between EU and non-EU buyer requirements.
The key to successful property investment in Poland lies in understanding permit requirements, budgeting for total transaction costs of 3-7%, and working with qualified local professionals to navigate the legal framework.
Sources
- InvestRopa - Poland Real Estate for Foreigners
- Expatriate Healthcare - Foreign Property Purchase Guide
- Dudkowiak Law Firm - Property Purchase Guide
- Realting - Ministry Permission Requirements
- Lawyers Poland - Foreign Buyer Guide
- Migrapolis - Property Purchase Permits
- DLA Piper - Polish Real Estate Law
- EY - Polish Real Estate Guide 2025