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's real estate market offers significant opportunities for foreign buyers, with cities like Warsaw and Wrocław delivering rental yields above 6% as of June 2025.
Whether you're an EU citizen who can buy property without permits or a non-EU investor navigating the permit process, Poland's property market combines affordability with strong growth potential, particularly in tech hubs and university cities.
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 citizens can buy most property types in Poland without permits, while non-EU buyers need permits for land and houses but can often buy apartments freely. As we reach mid-2025, Poland's residential market offers attractive rental yields of 5.9-6.7% in cities like Wrocław and Łódź, with property prices ranging from €2,000-5,000 per square meter depending on location.
| Aspect | EU/EEA Citizens | Non-EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | No permit needed | Usually no permit needed |
| Houses/Land | No permit (except agricultural) | Permit required |
| Mortgage Access | Easier with EU income | Possible with 20-40% deposit |
| Purchase Tax | 2% (resale) or 8%/23% (new) | Same as EU citizens |
| Best Cities | Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław | Same options available |
| Typical Yield | 5.9-6.7% gross | Same as EU citizens |
| Process Time | 4-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks (with permit) |
Can I buy property in Poland as a foreigner without any special permits?
Yes, you can buy property in Poland as a foreigner, but whether you need permits depends on your nationality and the type of property you're purchasing.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens enjoy almost the same property rights as Polish citizens and can buy apartments, houses, and commercial properties without any permits. The only exception is agricultural or forest land, where you might need to prove you've lived in Poland for at least 5 years.
Non-EU citizens face more restrictions and typically need a permit from the Polish Ministry of Interior to buy houses, land, or any property with land attached. However, apartments in multi-unit buildings are often exempt from this requirement, making them the easiest option for non-EU buyers.
The permit application process takes 4-8 weeks and requires documentation about your identity, the property details, and your intended use. While approval isn't guaranteed, it's generally granted for legitimate residential or investment purposes.
As of June 2025, the Polish government maintains these rules to balance foreign investment opportunities with protecting national interests, particularly regarding agricultural land.
Do EU and non-EU citizens follow different rules when buying Polish property?
Yes, EU and non-EU citizens face significantly different rules when purchasing property in Poland.
EU citizens (including those from EEA countries and Switzerland) can buy residential and commercial properties freely, just like Polish nationals. They don't need permits for apartments, houses, or business properties in Polish cities. This privilege extends to all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Non-EU citizens must obtain a permit before purchasing most types of real estate, especially properties that include land ownership. This includes houses with gardens, standalone commercial buildings, and any agricultural property. The permit requirement applies to citizens from countries like the USA, UK (post-Brexit), Canada, China, and others outside the European Economic Area.
However, non-EU citizens can often buy apartments in multi-story buildings without permits, as these typically involve shared land ownership rather than direct land purchase. This makes urban apartments in Warsaw, Kraków, or Wrocław popular choices for non-EU investors.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
Do I need to be a Polish resident or have a visa to purchase property?
No, you don't need Polish residency or any type of visa to buy property in Poland.
Foreign buyers can purchase Polish real estate as tourists, investors, or visitors without holding any residence permit or long-term visa. The property purchase process is separate from immigration status, meaning you can own property in Poland while living elsewhere.
However, owning property doesn't automatically grant you residency rights in Poland. If you're a non-EU citizen, you'll still need to follow standard visa requirements for entering and staying in Poland, typically allowing 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism.
That said, property ownership can support a residence permit application if you plan to live in Poland. It demonstrates ties to the country and financial investment, which immigration authorities view favorably when considering residence applications.
Many foreign investors successfully manage their Polish properties remotely, visiting occasionally for inspections or vacation while renting out the property the rest of the year.
Can I complete the Polish property purchase remotely or must I be there in person?
You can complete the entire Polish property purchase process remotely without being physically present in Poland.
The key to remote purchasing is appointing a legal representative through a notarized power of attorney. This document must be properly prepared in your home country, notarized, translated into Polish by a certified translator, and include an apostille stamp for international validity.
Your appointed representative (usually a Polish lawyer) can handle all aspects of the transaction on your behalf: viewing properties, negotiating prices, signing preliminary agreements, obtaining necessary permits, and most importantly, signing the final notarial deed that transfers ownership.
Modern technology facilitates remote transactions through video property tours, digital document signing for preliminary agreements, and electronic fund transfers for payments. Many Polish real estate agencies and law firms now specialize in serving international clients remotely.
While physical presence isn't required, some buyers prefer visiting Poland at least once to view properties personally and meet their legal representatives, but this remains optional for completing the legal transaction.
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What are the exact steps and documents needed to buy property in Poland?
The Polish property purchase process follows a structured sequence that typically takes 8-12 weeks from start to finish.
| Step | Timeline | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Property Search & Due Diligence | 2-4 weeks | Passport/ID, Proof of funds |
| 2. Preliminary Agreement (Umowa Przedwstępna) | 1 week | Deposit (10-20%), Signed preliminary contract |
| 3. Permit Application (non-EU only) | 4-8 weeks | Application form, Property details, Purpose statement |
| 4. Final Notarial Deed | 1 day | All previous documents, Permit (if required) |
| 5. Registration | 2-4 weeks | Notarial deed, Registration application |
| 6. Tax Declaration | 14 days | Purchase contract, Tax forms |
Essential documents include your valid passport, proof of funds (bank statements showing sufficient money), the preliminary sale agreement, any required permits, and the final notarial deed. For mortgage applications, add employment contracts, income statements, and Polish tax number (PESEL).
The process starts with property selection and legal due diligence to verify ownership and check for debts or legal issues. Next comes the preliminary agreement where you pay 10-20% deposit. Non-EU citizens must then apply for permits if required. The final step involves signing the notarial deed, which officially transfers ownership and gets registered in the Land and Mortgage Register.
Do I need both a lawyer and notary for buying property in Poland?
You legally need a notary for all property transactions in Poland, while a lawyer is highly recommended but not mandatory.
The notary is a public official required by Polish law to formalize property transfers. They prepare the final deed, verify all documents, ensure legal compliance, witness signatures, and register the transaction in the Land and Mortgage Register. Notary fees are regulated by law and typically range from 1,000 to 10,000 PLN depending on property value.
A lawyer, while optional, provides crucial protection for foreign buyers. They conduct due diligence to uncover hidden problems like ownership disputes, illegal construction, or outstanding mortgages. Lawyers negotiate contract terms in your favor, explain Polish property law, represent you if buying remotely, and handle permit applications for non-EU buyers.
Most foreign buyers use both professionals: the lawyer protects your interests throughout the process, while the notary fulfills the legal requirement to formalize the transaction. This dual approach costs more but significantly reduces risks.
Consider it essential investment protection, especially when navigating a foreign legal system and language barriers.
Can foreigners get mortgages in Poland and what are the requirements?
Yes, foreigners can get mortgages from Polish banks, though the requirements are stricter than for Polish citizens.
As of June 2025, mortgage interest rates in Poland range from 7.10-7.94% for 5-year fixed rates and 7.55-8.65% for variable rates. Foreign buyers typically need a 20-40% down payment, compared to 10-20% for Polish citizens.
Banks strongly prefer applicants with Polish income sources, as this reduces their risk. If you work for a Polish company or have rental income from Polish property, your chances improve significantly. EU citizens with stable employment in other EU countries have better prospects than non-EU applicants.
Required documents include your passport, proof of income (preferably from Polish sources), residence permit or EU registration certificate, PESEL number (Polish tax ID), employment contract, bank statements from the last 6 months, and the preliminary sale agreement.
To improve approval chances, consider having a Polish co-borrower, offering a larger down payment (30-40%), demonstrating stable employment history, opening accounts with the lending bank months before applying, or using a mortgage broker familiar with foreign applications.
What are all the taxes, fees, and ongoing costs for property in Poland?
Property purchases in Poland involve several taxes and fees that can add 5-30% to your base purchase price.
Purchase taxes depend on whether you buy from a developer (primary market) or existing owner (secondary market). New properties from developers carry 8% VAT for residential units up to 150m² and 23% VAT for larger properties or commercial units. Secondary market purchases incur 2% PCC tax, rising to 6% if you're buying your sixth or subsequent unit in the same building.
Additional purchase costs include notary fees (up to 10,000 PLN), real estate agency commission (typically 3% of purchase price), legal fees (5,000-15,000 PLN), translation and document fees (1,000-3,000 PLN), and mortgage arrangement fees (0.01% of loan amount).
Annual ongoing costs cover property tax (varies by municipality, typically 0.1-0.5% of value), building maintenance and administration fees, utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet), property insurance, and income tax on rental income at 12% up to 120,000 PLN annually, then 32%.
When selling, you'll pay 19% capital gains tax if selling within 5 years of purchase, though this drops to 0% after 5 years for personal residential property.
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.
Which Polish cities are most popular with foreign property buyers?
Foreign property buyers concentrate in Poland's major cities, each offering distinct advantages for different investment strategies.
Warsaw, the capital, attracts international business professionals and investors seeking stable returns. With property prices at €4,000-5,000 per m² as of mid-2025, it offers premium locations, strong rental demand from expats and corporate tenants, and consistent 6.1% gross rental yields.
Kraków appeals to tourism-focused investors and lifestyle buyers. This UNESCO World Heritage city combines historical charm with a thriving student population. Property prices range from €3,500-4,500 per m², with strong short-term rental potential in the Old Town and steady demand from the city's 200,000 students.
Wrocław emerges as the tech investment hotspot, hosting major companies like Google, IBM, and HP. Lower prices (€3,500-4,500 per m²) combined with the highest rental yields (6.7%) make it particularly attractive for buy-to-let investors targeting young professionals.
Gdańsk and the Tricity area draw buyers seeking coastal properties and tourism income. Summer rental seasons generate premium rates, while year-round demand comes from the maritime industry and growing tech sector.
Where should I invest in Poland for the best rental yields or appreciation?
Poland's residential property market offers varying opportunities depending on your investment goals: immediate rental income versus long-term appreciation.
For maximum rental yields in 2025, Wrocław and Bydgoszcz lead with 6.7% gross returns, followed by Łódź at 6.3%. These cities combine affordable entry prices (€2,000-3,500 per m²) with strong rental demand from students and young professionals. Net yields typically run 1.5-2% lower after accounting for management and maintenance costs.
Cities positioned for capital appreciation include Warsaw, where limited central supply and continued economic growth drive steady price increases, and Kraków, benefiting from tourism growth and foreign investment. The Polish government's infrastructure investments in smaller cities like Lublin and Rzeszów also signal strong appreciation potential.
For balanced returns, consider Gdańsk (5.9% yield plus coastal appreciation), Poznań (6% yield with stable business demand), or Katowice (6% yield in an emerging market). These cities offer both reasonable rental income and growth prospects.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What are current property prices per square meter across Poland?
Property prices in Poland vary significantly between cities and neighborhoods, with the capital commanding premium rates while regional cities offer attractive entry points.
| City | Price per m² (EUR) | Studio (30m²) | 1-Bed (45m²) | 2-Bed (65m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | €4,000-5,000 | €140,000 | €170,000 | €200,000+ |
| Kraków | €3,500-4,500 | €120,000 | €150,000 | €180,000 |
| Wrocław | €3,500-4,500 | €110,000 | €140,000 | €170,000 |
| Gdańsk | €4,000-5,000 | €130,000 | €160,000 | €190,000 |
| Łódź | €2,500-3,500 | €90,000 | €110,000 | €140,000 |
| Poznań | €3,000-4,000 | €105,000 | €135,000 | €165,000 |
| Lublin | €2,500-3,000 | €99,000 | €113,000 | €145,000 |
| Bydgoszcz | €2,000-2,500 | €71,000 | €90,000 | €121,000 |
Premium districts in Warsaw like Śródmieście and Mokotów can exceed €6,000 per m², while suburban areas offer better value at €3,000-3,500. Similar patterns exist in other cities, with central locations commanding 20-40% premiums over peripheral districts.
New developments typically price 10-15% higher than secondary market properties but offer modern amenities, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. As of June 2025, developers face construction cost pressures, suggesting continued price growth in the new-build segment.
What mistakes do foreigners commonly make when buying Polish property?
Foreign buyers often stumble over the same preventable mistakes when entering the Polish property market.
The most costly error is skipping proper due diligence. Buyers assume the property is problem-free without checking the Land and Mortgage Register for debts, verifying building permits, or investigating potential inheritance claims. This oversight can lead to inheriting previous owners' mortgages or discovering your apartment was illegally constructed.
Non-EU citizens frequently underestimate permit requirements, assuming they can buy any property like EU citizens. Attempting to purchase houses or land without proper permits results in void transactions and lost deposits. Even apartment purchases benefit from legal verification of permit exemptions.
Underbudgeting for transaction costs catches many buyers off-guard. The property price is just the beginning - add 5-30% for taxes, notary fees, agency commissions, and legal costs. First-time buyers often scramble for additional funds at the last minute.
Banking assumptions prove problematic when foreigners expect easy mortgage approval. Polish banks maintain strict requirements for non-residents, often demanding 40% deposits and Polish income sources. Many buyers discover this after committing to purchases.
To avoid these pitfalls, always hire an experienced property lawyer, budget 30% above the purchase price for all costs, verify permit requirements before viewing properties, arrange financing before making offers, and conduct thorough technical and legal due diligence on every property.
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 residential property market presents compelling opportunities for foreign investors in 2025, combining EU membership benefits with attractive yields and reasonable entry prices compared to Western European markets.
Success in Polish real estate requires understanding the legal framework, choosing the right location for your investment goals, and working with qualified professionals to navigate the purchase process. Whether you're seeking rental income in Wrocław's tech district or capital appreciation in Warsaw's business center, Poland offers diverse options for international property buyers.
Sources
- Wise - Buying Property in Poland Guide
- Lawyers Poland - Foreign Buyers Guide
- Poland Property Guide - Foreigners Property Permit
- Lawyers Poland EU - Property Purchase Process
- Realting - Poland Property Taxes
- Global Property Guide - Poland Rental Yields
- Mortgage Blog PL - Market Update 2025
- CrowdSQ - Top Investment Cities Poland
- Kapital Ark - Buying House in Poland
- Investropa - Poland Real Estate for Foreigners