Property in Poland: buying and support
Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław: a non-EU citizen buys an apartment without a permit, but a house with land requires one from the Ministry of the Interior.
Why Poland
A market where we operate ourselves
Poland is a market where we have our own presence, not just a partner network.
An apartment — no Interior Ministry permit
A standalone apartment outside border zones can be bought by a non-EU citizen without a Ministry of Interior (MSWiA) permit — an exception that does not apply to land or houses with land.
EU and EFTA citizens — no restrictions
Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland buy any property, including land, without any permit.
Demand from students and professionals
In Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, steady rental demand comes from students and incoming professionals — with seasonality tied to the academic year.
Honestly, about residency: the purchase alone does not grant it
Buying property in Poland does not automatically grant residency, but ownership can support a residence application on other grounds — work, study or business. For families relocating for their children's education, we run a separate study-in-Poland service line.
Smaller budget — we'll source it
Tell us the amount and the goal, and we'll come back with options from developers and partners that are not in the catalogue.
Send a requestHow the purchase works
- 1
We map your goal
City (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and others), budget and property type.
- 2
We determine whether a permit is needed
For an apartment outside border zones, a non-EU citizen needs no Interior Ministry permit; for land or a house with land, one is required.
- 3
If needed — we apply for the permit
The MSWiA permit application is filed in advance and built into the deal's timeline.
- 4
We check the property in the register
Owner and encumbrances — via the księga wieczysta (land and mortgage register).
- 5
Notarial deed
The purchase contract is executed as a notarial deed.
- 6
Title registration
We enter the title in the land and mortgage register.
Frequently asked questions
Does a non-EU citizen need a permit to buy in Poland?+
It depends on the property. A self-contained apartment outside a border zone requires no permit. A house with a plot, bare land, or anything within a border zone requires a permit from the Ministry of the Interior, obtained before the transaction.
How long does the ministry take?+
Usually two to four months. The application is supported by documents evidencing your ties to Poland and the purpose of the purchase. Plan the transaction around this: for property that requires a permit, a notarial deed without one is void.
Can EU citizens buy freely in Poland?+
Yes. Citizens of EU states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, buy apartments, houses and land with no administrative permits — on the same terms as Polish nationals.
Does buying property in Poland grant residency?+
No. A purchase is not a ground for a residence permit. Owning a home counts as evidence of accommodation when applying on other grounds: work, study, business or family reunification.
What is the land and mortgage register and why check it?+
It is the state register of property rights. It shows the owner, encumbrances, mortgages and third-party claims. The extract is obtained before any deposit — in Poland it is the primary tool for verifying a property.
Will a Polish bank lend to a foreigner?+
Banks lend to foreigners who hold a residence permit and have proven income in Poland. A non-resident without local income will find it difficult, and terms will be markedly tighter. Requirements vary between banks.
What taxes does an owner pay in Poland?+
On resale property, transaction tax; on a new-build, VAT is already in the developer's price. Annually, local property tax: the rate is set by the gmina and depends on floor area and use.
Do you have property in Poland?+
Not in the public catalogue at present. We work from Warsaw and source Polish property through our partner network on request — send us a brief and we will come back with options for your budget and purpose.
Go deeper
Student housing as an investment: why it works
Steady academic-year demand in university cities, compact lettable units — and how it ties to studying in Poland.
Buying property in Poland: a complete guide
Our home market: notarial deed, PCC/VAT, mortgages, and strong rental incl. student demand.
Poland: new-flat transaction prices rose 0.6% over the year in Q2 2026
NBP data for the seven largest markets show transaction prices well below asking prices, with Warsaw at the top and Łódź at the bottom.
A country-market estimate, not our own stock
Overview
Poland is where we work ourselves, and the market with the clearest entry for our audience. The key distinction: a self-contained apartment outside a border zone needs no permit, while a house with a plot or bare land requires clearance from the Ministry of the Interior.
Why buy here
A clear legal regime and proximity: for buyers already living in Poland or planning to move, there is no language or logistical barrier. A self-contained apartment outside a border zone is available to non-EU citizens without a permit — an exemption that does not extend to houses and land. Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland buy any property, including land, with no administrative clearance at all.
Taxes, costs and yield
Benchmarks for taxes, purchase and holding costs and rental yield. Exact figures depend on the property and your situation.
Rental yield benchmark
4–6%
On resale property, transaction tax; on new-builds, VAT is included in the developer's price. Annually, local property tax.
On the secondary market a transaction tax is payable; on a new-build, VAT is already included in the developer's price. Also payable: the notary's tariff, court fees for the register entry, agency commission and, with a mortgage, a valuation. Annually the owner pays local property tax, at a rate set by the gmina and depending on floor area and use.
1. Check the property in the land and mortgage register: owner, encumbrances, mortgages. 2. For non-EU citizens, establish whether a Ministry of the Interior permit is needed. A self-contained apartment outside a border zone does not require one; a house with land, a plot, or anything in a border zone does. 3. Where required, file with the Ministry. Processing usually takes two to four months and calls for documents on your ties to Poland and the purpose of the purchase. 4. Preliminary contract and deposit. 5. Notarial deed and entry in the land and mortgage register.
Polish banks lend to foreigners holding a residence permit with income in Poland. A non-resident without local income will find it difficult.
Buying property in Poland does not grant residency and is not a basis for a visa. Owning a home counts as evidence of accommodation when applying on other grounds — work, study or business. For families arriving to study, we run a separate service supporting admission to Polish universities.
Demand in the large university cities — Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław — is shaped substantially by students and incoming professionals, so rental seasonality follows the academic year. We do not currently list property in this country in our public catalogue. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and support the transaction.
What to bear in mind: — the Ministry permit must be obtained before the deal: for property that requires it, a notarial deed without one is void; — a border zone removes the apartment exemption — check the address status in advance; — the land and mortgage register is the authoritative source on a property; read the extract before paying a deposit. Checked in September 2026. Thresholds, rates and programme terms change — confirm the current requirements with a lawyer in the country before you buy.
Request a selection in Poland
Investment strategies
Figures are indicative, change over time and depend on the specific property and your circumstances. Obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before any purchase.
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