Can you buy property in Poland as a foreign worker?
If you're a foreign worker living and working in Poland, you might be wondering: Can I buy property here? Whether you’re looking for an apartment in Warsaw, a quiet house in the countryside, or an investment property, Poland offers plenty of options — but there are some important rules and processes you should know before making that big decision.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Poland?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Poland, but the rules depend on your country of origin and type of property.
Poland differentiates between:
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Citizens of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)
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Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries
Let’s break it down.
For EU/EEA Citizens
If you’re from a European Union or European Economic Area country, you can freely buy most types of property in Poland — including apartments, houses, and land — without a permit.
You do not need special approval from the Polish Ministry of Interior unless the property is:
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Agricultural land
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Forest land
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Located in a border zone
For Non-EU/EEA Citizens (e.g. from Asia, Africa, the Middle East)
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you will likely need a special permit to buy property in Poland. This permit is issued by the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration.
You need a permit if:
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You want to buy a house with land
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You want to buy land, including agricultural or forest land
You do not need a permit to buy:
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An apartment unit in a building (without land ownership)
Many foreign workers choose to buy apartments in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, or Gdańsk, where no permit is required.
How to Apply for a Property Purchase Permit
If you need a permit, here are the steps:
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Submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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Include:
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Personal details and proof of identity
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Reason for purchase
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Details of the property
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Confirmation of employment or residence in Poland
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Criminal record certificate from your home country
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Wait for the decision, which can take 1–2 months.
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Once approved, you can proceed with the notarial property transfer.
Other Legal Requirements for Buying Property in Poland
Regardless of your nationality, here are standard steps you’ll go through:
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Find a property and agree on a price.
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Sign a preliminary agreement (often includes a deposit).
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Perform due diligence (check land registry, debts, zoning).
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Finalize the deal with a notary — the sale must be notarized.
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Register your ownership in the Land and Mortgage Register.
Costs of Buying Property in Poland
Be prepared for the following costs:
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Notary fees: approximately 0.5–2% of property value
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Real estate agent fees (if used): around 2–3%
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Property transfer tax: 2% (on second-hand properties)
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Court fee: for registration (small fixed amount)
Popular Cities for Foreign Buyers
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Warsaw – Business capital with strong rental market
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Kraków – Historic charm and tech hub
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Wrocław and Gdańsk – Growing expat populations and solid infrastructure
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Poznań and Łódź – More affordable, up-and-coming
Can I Get a Mortgage as a Foreigner?
It’s possible but can be challenging. Polish banks may offer mortgages to foreigners if:
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You have a long-term residence permit or permanent stay card
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You’ve worked in Poland for over a year
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You have stable income (preferably in PLN)
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You have a good credit history
Down payments are usually 20–30% for foreigners.
Summary: Key Takeaways
| Condition | EU/EEA Citizens | Non-EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Can buy apartment | Yes (no permit) | Yes (no permit) |
| Can buy house with land | Yes (no permit) | Needs permit |
| Can buy agricultural/forest land | Needs permit | Needs permit |
| Mortgage access | Limited | With conditions |
Final Thoughts
Yes — you can buy property in Poland as a foreign worker, especially if you're buying an apartment. If you're from outside the EU and looking to buy land or a house with land, you’ll need to go through the permit process. But many expats have successfully bought homes in Poland and are enjoying life here long-term.
Thinking of investing in a home while working in Poland? It's a great way to build roots and stability — just make sure to get proper legal advice before taking the leap.
