Buying Property in Poland as a Foreigner

Buying a flat, house or land in Poland is open to foreigners, but the rules on whether you need a government permit are not the same for everyone. As an attorney-at-law (radca prawny) in Wroclaw, I help foreign buyers check their situation, review the transaction and handle the Polish legal side in English.

This is a general overview of the main points as they stand in late 2026. The rules have exceptions, and real-estate law and practice can change, so the specific case should always be confirmed before you commit or sign anything.

Do you need a permit to buy?

The starting point is the Act on the acquisition of real estate by foreigners, administered by the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA). Whether a permit (zezwolenie) is required depends mainly on two things: your nationality and the type of property.

EU, EEA and Swiss buyers

As a rule, citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland do not need an MSWiA permit to buy real estate in Poland. One area that generally deserves closer attention is agricultural and forest land, where additional rules (under the legislation on shaping the agricultural system) may apply - broadly on terms similar to those for Polish buyers. If agricultural or forest land is involved, it is worth checking the details in advance.

Buyers from outside the EEA

For buyers from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, the picture is more nuanced and a permit is required more often. In general terms:

buying a separate residential unit (a flat in a multi-family building) usually does not require a permit;
once land is involved - a house with its own plot, a building plot, commercial property, forest or agricultural land - a permit from MSWiA is, as a rule, required;
a permit may also be needed for property located in a designated border zone, in some cases even for a flat.

There are also statutory exemptions that can remove the permit requirement - for example a period of residence in Poland after obtaining a permanent residence permit, marriage to a Polish citizen combined with residence, or acquisition by inheritance. Whether any of them applies needs to be checked case by case.

This matters in practice: if a permit was required and the property is acquired without it, the acquisition can be legally invalid. That is why confirming the requirement before the transaction is so important.

The transaction and the notarial deed

In Poland, transfer of ownership of real estate must be made in the form of a notarial deed (akt notarialny) prepared by a notary. The new owner is then entered in the land and mortgage register (ksiega wieczysta). Alongside the price, a buyer should budget for taxes (such as the tax on civil-law transactions or VAT, depending on the case), notarial fees and court fees.

Due diligence - what to check before you buy

Before signing, it is worth verifying the legal status of the property: the land register entries, who is entitled to sell, any mortgages or other encumbrances, the planning situation, and - for apartments - the state of the housing community or cooperative. A preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstepna) is commonly used to secure the deal while these checks and financing are completed. Reviewing the draft deed and the seller's documents before the notary appointment helps avoid costly surprises.

Can it be done from abroad?

Much of the process can be handled without being in Poland. A lawyer can carry out the due diligence, and a purchase can in many cases be completed through a representative acting under a suitably drafted power of attorney. I coordinate the Polish side and explain each step in English.

Need help with a company in Poland?

The first review of your case is free of charge. Tell me briefly what you need and I will explain your options and the next steps - in English.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy a flat in Poland?

As a rule yes. Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland generally do not need a permit. Buyers from outside the EEA usually do not need a permit to buy a separate flat in a multi-family building either, though a permit may be required for property in a designated border zone. The specific situation should be confirmed before buying.

When is a Ministry of Interior (MSWiA) permit required?

Most often for buyers from outside the EU/EEA when land is involved - a house with a plot, a building plot, commercial property, forest or agricultural land - and sometimes for property in a border zone. EU/EEA/Swiss buyers are generally exempt. Because there are exceptions and statutory exemptions, each case should be checked individually.

What happens if I buy without a required permit?

If a permit was legally required and the property is nevertheless acquired without it, the acquisition can be invalid. This is exactly why it is important to establish whether a permit is needed before signing anything.

Do I need to be in Poland to buy property?

Not necessarily. Due diligence can be done by a lawyer, and in many cases the purchase can be completed through a representative acting under a power of attorney. Some steps, such as financing with a Polish bank, may have their own requirements.

What should be checked before buying?

Typically the land register entries, the seller's right to sell, any mortgages or encumbrances, the planning status and - for apartments - the situation of the housing community or cooperative. A preliminary agreement is often used to secure the transaction while these checks are completed.

This article is general information and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different - please consult a lawyer about your specific situation.