Key facts
- Separate flat: no MSWiA permit (outside the border zone).
- House with land, plot: MSWiA permit, fee 1,570 zł — unless you have held a permanent residence card for 5 years.
- In 2025 Ukrainians bought about 9,300 flats without a permit and Belarusians about 2,700 (Bankier.pl citing MSWiA).
- The deed is in Polish — if you don't speak it, a sworn translator is required.
Step 1. Check whether you need a permit
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens buy like Poles. Everyone else can buy a separate flat and a garage for housing needs without a permit. A house, plot or commercial premises requires a permit from the Interior Minister unless you have held a permanent residence or EU resident card for 5 years.
Step 2. Sort out financing
Cash — keep the funds in a Polish account with proof of their source. Mortgage — check your borrowing capacity first; banks usually require a residence card and a job in Poland.
Step 3. Search and check
- Compare prices with transactions, not listings.
- Check the land register (ekw.ms.gov.pl) — sections II, III and IV.
- Ask for certificates of no debts and no registered occupants.
Step 4. Preliminary contract and notarial deed
You sign a preliminary contract with a deposit, then the notarial deed. The notary collects PCC (2% on resale) and court fees. If you don't speak Polish, a sworn translator attends the signing.
What it costs
- PCC 2% (or 0% for a first home and from a developer).
- Notary fee plus VAT — depends on the price.
- Sworn translator — about 600–1000 zł.
- MSWiA permit — 1,570 zł (only if required).