Poland Real Estate 2025: Buying Rules, Investment Cities & Foreign Ownership Guide
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7/8/2025

✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Poland?
Yes — most foreigners can buy apartments and commercial property freely, but buying land or houses may require government permission for non-EU buyers.
🏠 Poland is considered one of the most accessible property markets in Central Europe for foreign buyers.
⚖️ Foreign Ownership Rules in Poland (2025)
🔹 EU/EEA Citizens
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Can buy residential and commercial properties freely
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No restrictions on land or houses
🔹 Non-EU Citizens
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Can freely buy apartments (condominiums) and office/commercial units
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Need Ministry of Interior approval to buy:
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Standalone houses
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Land (residential, agricultural, or forested)
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✅ Permits are rarely denied if the buyer has legitimate use and no criminal background.
🔹 Company Ownership
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A company registered in Poland or the EU can buy land and houses
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This is a common workaround for non-EU buyers
🏙️ Top Cities to Invest in Poland (2025)
🔹 1. Warsaw
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Capital city with the strongest rental and resale market
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Major expat population, corporate tenants, and student demand
🔹 2. Kraków
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Historic city and tech/startup hub
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Popular for tourism, student housing, and serviced apartments
🔹 3. Wrocław
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Young, dynamic population and growing foreign investment
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High demand for affordable rentals and IT workforce housing
🔹 4. Gdańsk (Tri-City Area)
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Coastal city with a thriving logistics and business hub
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Emerging market for holiday rentals and office space
🔹 5. Łódź
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Poland’s most affordable large city
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Benefiting from massive redevelopment and logistics investments
💰 Average Property Prices in 2025
City | Avg. Price (PLN/sqm) | Approx. €/sqm |
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Warsaw | 13,000–18,000 | €3,000–€4,200 |
Kraków | 11,000–15,000 | €2,500–€3,500 |
Wrocław | 10,000–14,000 | €2,300–€3,200 |
Gdańsk | 11,000–16,000 | €2,500–€3,700 |
Łódź | 7,500–10,500 | €1,700–€2,400 |
Poland uses the Polish zloty (PLN). Property remains relatively affordable by EU standards.
📈 Rental Yields & ROI
City | Long-Term Yield | Short-Term ROI |
---|---|---|
Warsaw | 4.5–6.5% | 6–8.5% |
Kraków | 4–5.5% | 6–8% |
Wrocław | 5–6.5% | 6.5–8.5% |
Gdańsk | 4.5–6% | 6–8% |
Łódź | 5–7% | 6–8% |
Airbnb and other short-term rentals are legal and thriving, though some cities are considering regulations in historic areas.
🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners
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Reserve property and sign a preliminary agreement
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Pay deposit (usually 10%)
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Engage a Polish notary and legal advisor
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If needed, apply for Ministry of Interior permit
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Sign final agreement before notary
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Register property at Land and Mortgage Register
⏱️ The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, longer if a permit is needed (up to 90 days).
🧾 Taxes & Fees
Type | Cost/Rate |
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Property Transfer Tax | 2% (not applicable for new builds) |
Notary and Legal Fees | ~1–2% |
Real Estate Agent Fee | 2–3% (buyer or seller pays) |
VAT on New Property | 8% or 23% (depends on type and size) |
Capital Gains Tax | 19% (waived after 5 years) |
Rental Income Tax | 8.5% (flat for small landlords) or 12–32% progressive |
Annual Property Tax | Low, varies by local authority |
🛂 Does Buying Property Grant Residency?
❌ No, buying real estate does not automatically provide residence rights.
However:
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Property ownership can help support visa, business permit, or long-stay residency applications
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Poland has temporary and permanent residence permits for investors and entrepreneurs
🏘️ Who Should Invest in Poland?
✅ Ideal for:
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Investors looking for solid rental yields and capital growth
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Foreigners wanting access to EU real estate with fewer restrictions
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Digital nomads and families relocating to Europe
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Buyers priced out of Western Europe who still want EU ownership
❌ Not ideal for:
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Investors seeking luxury coastal properties or ultra-high-end homes
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Those looking for citizenship by investment
🔮 2025 Market Trends in Poland
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Strong demand in student cities and business hubs
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International companies expanding into Wrocław and Kraków
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Property prices rising but still below Western European levels
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Infrastructure investments driving growth in regional cities
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Foreign demand from UAE, Israel, UK, and Ukraine increasing
🧭 Final Thoughts
Poland is one of Europe’s most underrated real estate investment destinations. With clear laws, freehold ownership, and solid yields, it offers long-term value and growth potential.
For EU and non-EU buyers alike, Poland balances affordability with strong economic fundamentals, making it ideal for mid-tier investors, expats, and yield-focused landlords.
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