Can a Ukrainian Buy Real Estate in Poland? Useful Information for Potential Investors

In 2026, interest in Polish real estate among Ukrainians remains high: they purchased 9,000 apartments, surpassing the number of transactions made by Poles, EU citizens, and nationals of other countries. Here, property is chosen for permanent residence, naturalization, as well as rental income. If you are staying in the country for a short time, renting an apartment is a rational and affordable solution, but in the case of a long-term stay or relocating for permanent residence, buying real estate is worth considering.

In this case, it is essential to know the rules and exceptions, as the purchase depends on the type of property. Before closing a deal, a foreign buyer should understand when a permit is required, what documents to prepare, and what additional expenses to account for in the budget.

Can a Ukrainian Buy an Apartment in Poland?

Real estate in Poland is legally divided into apartments and houses. Citizens of Ukraine can officially purchase an apartment in Poland without Polish citizenship or a residence card (karta pobytu).

A non-resident has the right to buy housing in a multi-unit apartment building without the need to obtain a permit from the MSWiA (Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland) or maintain permanent residence in the country, provided the property meets the exemption conditions specified by law.

To complete the transaction, a valid passport and the buyer's personal details are required.

PESEL (universal personal ID number) / NIP (for tax registration) is not a mandatory requirement for purchasing property, so its presence is requested depending on the situation.

Before buying an apartment, it is mandatory to verify its legal status, the seller's information, and the absence of encumbrances. The main document in this case is the księga wieczysta (land and mortgage register).

As for renting an apartment for non-residents, there are no restrictions on lease agreements: foreign nationals, individuals, and legal entities can rent an apartment or land (a written contract is required for leases longer than one year).

Can a Ukrainian Buy a House and Land in Poland?

If a Ukrainian wants to buy a house in Poland, it requires inspecting not only the building itself but also the land plot on which it stands. The presence of the land plot is precisely why a permit from MSWiA is usually required.

When is an MSWiA permit NOT required when buying a house and land?

Polish legislation provides several exceptions where a foreigner does not need to apply for it:

• the foreigner holds a permanent residence permit or long-term EU resident status;
• the Ukrainian has resided in Poland continuously for at least 5 years;
• the buyer is officially married to a Polish citizen, provided they have lived in the country for at least 2 years after obtaining permanent residence.

Despite these exceptions, they do not apply to houses located in border areas, nor to agricultural land plots larger than 1 hectare.

How Can You Obtain an MSWiA Permit?

If the buyer still needs to obtain a permit, an application must be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland.

Depending on the situation, the required documents may include:

• a copy of the passport;
• documents confirming legal status/residence in the country;
• documents confirming ties to Poland;
• information and documents regarding the real estate being purchased;
• documents regarding the land plot and the seller;
• proof of income source.

Documents in foreign languages must be officially translated into Polish by a sworn translator and notarized.

The state fee for submitting an MSWiA application in 2026 is PLN 1,570.

The table below outlines the permit requirements for housing purchases by Ukrainians in detail:

How to Buy an Apartment in Poland as a Ukrainian: Step-by-Step

Purchasing real estate in Poland for Ukrainians consists of several sequential steps.

Standard apartment purchases without an MSWiA permit proceed as follows:

1. Property selection. Decide on the city, neighborhood, desired area, and budget. For primary market properties, verify the developer's reputation and project documentation.
2. Legal due diligence in Księga wieczysta (land and mortgage register). It contains details about ownership, restrictions, encumbrances, etc. Verification of the owner's identity and rights to dispose of the property is mandatory.
3. Signing the contract (Umowa rezerwacyjna/deweloperska/przedwstępna) depending on the purchase type.
4. Making a deposit (zadatek/zaliczka).
5. Signing the Akt notarialny (notarial deed) with a notary.
6. Registration of ownership rights in Księga wieczysta under the new owner's name.

Hayat Estate agency offers comprehensive real estate services when selecting and buying property in Poland. We guide clients through every step of the transaction to ensure it is completed efficiently and safely. We verify the legal status of the property so that your chosen apartment or house fully meets your expectations.

You can submit a service request on our website by filling out the feedback form.

Required Documents

To complete the purchase, the future investor needs to prepare a document package including:

• passport and personal details of the buyer;
• marital status details, if required for the transaction;
• PESEL/NIP, depending on the situation;
• proof of income sources when required by a bank;
• mortgage documents, if purchasing with borrowed funds.

If you are buying a house or land plot, you must also obtain an MSWiA permit.

Taxes and Purchase Expenses

The property price is only the first cost item. When budgeting, the buyer must also account for taxes, commissions, and additional fees:

• PCC (Civil Law Transactions Tax) on primary market property may be exempt under specific statutory conditions;
• PCC 2% on secondary market property purchases;
• VAT – for new development purchases, an 8% VAT is already included in the developer's price;
• Ownership registration entry – approx. PLN 200;
• Notary fees depend on the property value and notary rates, usually ranging between PLN 2,000 – 4,500;
• Annual property tax depends on the municipality and is around PLN 1.25 per 1 m² of usable area;
• Agency commission is established by agreement.

Overall, additional transaction costs amount to about 2 – 5% for primary market properties and 8 – 12% for secondary market properties.

Mortgages in Poland for Ukrainians

Real estate purchase in Poland for Ukrainians is also possible via mortgage financing. However, non-residents must meet several requirements to secure a loan (having the legal right to buy real estate does not guarantee automatic loan approval).

When evaluating a mortgage application, the bank inspects:

• legality of the foreigner's stay in Poland;
• possession and validity period of a residence card (karta pobytu);
• employment type and income level;
• credit history;
• property value and initial down payment amount.

Mortgage terms vary across banks, so it is advisable to evaluate your creditworthiness before applying.

Property Prices in Poland in 2026

In Q2 2026, real estate prices grew by 1.5% compared to 2025. Apartment prices depend on several key factors:

• city and neighborhood;
• floor level and view;
• property characteristics (area, market type, layout, renovation condition).

Poland's capital in 2026 remains the most sought-after location for purchasing residential real estate, making property prices here traditionally higher than in other cities. Nearly a quarter of all apartments bought by foreigners are located here.

The most expensive apartments are located in the business center, close to the metro and key infrastructure, costing significantly more than peripheral locations.

Prices per 1 m² for apartments in the city center start from €3,420 (PLN 15,000) and up, while in residential districts prices reach up to €2,500 (approx. PLN 11,000).

Krakow ranks second in demand and pricing. The cultural capital offers apartments at a median price starting from €3,300/m² (PLN 14,500) in the center, and €2,400 (PLN 10,500) in outer districts.

In 2026, Gdansk holds third place – from €2,850 (PLN 12,500) in the city center and from €1,900 on the outskirts.

For details on average market prices, see the table below:

New Build vs. Resale Market

When choosing between the primary (new developments) or secondary (resale) markets, buyers should weigh the advantages and features of each option.

This decision involves not only budget, but also relocation timelines, readiness for immediate move-in, physical condition, and paperwork nuances.

Primary Market (New Developments)

Properties under construction or recently built offer distinct advantages:

• favorable pricing;
• no previous occupants, providing a brand-new home;
• variety of available floor plan options and levels.

Despite lower initial prices, it takes time for construction to complete and for the residential complex to be commissioned. Under standard regulations, developer properties are delivered in "stan deweloperski" (developer standard), where core engineering and structural work is finished:

• entrance door and window installation;
• wall prep for painting;
• floor screed;
• electrical wiring distribution;
• heating, sewage, and water connections;
• utility meter setup.

A new build requires capital investments for finishing work, which averages between €400/m² to €600/m², reaching up to €29,000 for a 50 m² apartment. The buyer must handle complete interior finishing, plumbing fixtures, lighting, household appliances, and furniture installation.

Secondary Market (Resale Property)

Resale properties suit those who want to move in quickly and conveniently. The main advantage is the ability to inspect the property immediately and move in right after purchase. You won't need to spend extra time or money on initial repairs, as these units typically come equipped with furniture, appliances, and everyday essentials.

If you are buying property for rental income, a move-in ready resale unit is an excellent option to start leasing right away.

Before buying a resale apartment or house, always verify:

• entries in Księga wieczysta;
• condition of plumbing, heating, and electrical wiring;
• legal purity, owner status, and absence of utility debts;
• overall property condition;
• monthly maintenance/utility costs.

Does Buying Real Estate Grant a Residence Permit?

Unlike some countries, purchasing an apartment or house in Poland is not sufficient by itself to legalize your stay. Simply put: owning real estate does not automatically grant a residence permit (VNP) or Polish citizenship.

However, owning property provides clear benefits when applying for temporary residence, permanent residence, or citizenship, as it serves as official proof of address (eliminating the need for a lease contract during visa applications at a consulate) and allows you to register your residence (meldunek) at that address.

Furthermore, with Polish real estate prices rising annually, owning property serves as a solid investment asset for the future.

If you plan to purchase an apartment, house, or investment property in Poland, Hayat Estate Agency will help you choose the right property and gather all necessary documents for the deal. We organize online property viewings and even handle remote purchases via power of attorney.

Our experts will guide you through every stage to ensure a secure transaction and help you become a proud homeowner in the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I buy an apartment without a karta pobytu?

Yes. Ukrainian citizens can become legal owners of an apartment in Poland without a special MSWiA permit (when statutory exemptions apply). Polish residency or citizenship is not required.

Can real estate be bought remotely (via Power of Attorney)?

In certain cases, a buyer can purchase Polish real estate remotely through a designated representative via Power of Attorney. The power of attorney must comply strictly with Polish notary law requirements.

Can a foreigner buy a house in Poland?

Yes. Keep in mind that buying a house with land generally requires an MSWiA permit. Specific categories of buyers are exempt under current legislation.

Is a PESEL required for the transaction?

No. A PESEL number is not mandatory when buying an apartment as a Ukrainian citizen. However, having one can be helpful when interacting with tax authorities, banks, and other institutions.

What taxes need to be paid?

When purchasing a primary market property, VAT is included in the purchase price. Secondary market purchases (if it is your first primary residence) are often exempt from PCC; otherwise, a 2% PCC tax rate applies unless statutory exemption grounds exist. Property owners must also pay an annual property tax of approx. PLN 1.25 per 1 m² of usable floor space.

Article update date: October 02, 2026.