CGO Legal | Real Estate Law
Permit to Buy Land in Poland
Non-EEA nationals generally require a permit from the Minister of Interior before purchasing real estate in Poland. We handle the full process — from eligibility assessment to final decision — so your transaction is not delayed by regulatory uncertainty.
Key facts at a glance
The permit requirement is a legal gateway — not an obstacle. With the right preparation, approval rates are high.
Poland’s permit system for non-EEA buyers is procedural rather than restrictive. The Ministry of Interior evaluates whether purchase is justified and whether it poses any national security concern. Most applications from genuine buyers are approved — but preparation and documentation quality matter.
- Eligibility assessment
- Application preparation
- Document gathering
- Authority liaison
- Appeal support (if needed)
Permit to buy land in Poland — key facts
| Who needs a permit? | Non-EEA nationals purchasing real estate (house, land, commercial property). EEA citizens generally exempt. Exceptions apply — contact us to check your situation. |
| Who issues the permit? | Minister of Interior and Administration (Minister Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji) |
| What is assessed? | Whether the applicant has ties to Poland, purpose of purchase, source of funds, and whether acquisition poses security concerns |
| Stamp duty | PLN 1,570 payable with the application |
| Processing time | Typically 2–4 months; up to 6 months in complex cases |
| Validity | Permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue |
| Common exceptions (no permit needed) | Purchasing a flat in a multi-unit building (for EEA nationals); separate garage; inheritance from a Polish citizen; long-term EEA residents in some cases |
Who needs a permit — and who is exempt?
Permit required
- Non-EEA nationals buying a house or plot of land
- Non-EEA nationals buying commercial real estate
- Non-EEA nationals buying agricultural or forest land (additional restrictions apply)
Generally exempt
- EEA and Swiss citizens (most property types)
- Spouses of Polish citizens (for joint property)
- Non-EEA buyers of a flat (apartment) in a multi-unit building
- Persons inheriting property from Polish citizens
Not sure?
The rules depend on your nationality, the property type and your existing ties to Poland. We provide a clear eligibility assessment before you invest time or money in the application process.
Permit application process — step by step
1. Eligibility Assessment
We assess whether a permit is required for your specific situation — nationality, property type and personal ties to Poland. We also identify any exceptions that may apply.
2. Document Preparation
We compile all required documents: proof of ties to Poland, identity documents, property details, seller’s declaration, source of funds and supporting materials. Foreign language documents require sworn translation.
3. Application Filing
We prepare and file the complete application with the Ministry of Interior, pay the stamp duty on your behalf and receive all correspondence from the authority throughout the review period.
4. Authority Liaison
We respond to any requests for additional documents from the Ministry, monitor the status of the application and keep you informed at every stage. The Ministry may request supplementary materials during review.
5. Permit Received
Once the permit is issued, we hand it to you and coordinate the next steps: due diligence, preliminary agreement and notarial deed. The permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Appeal Support
In the rare event of a refusal or request for clarification, we prepare and submit an appeal or supplementary response. We advise on whether grounds for appeal exist and on alternative routes.
What to include in the permit application
Application form must state:
- Details of the property to be purchased
- Information about the seller
- Legal basis for the transaction
- Purpose of the purchase
- Source of funds
- Whether purchasing alone or jointly with a spouse
- Whether applicant already owns real estate in Poland
Documents to attach:
- Documents confirming ties to Poland (residence card, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Valid identity document
- Property documentation (land register extract, zoning plan, etc.)
- Seller’s declaration of willingness to sell
- Documents confirming financial capacity and source of funds
All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a sworn Polish translation. Documents must be originals or notarially certified copies.
FAQ — Permit to buy property in Poland
Do I need a permit as a US / UK / Australian citizen?
Yes, for most property types. US, UK, Australian and other non-EEA citizens require a permit from the Minister of Interior to purchase a house or plot of land in Poland. Purchasing a flat (apartment) in a multi-unit building is generally exempt. We always recommend a formal eligibility check before proceeding.
How long does the permit process take?
Typically 2–4 months from submission. Complex cases or requests for supplementary documents can extend this to 6 months. We begin preparing the application as early as possible — often in parallel with the due diligence stage — to minimise delays.
Can my application be refused?
Refusals are uncommon for genuine buyers with documented ties to Poland and a clear purpose. The most frequent reasons for rejection are incomplete documentation or an inability to demonstrate a credible connection to Poland. We review all materials thoroughly before submission to minimise this risk.
Can I proceed with purchase before the permit is granted?
Yes — a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna) can be signed before the permit is issued, with the permit as a condition precedent. The notarial deed transferring ownership can only be signed after the permit is granted. We structure the pre-sale agreement to protect your deposit in the interim.
Does CGO Legal handle the full purchase after the permit?
Yes. The permit process is integrated with our full conveyancing service. We handle due diligence, the preliminary agreement, permit application and the final notarial deed as a seamless process — you have one point of contact throughout.
