Polska przygotowuje zmiany w zasadach dotyczących zakupu nieruchomości przez cudzoziemców. Nowe przepisy mają na celu zaostrzenie nadzoru nad niektórymi transakcjami i mogą wpłynąć na proces zakupu domu dla niektórych kategorii nabywców. Dowiedz się więcej o tym, kto będzie dotknięty zmianami i jak cudzoziemcy mogą kupować nieruchomości w Polsce w 2026 roku

The Polish real estate market remains one of the most active in Central Europe, so changes to the rules governing home purchases are attracting the attention of both investors and people planning to relocate. In 2026, the Polish government plans to update its approach to regulating real estate purchases by foreigners, particularly regarding properties that may be of strategic importance or located in specific regions of the country.

For most buyers, the process of purchasing apartments and houses will remain familiar; however, certain categories of foreigners may face additional requirements and checks. We explain exactly what is changing and how to prepare for buying real estate in Poland.

In the previous article, we reported on the most expensive cities in the world to live in in 2026, according to Numbeo.

Are you planning to buy real estate abroad? Before concluding a deal, it is important to consider not only the price per square meter, but also tax liabilities, restrictions for foreigners, title checks, and additional costs. Visit World's real estate lawyers will help you analyze the property, assess legal risks, and accompany you at all stages of the transaction: from the initial consultation to the signing of the contract. Get professional support and confidence in every step.

Poland is changing the rules for foreign home purchases: what happened

The impetus for the changes was a debate surrounding controls on real estate purchases by foreigners, particularly near critical infrastructure, military facilities, and strategically important areas. The Polish government is working to update legislation to strengthen oversight of certain transactions and close loopholes that existed in the current rules.

Currently, citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland can purchase most residential properties in Poland without special permission. Certain restrictions already apply to citizens of other countries, particularly regarding land plots or real estate in border regions.

The proposed changes do not mean a complete ban on the purchase of housing by foreigners. The focus is primarily on expanding the list of cases in which government agencies will be able to review transactions or require additional approvals.

The goal of these changes is to strengthen oversight of real estate transactions that could impact national security, while still allowing foreigners to invest in and purchase housing in Poland.

We previously covered the most expensive EU capitals for renting in 2026.

Which foreigners will be able to buy real estate without any changes?

For most foreigners buying apartments for living or investment purposes, no significant changes are expected. As before, citizens of EU countries, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland will face the fewest restrictions and can freely purchase residential real estate in Poland.

In many cases, a simplified procedure also applies to foreigners who have long-term ties to Poland, such as:

- Permanent or long-term residence in the country;

- A permanent residence permit;

- EU resident status;

- Marriage to a Polish citizen;

- Conducting business within the country.

Most often, purchasing a standard apartment in a multi-unit building does not require additional approvals. It is precisely these properties that account for the majority of transactions concluded by foreign buyers.

At the same time, before purchasing a house with land or real estate in certain regions of the country, it is worth checking whether special requirements apply to the property. It is precisely these categories of real estate that most often fall under additional state control.

In our previous article, we discussed what to look for before buying an apartment in Poland and how to avoid common mistakes.

How can a foreigner buy a home in Poland in 2026?

Despite possible changes, the general procedure for purchasing a home in Poland remains clear and accessible to foreign buyers. The key is to verify at the very beginning whether the selected property falls into categories subject to special requirements.

The standard purchasing process is as follows:

1. Selecting a property and reviewing documents. The buyer reviews information about the property, checks the data in the Land and Mortgage Register (Księga Wieczysta), and verifies the absence of encumbrances.

2. Assessing the need for a permit. If the property is subject to special rules for foreigners, you must clarify the requirements in advance and prepare the necessary documents.

3. Signing the preliminary agreement. In most cases, the parties enter into a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna) and make a down payment.

4. Executing the main contract at a notary’s office. The transfer of ownership takes place via a notarial deed, which is mandatory for real estate transactions in Poland.

5. Registration of ownership. After the transaction is completed, information about the new owner is entered into the land and mortgage register.

Foreigners should also factor in additional costs associated with purchasing real estate. In addition to the cost of the property itself, you must budget for notary fees, court fees, taxes, and, if necessary, legal support for the transaction. It is these costs that often come as a surprise to buyers entering the Polish real estate market for the first time.

Buying a home in another country is not only an investment but also a serious legal procedure. Mistakes in documents, unaccounted taxes or restrictions for foreigners can lead to financial losses. Consultation with a real estate lawyer from Visit World will help you to safely complete the transaction, check the seller and avoid hidden risks. Contact the experts to make your real estate purchase abroad as transparent and secure as possible.

We remind you! The Cypriot parliament is considering draft laws that could significantly change the conditions for buying real estate for citizens of countries outside the European Union. The initiatives include quantitative limits on properties, geographical bans and transparency requirements for transactions. Read more about the proposed restrictions, foreign purchases statistics and how to prepare for possible changes in the Cyprus real estate market.

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