Buying Property in Poland

If you are not a citizen of Poland but belong to the European Union, then you can purchase property in Poland of all types except when it is farmland, woodland or a second property. However, if you are acquiring a farmland for renting or agricultural purpose for a period of a few years, then you do not need a permit. If you are able to establish that you will use the woodlands for work purposes for several years, then too you do not need a permit. A second property if is used for touristic purposes (like an inn or motel) does not require a permit. If you need it for residential purpose, then it does.

The process of purchase starts with the buyer approaching the seller for the property. The seller has to obtain an extract from the Land Registry which proves the seller’s authority to sell the property and also whether any mortgages or taxes are pending on the property. This process can take up to 7 days. Once the information is extracted, the seller passes it on to the notary appointed by the buyer.

At the same time, both the parties have to obtain an extract from “Cadastre” which states the evidentiary number and the boundaries of the property on official map.

Also, one has to obtain a local spatial development plan to establish that the property is not for agricultural use. Also, in case either or both the parties are entrepreneurs, an extract from the register of entrepreneurs of the National Court Register is required, in order to establish who is authorized to act on behalf of the entrepreneur.

After all these documents are obtained, the notary prepares the transfer agreement. With this agreement the notary applies for registration at Land Registry or Registry Court. This process can take up to 6 months and on completion is when the property considered transferred.