Mortgage in Poland for Foreigners: Requirements, Costs and Step‑by‑Step Guide

For an expat buying a flat in Warsaw, a mortgage is usually available once you have a residence card and can provide at least a 20 % down‑payment. Using the median primary‑market price in Białołęka (572 000 PLN) the typical monthly instalment on a 25‑year loan is about 2 950 PLN.

Who can apply for a mortgage in Poland?

Legal residency status

Polish banks may lend to non‑citizens who hold a karta pobytu (residence card) or a long‑term visa. The law on foreigners (Ustawa o cudzoziemcach) confirms that a residence permit gives the right to conclude contracts, including loan agreements【"isap.sejm.gov.pl.

Income and credit assessment

Banks require proof of stable income (employment contract, payslips, or tax‑return for self‑employed) and a credit history. Many banks also ask for a Polish bank account and a PESEL number.

Typical mortgage costs and rates (2026 data)

Data source: NBP reference rate, typical bank margin and WIBOR values from the NAWROCKI mortgage facts (updated 2026‑10‑15); statutory fees from Polish law.

Example calculation

Using the median primary‑market flat price in Białołęka (572 000 PLN):

• Down‑payment (20 %): 114 400 PLN
• Loan amount (80 %): 457 600 PLN
• Interest rate: 6 %
• Term: 25 years
• Monthly instalment (equal principal + interest): ≈ 2 950 PLN

These figures match the example provided in NAWROCKI’s internal mortgage model.

Additional fees you must budget for

2. Land‑registry (księga wieczysta) entry – 200 PLN for ownership, 200 PLN for the mortgage.
3. PCC (Podatek od czynności cywilnoprawnych) on the mortgage – a flat 19 PLN (statutory).
4. Appraisal fee – 500‑1 000 PLN, required by the bank to confirm the property’s market value.
5. Insurance – life and property insurance are often mandatory; cost depends on the insurer.

Practical step‑by‑step guide for expats

1. Obtain a residence card (karta pobytu) or a long‑term visa. The Office for Foreigners (UDSC) processes applications – see the official portal for details.
2. Open a Polish bank account and obtain a PESEL number; both are needed for the loan contract.
3. Assess affordability using our mortgage calculator and decide on the down‑payment amount.
4. Select a property – check transaction prices in the district you prefer, e.g., see the RCN data for Białołęka or other districts.
5. Gather documentation: employment contract, recent payslips, tax returns, residence card copy, and proof of funds for the down‑payment.
6. Apply for a pre‑approval at a bank; they will request a property appraisal and may ask for additional guarantees.
7. Negotiate the purchase contract (umowa przedwstępna) and include a clause that the sale is conditional on mortgage approval.
8. Sign the final purchase contract (umowa deweloperska or umowa sprzedaży) before a notary.
9. Finalize the mortgage – sign the loan agreement, pay the notary and registration fees, and register the mortgage in the land‑registry.
10. Take possession of the flat and start any finishing works if needed – see our apartment fit‑out packages.

Where to find more district‑specific data

• Transaction prices for each district: RCN transaction prices.
• New‑development listings and asking prices: new developments or the full catalogue.
• Investment map for a visual overview: investment map.

If you need personalised assistance, contact us – we can help you prepare the documents, compare bank offers and guide you through the notary process.

Contact NAWROCKI Real Estate for a free consultation.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a notary, lawyer, tax adviser or mortgage broker before making a decision.

Sources

• Ustawa z 12 grudnia 2013 r. o cudzoziemcach (ISAP)
• GPW Benchmark — administrator wskaźników WIBOR
• Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego (Rekomendacja S)