How can I obtain a permit to buy real estate in Poland ?
As a general rule, foreigners who wish to acquire real estate in Poland must obtain a permit from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration. This is a process that can take up to several months. Citizens of the European Economic Area (i.e. citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland are exempt from the aforementioned obligation. Consequently, the obligation to obtain permission to acquire real estate applies to UK citizens. The obligation does not apply to detached dwellings, as well as garages, which, in principle, can be purchased in Poland by a citizen of any country without obtaining a permit.
The 'border zones’ case
If a property is located in a 'border zone’ , the exception that allows the acquisition of dwellings and garages without a permit from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration does not apply. Thus, in the border zone, every time a foreigner who is not a citizen of the European Economic Area or Switzerland must obtain a permit to acquire real estate. It is important to notice that many attractive communes and cities in Poland are located in the 'border zone’, such as Gdynia, Sopot, Gdańsk, and nearby communes (e.g. Żukowo), Szczecin, Międzyzdroje, Świnoujście, communes located in the coastal belt of Pomorskie and Zachodnio-Pomorskie Voivodeships, communes located on the Vistula Lagoon and on the Polish-Russian border in Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, Białowieża, Zakopane.
Get assistance from an experienced lawyer
To obtain a permit, you must apply in writing to the Minister for Internal Affairs and Administration. The application must meet the requirements imposed on it by law and must include the necessary attachments to show, inter alia, the details of the real estate the foreigner intends to acquire, the owner’s consent to the disposal, confirmation of the possession of funds for the purchase of the real estate, the source of the funds. In addition, the application should be accompanied by a confirmation of payment of stamp duty, which currently amounts to PLN 1,570.00.
A solicitor may assist you with drawing up the application and gathering the necessary documents. Remember, when selecting a lawyer to help you carry out the administrative proceedings and obtain a permit for the acquisition of real estate, to choose a person who is experienced in cases involving foreigners, such as Kancelaria Adwokacka Adam Gautier. This will undoubtedly help you to shorten the waiting period for obtaining the permit.
Wróć