Mortgage Guide for Expats in Poland
Mortgage essentials for expats in Poland – what you need to know before applying
Getting a mortgage in a new country you have just move to can be stressful - especcialy if you do not know where to start, who to ask, and when English isn’t commonly used in mortgage banking in Poland.
Let me share with you some basic knowledge, practical tips and insights. In this article I‘ll focus on the things that are specific to expats.
RESIDENCE DOCUMENTS – what rules apply to non-EU citizens?
If your country of origin is outside the European Union, you are required to have a valid Residence Card / (Karta Pobytu) in order to apply for a mortgage in Poland. This can be either permanent or temporary - with temporary cards are much more common. If permanent - most banks are able to proceed your application.
If your card is permanent, most banks will accept your application without additional requirements. If it's temporary, each bank has its own policy regarding the minimum required validity of the card. Here's how it works:
One bank doesn't require a residence card at all – as long as you have a PESEL number (with some exceptions)
Another bank only requires the card to be valid on the day of application – it can even expire a few days later
One bank requires at least 3 months of validity
Another one – 6 months
One bank:
For secondary market properties – 6 months validity is required.
For primary market – 6 months + the construction/delivery time.
Two other banks require 12 months of card validity
A few remaining banks will only accept permanent residence cards
In summary:
The safest and most convenient time to apply for a mortgage is when your residence card is valid for at least 12 months, or is permanent.2. CREDITWORTHINESS - are there any differences for expats?
In general - no, in most banks, your creditworthiness is calculated exactly the same way as for Polish citizens.The only exception is one bank, which applies a slight reduction (around 10–15%) to the available amount.
3. Purchasing a house or land – Ministry of Internal Affairs approval
If you’re a non-EU citizen and plan to buy a land or a detached house, you’ll likely need to obtain official permission from the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs.
If you also plan to apply for a mortgage to finance such a property, be prepared for a multi-stage, complex process that may take at least 7 months.
Please note: Each mortgage application is assessed individually by the bank.
Need help navigating the mortgage process in Poland?
I’ve worked with expats from over 30 countries and I know the system inside out.
Let’s talk – I’ll help you secure the best possible mortgage loan.
Book a free consultation, drop me a message via contact form.
radek@gardenoffinance.com
+48-510-001-503