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Rent · purchase · land register · meldunek

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Renting or buying a flat as a foreigner: choosing it, checking the owner, the contract

We look for a flat to rent or buy and check it before you pay a deposit: the owner and mortgages in the land register, the contract and whether you can register (meldunek). Under an occasional lease (najem okazjonalny) the tenant signs a notarial submission to eviction and names a fallback address, and the deposit may not exceed six months' rent. A non-EU foreigner buys a self-contained flat without an MSWiA permit; a house or land usually needs one.

Tenancy deposit
up to 12 months
occasional lease: up to 6 months' rent
Occasional lease
up to 10 years
written contract · reported to the tax office within 14 days
Buying a flat
No permit
self-contained flat · outside the border zone
MSWiA permit
1,570 PLN
stamp duty · house, land, commercial premises

What we look at when choosing a flat

Most problems a foreign tenant runs into can be caught before signing.

01 / 08

Who owns it

We compare the land register with the person signing the contract. If someone else is letting the flat, we ask for a power of attorney or an agreement that allows subletting.

02 / 08

Occasional lease

A private owner can sign one for a fixed term of up to 10 years. The tenant attaches a notarial statement submitting to eviction and names a flat they could move to, with its owner's consent (Art. 19a of the Tenant Protection Act).

03 / 08

Deposit

Up to twelve months' rent under an ordinary tenancy (Art. 6), up to six under an occasional lease. Under an occasional lease the deposit is returned within a month of moving out.

04 / 08

Charges on top of rent

The building or cooperative service charge, utilities and internet. We ask the owner for the latest bills so you know the real monthly cost.

05 / 08

Meldunek

The owner does not grant consent to registration, they only confirm on the form that you live there. Registration gives the tenant no right to the flat, so we put the owner's signature on the form into the contract.

06 / 08

Buying a flat

A non-EU foreigner buys a self-contained flat and its garage without a permit, outside the border zone. Before the preliminary agreement we check the land register, mortgages and arrears to the building.

07 / 08

House, land, commercial premises

A citizen of a country outside the EEA and Switzerland needs an MSWiA permit unless they have lived in Poland for at least 5 years since getting permanent or EU long-term residence. Stamp duty for the permit is 1,570 PLN.

08 / 08

Written contract and handover record

An occasional lease must be in writing or it is void. At key handover we record meter readings and take photos.

How renting works

Usually 1-3 weeks from the first call to the keys. Buying takes longer because of the notarial deed and the land register entry.

  1. 01

    Call

    30 min

    Budget, district, size, move-in date, meldunek, pets.

  2. 02

    Shortlist

    3-7 days

    We go through listings and owner offers and drop those that do not fit the budget or do not allow meldunek.

  3. 03

    Viewings

    1-3 days

    Condition, heating, windows, noise, transport.

  4. 04

    Land register

    1 day

    We check the owner, mortgages and entries in sections III and IV in the EKW system.

  5. 05

    Tenancy agreement

    1-2 days

    We read the draft: term, notice, deposit, charges, meldunek. For an occasional lease we book the notary.

  6. 06

    Signing and keys

    1 day

    Signing, handover record, meter readings. Then meldunek at the office.

/ documents

What we need from you (renting)

Owners usually ask for these documents.

  • Passport and residence document01
  • PESEL, if you have one02
  • Employment contract or other proof of income03
  • Bank statements, if the owner asks04
  • List of people who will live with you05
  • For an occasional lease: the fallback address and its owner's consent06
  • Deposit and first month's rent07

Pricing

We quote after the first call; it depends on the type of deal.

Consultation
300 PLN
Document review and written plan · credited towards the service
PopularFlat search for renting
Individual quote
Given after the call
Flat purchase
Individual quote
Given after the call

* Paid separately: the notary fee (for a 1,000,000 PLN flat at most 2,385 PLN net), 2% PCC on a resale purchase unless an exemption applies, and the MSWiA permit fee if one is required.

Legal basis
  • §01Civil Code (Art. 659-692 - tenancy; 535-581 - sale)
  • §02Act of 24 March 1920 on the acquisition of real estate by foreigners
  • §03Tenant Protection Act of 21 June 2001
  • §04Land Register and Mortgage Act of 6 July 1982
  • §05MSWiA Regulation on permits for foreigners
/ questions

Frequently asked

  • Yes: the law does not require one, it is the owner's requirement. Other proof of income helps, as does a higher deposit (up to 12 months' rent under an ordinary tenancy) or paying several months up front. An occasional lease also needs a fallback address.

Get in touch

Find a flat without the risk

Tell us your budget, district and dates. We will explain how renting or buying works in your situation and what to check before paying a deposit.

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