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.
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.
Most problems a foreign tenant runs into can be caught before signing.
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.
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).
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.
The building or cooperative service charge, utilities and internet. We ask the owner for the latest bills so you know the real monthly cost.
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.
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.
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.
An occasional lease must be in writing or it is void. At key handover we record meter readings and take photos.
Usually 1-3 weeks from the first call to the keys. Buying takes longer because of the notarial deed and the land register entry.
Budget, district, size, move-in date, meldunek, pets.
We go through listings and owner offers and drop those that do not fit the budget or do not allow meldunek.
Condition, heating, windows, noise, transport.
We check the owner, mortgages and entries in sections III and IV in the EKW system.
We read the draft: term, notice, deposit, charges, meldunek. For an occasional lease we book the notary.
Signing, handover record, meter readings. Then meldunek at the office.
Owners usually ask for these documents.
We quote after the first call; it depends on the type of deal.
* 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.
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.
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.