Navigating the mortgage process in Poland can be complex—especially for foreigners, first-time buyers, or those unfamiliar with the Polish financial system. Whether you're buying your first apartment in Warsaw or building your dream home in Kraków, understanding how mortgages work in Poland is essential.
This expert guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of the mortgage process in Poland, including the required documents, typical costs, bank procedures, and best practices. We’ll also explain how working with a certified financial advisor—such as those at reFinansujemy.com—can significantly simplify and improve the experience.
Anyone—Polish citizen or foreigner—can apply for a mortgage in Poland, though the process and documentation differ slightly.
Requirements:
You must have a stable income (preferably documented).
You should have residency or employment in Poland (unless applying as an EU citizen or with additional guarantees).
You’ll need a bank account in Poland.
A credit history in Poland or your home country can influence approval (BIK/credit check).
Before you start visiting apartments or houses, the first and most critical step is to determine your budget and credit capacity. This means knowing how much you can borrow and how much your monthly installment will be.
At reFinansujemy.com, the process begins with a free consultation with a certified financial advisor with 18 years of experience in the Polish mortgage market. Your advisor will:
Analyze your income, obligations, and credit history.
Help you calculate loan affordability.
Suggest the best mortgage offers based on interest rates, margins, and terms.
Guide you on whether fixed or variable interest rate is better for your case.
Pre-qualification saves time and ensures you shop within your financial range.
Once pre-qualified, you can confidently search for properties knowing your approximate loan capacity. After you choose the property, obtain:
A preliminary agreement or reservation agreement with the seller.
Details of the legal title, land registry number (księga wieczysta), and building permits (if applicable).
To apply for a mortgage, you’ll need to submit a comprehensive set of documents to the bank. Your mortgage advisor will assist in collecting and verifying them.
Passport or Polish ID (dowód osobisty)
PESEL number
Residency permit (for foreigners)
Marital status certificate (if applicable)
Employment contract (preferably indefinite)
Last 3-6 months of salary slips
PIT-37 (annual tax return)
Bank statements
CEIDG/KRS extract
ZUS and US certificates
Company financials (revenue and costs)
Preliminary purchase agreement
Land and mortgage register (KW)
Developer's permit (if primary market)
Valuation/operat szacunkowy (can be ordered by the bank)
After collecting documents, your advisor submits the application to 2–3 banks simultaneously to improve chances and compare offers.
Process timeline:
Loan processing time: 2–6 weeks
Bank valuation: 3–7 business days
Credit committee decision: varies by bank
Once approved, you receive a loan decision and draft contract.
If you accept the offer, you sign the loan agreement at the bank or a notary (depending on the lender). Before funds are released:
Property insurance is required.
Life or job-loss insurance may be optional but affect the margin.
You may need to make an own contribution (wkład własny), usually 10–20%.
After fulfilling all bank conditions (e.g., property insurance, contribution, notarial deed), the bank releases the loan:
Funds go directly to the seller or developer.
The notary transfer of ownership is completed.
The bank adds a mortgage lien (hipoteka) to the land registry.
You now officially own the property.
While mortgage interest rates have stabilized since the rate hikes of 2022–2023, the total cost of a mortgage in Poland still includes several components:
Cost Type | Amount (approx.) |
---|---|
Bank commission | 0%–3% (often waived) |
Notary fees | 1,500–5000 PLN |
Property valuation | 400–900 PLN |
Entry in land registry | 200 PLN |
PCC (2% tax on secondary market) | Applies if not a new build |
Life/job-loss insurance | Optional, but may affect rate |
Early repayment fees | Limited or 0% after 3 years |
Your advisor from reFinansujemy.com will calculate APR (RRSO) and help optimize these costs.
After signing, you begin monthly repayments. You can manage your mortgage in several ways:
Overpay early: Most banks allow free early repayments after 3 years.
Refinancing: If market rates drop or your credit improves, refinancing to a better deal is possible.
Change of security or borrower: In case of divorce or inheritance, the mortgage terms may be modified.
It is crucial to monitor your scoring, BIK entries, and repayment history.
Refinancing means moving your mortgage to another bank to get better conditions.
Situations where refinancing makes sense:
Interest rates drop.
Your bank refuses to renegotiate.
You want to consolidate debts.
You need a longer term or lower monthly installment.
A certified mortgage expert from reFinansujemy.com can help compare refinancing offers from leading Polish banks, ensuring you get optimal terms with transparent costs and no hidden fees.
The Polish mortgage system is safe but bureaucratic. Mistakes can cost you time, stress, and thousands of złotych. That’s why working with a professional matters.
At reFinansujemy.com, you receive assistance from a certified financial advisor with 18 years of experience. Their services include:
Full comparison of bank offers.
Negotiation of margins and commissions.
Support with documentation, valuation, and legal steps.
Refinancing and restructuring advice.
Best of all – this service is free to you, as advisors receive commission from the bank. You get professional guidance without paying extra.
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