In short
Yes, a foreigner can get a mortgage in Poland. In practice banks expect four things: legal residence (a residence card, or a registration certificate for EU citizens), a PESEL number, stable income in złoty paid into a Polish account, and a down payment of at least 10–20% of the price. Requirements vary more between banks than for Polish citizens, so the choice of bank matters as much as the interest rate.
Every year thousands of foreigners buy homes in Poland with a Polish mortgage. Banks do lend to foreigners, but each sets its own rules for residence documents, length of stay and types of income. One bank may refuse an application that another approves without difficulty. This guide explains what Polish banks look at and how to prepare.
Who can get a mortgage in Poland
| Your situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living and working in Poland | Conditions close to those for Polish citizens. Banks usually ask for a certificate of registration of residence and a PESEL number. |
| Permanent residence or EU long-term resident permit | Most banks lend on similar terms as to Polish citizens. |
| Temporary residence card | Many banks lend, but they check how long the card is still valid, how long you have lived and worked in Poland, and your type of contract. |
| Ukrainian citizen with UKR status or a CUKR card | Possible in some banks. The rules changed in 2026, see the guide for Ukrainian citizens. |
| Living abroad, income from abroad | Very limited. Only a few banks consider it, usually with a larger down payment and only for some countries and currencies. |
What banks check
1. Residence document
Non-EU citizens show a passport and a residence card. Some banks require the card to be valid for at least several months, often 6 or 12, from the date of the application or the loan agreement. Others also look at how long you have lived in Poland. If your card expires soon, it is usually better to get the new card first, because a stamp confirming that you applied for an extension is not accepted by every bank. EU citizens show an ID card or passport and the certificate of registration of residence.
2. PESEL number
PESEL is the Polish personal identification number. Practically every bank requires it, because it is needed for the credit bureau check and for the loan agreement. If you work in Poland, you most likely already have one. If not, you apply for it at the municipal office (urząd gminy).
3. Income in złoty
Banks prefer income from work in Poland, paid in złoty into a Polish bank account. An employment contract (umowa o pracę) after the probation period is the easiest case. Some banks want a minimum time with your current employer, often 3 to 6 months. With a fixed-term contract, they check whether it continues for a while after the application. If you are self-employed or work on a B2B contract, most banks expect at least 12 months of business activity in Poland and tax returns showing the income.
Income in euro or another foreign currency from a foreign employer is accepted only by some banks, often with a buffer for exchange rate changes or only partly. Income in hryvnia is generally not accepted.
4. Down payment
Under the KNF Recommendation S, a mortgage in Poland can usually cover up to 80% of the property value, or up to 90% with additional security such as low down payment insurance. In practice you need at least 10%, and better 20%, of the price. Some banks ask foreigners, especially with a temporary residence card, for 20% or more. On top of that come buying costs of roughly 1–4% of the price, described in documents and buying costs.
5. Credit history
Banks check your history in the Polish credit bureau BIK. A short history is common for people who have recently moved to Poland and does not mean a refusal. A Polish credit card or a small instalment loan repaid on time helps. Some banks may ask for a credit report from your home country.
Currency: borrow in złoty
Mortgages in Poland are granted in złoty. A loan in a foreign currency, for example in euro, is available only to people who earn in that currency, and only a few banks offer it. If you earn in złoty, borrowing in złoty also protects you from exchange rate risk.
The process step by step
- Free first call. We check your residence document, income and down payment, and tell you which banks will consider your application.
- Borrowing capacity and offers. You find out how much you can borrow and what the instalment and total cost will be in several banks.
- Choose a property. You sign a reservation or preliminary agreement with the seller, with enough time for the bank decision. We recommend at least 6–8 weeks.
- Application. We submit it to two or three banks at the same time. Documents in a foreign language usually need a sworn translation into Polish.
- Valuation and decision. The bank orders a valuation of the property. The decision usually comes within 2–4 weeks of a complete application.
- Loan agreement and notary. You sign the loan agreement at the bank, then the deed at the notary. If you do not speak Polish, a sworn interpreter must be present at the notary.
- Payout and keys. The bank pays the seller, usually within a few working days of the deed.
Do you need a permit to buy?
Not for a flat. A foreigner from any country can buy a separate residential unit without a permit. A permit from the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) is usually needed for a house with land if you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. The details are in buying property in Poland as a foreigner.
How we help
We work with 13 banks and know which ones currently accept which residence documents and types of income. Before you apply anywhere, we tell you where your chances are best, compare the offers in writing and stay with you until the day at the notary. Our help is free for you, because the bank pays our commission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mortgage with a temporary residence card?
Yes, many banks lend to people with a temporary residence card. They check how long the card is still valid, how long you have lived and worked in Poland and your type of contract. Rules differ between banks, so it is worth checking them before applying.
Is a PESEL number required?
In practice yes. Almost every bank requires a PESEL number for the credit bureau check and the loan agreement.
Can I get a mortgage if my salary is in euro?
Some banks accept income in euro, often counting it with a buffer for exchange rate changes or only in part. The loan itself is usually in złoty. This is the situation where choosing the bank matters most.
How much down payment does a foreigner need?
At least 10% with low down payment insurance, and usually 20%. Some banks ask foreigners with a temporary residence card for more. Buying costs come on top.
Can I sign the documents in English?
The loan agreement and the notarial deed are in Polish. If you do not speak Polish, a sworn interpreter must be present at the notary. Some banks provide English translations of their documents for information.
Sources
- Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF): Recommendation S on mortgage lending
- Act of 24 March 1920 on the acquisition of real estate by foreigners (Polish text)
- Office for Foreigners: CUKR residence card procedure (Polish)
This guide describes general rules and typical bank practice as of October 2026. It is not legal or tax advice and not a bank offer. Each bank sets its own criteria, and the lending decision is always made by the bank.