Buying Property in the Tri-City as a Foreigner: Our Guide

An increasing number of clients—not only from Western Europe but also from the East—are reaching out to us about premium properties in the Tri-City area. After completing dozens of such transactions in recent years at White Wood, we’ve decided to prepare a concise guide outlining the opportunities and risks foreign buyers should be aware of when purchasing real estate in Poland.

Key Facts:

• The majority of foreign property buyers in Poland are Germans, Dutch, and Swiss nationals, though interest from outside Europe is growing.
• In nearly 95% of cases, no government permit is required.
• Jelitkowo and Orłowo rank among the top premium locations in Poland, with prices reaching up to PLN 23,000–25,000 per square metre.
• Foreign buyers are particularly interested in Gdynia Orłowo, apartments in Sopot, and investment opportunities in central Gdańsk and Brzeźno.

We hope this guide makes investing in the unique Tri-City property market easier for international buyers.

Premium Real Estate Market Outlook in the Tri-City

Once somewhat overlooked, Gdańsk is now the third most expensive housing market in Poland (Gazeta Prawna, 2024), offering opportunities hard to find elsewhere in this part of Europe.

From sea-view penthouses and houseboats in the Old Town to flats with private marinas—such properties are no longer rare. With the ongoing revitalisation of the Gdańsk Shipyard and the development of the Gdynia waterfront, new investment opportunities continue to emerge.

According to Otodom, Tri-City has seen some of the steepest price increases in Poland between 2020 and 2025—around 50% in both the primary and secondary markets. Locations like Jelitkowo and Orłowo top the premium property rankings, with prices reaching up to PLN 25,000 per square metre (PMG Report, Luxury Goods Market in Poland 2024).

Compare with other coastal cities:

(Source: White Wood, Statista, Munich Eye, Sotheby’s – May 2025)

These figures show that while average property prices are similar across these cities, the premium segment in the Tri-City offers exceptional value, with high standards of living and developments mostly built between 2018 and 2026 using modern technologies and amenities.

Tri-City as a Rental Investment Market

The Tri-City is also a highly attractive destination for both short- and long-term rentals. As one of Poland’s largest cities and a major academic hub, its importance in the holiday apartment market is growing across Central Europe.

According to Radisson Hotel & Suites:

58% of foreign tourists in Gdańsk stay in hotels or apartments within a few hundred metres of Granary Island.

Sopot, meanwhile, has a long-standing reputation as a European spa town dating back to pre-war times. Its clean sandy beaches, proximity to Scandinavian ferry routes, and well-connected airport make it a perfect hub in this part of the continent. The city’s relaxed lifestyle, unique architecture, and resort atmosphere only strengthen its appeal.

Besides family homes, foreign buyers often choose “investment packages”—several apartments in a single prime location, negotiated under favourable terms by our agents. Not all of these offers are listed on our website, as we also handle discreet, off-market sales.

Growing Interest Among Foreign Buyers in Poland

According to 2023 data, foreigners purchased 14,300 residential properties and 2,500 office spaces in Poland that year. While Germans, Dutch, and Swiss nationals still top the list (per Statistics Poland), recent years have seen a marked rise in interest from Eastern investors. We’ve welcomed a Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking agent to our team, working directly with such clients.

There’s also increasing demand from buyers in China and the Middle East, where Poland is seen as an exotic, emerging market.

It’s also worth noting the trend among Polish expats returning from Sweden, Germany, or the UK and investing back home. Take footballer Robert Lewandowski, for example—after years playing in Germany, he invested in a high-rise apartment in Świnoujście with stunning sea views. His case proves that coastal real estate offers unmatched value, especially when combined with modern comforts and prestige.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Poland?

Our experience at White Wood shows that foreign interest in Tri-City real estate is currently at an all-time high. Fortunately, current regulations are quite liberal—especially for EU citizens or individuals who have resided in Poland long term.

Regulations for EU vs Non-EU Citizens

EU Citizens:
No special permit is required to buy property in Poland.

From the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA):

“Regardless of your citizenship or residence, you do not need a permit if you’re purchasing a self-contained residential unit […] or if you have resided in Poland for at least 5 years with a permanent residence permit or EU long-term residence status, or if your spouse holds Polish citizenship.”

Of course, you’ll still need to deal with paperwork such as document translation or mortgage applications, but our White Wood agents—many of whom have legal, financial, or banking backgrounds—make the process much smoother.

When Is a Permit from the Ministry (MSWiA) Required?

Important: Nearly 95% of real estate purchases by foreigners in Poland do not require government approval (MSWiA data).

However, non-EU citizens (e.g., from Switzerland, Ukraine, the US, UAE, or China) usually need permission from MSWiA—especially when buying land or a house.

“We have extensive experience handling such cases and know exactly where to go to speed up the formalities,” says Monika Gajewska, head of marketing at White Wood.

Permits are typically granted to foreigners with strong “ties to Poland,” such as:

• Running a business in Poland
• Long-term residency or permanent stay
• Family connections (e.g., Polish spouse, Polish Card, Polish relatives)

We assist with purchases of residential, rental, office, and commercial properties. Please contact us directly for individual consultation, as requirements vary.

Unique Aspects of Premium Property Purchases by Foreigners

From our 2024–2025 transactions, the most popular Tri-City locations among foreign buyers include:

• Gdynia Orłowo, Kamienna Góra – Houses
• Sopot – Apartments
• Gdańsk Śródmieście, Brzeźno – Investment flats and holiday apartments

Two trends stand out:

• Historic buildings – Art Deco townhouses or post-shipyard lofts are in high demand due to their unique Central European charm. While such properties are rare in other EU cities where this market is already saturated, Poland still offers a chance to be among the first to develop a concept in a prime location
• Modern developments – Recent high-end projects like Deo Plaza or Sea Towers are very popular. As our agent Paweł Łączyński recalls, a foreign buyer once asked him about the origins of the exotic wood used in a €16 million Sea Towers apartment. What draws clients in is the uninterrupted sea view, five-star amenities, and onsite concierge service.

Step-by-Step: The Buying Process

Property Selection and the Agent’s Role
Some clients come to us late in the process, needing help with paperwork. Others start from scratch, working with our agents to define what and where they want to buy. With years of hands-on experience, our agents can offer insider knowledge and eliminate communication or cultural barriers.

Legal Due Diligence
Verifying the legal status of a property is often one of the most confusing steps for foreign buyers. It typically requires a local lawyer, but an experienced agent can speed up this stage from months to hours thanks to trusted contacts.

Financing – Cash or Credit?
Our in-house finance department helps clients secure mortgages, even for foreigners. Often, our financial advisers can revive stalled loan applications and negotiate better terms than clients might receive independently.

Important: Since 2024, cash transactions between companies in Poland are capped at PLN 15,000. From 2027, similar rules will apply to private individuals, with all deals over €3,000 requiring identity verification and reporting to the General Inspector of Financial Information (GIFF).

Preliminary and Final Sales Agreements

In Poland, a transaction can be secured through a preliminary agreement or a reservation agreement.

Preliminary Agreement
Legally binding for both parties and may include penalties if one party fails to follow through. Foreign buyers should ensure it includes clauses protecting them in case permit approval is denied.

Reservation Agreement
Less formal and usually not binding for both parties. It allows one side (often the seller) to reserve the property for a fixed period—e.g., while the foreign buyer waits for the permit.

Other Legal Formalities

A PESEL number (Polish tax ID) is not required to buy property but can streamline the paperwork. Since 2021, foreigners can obtain a PESEL for tax purposes, which may later simplify their purchase.

Certified Translations

A distinct requirement in Poland is the need for certified (sworn) translations for many legal and administrative procedures. Even if the buyer doesn’t require a translation personally, authorities may.

This applies to:

• Identity documents and company paperwork
• Visa, residency, or asylum applications
• Financial data of foreign companies
• Court documents
• Notarial deeds (e.g., sales contracts)

Important: These must be done by a qualified sworn translator, not just a native speaker. Upon request, we can provide a list of trusted professionals we collaborate with. Processing time depends on the document type and workload (e.g., holidays), but we can often arrange certified translations within hours.

A sworn translator may also attend the notarial signing to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.

Common Challenges for Foreign Buyers

The biggest issues aren’t just language barriers (now easily handled via phone apps), but cultural differences.

Example:
A Polish buyer purchasing a flat in Tenerife may face entirely different expectations regarding punctuality, documentation, or banking processes—even within the EU. Multiply this complexity when multiple continents are involved.

In extreme cases, deals may fall through when parties fail to align their expectations. This is where the agent acts as the client’s ambassador, often handling the entire process so that the buyer only needs to arrive for the final signing.

Legal changes can also be a major hurdle. As the saying goes: ignorance of the law is no excuse. Some foreign buyers have unknowingly exposed themselves to legal or tax risks—but thanks to our agents and legal partners, we’ve often stepped in just in time.

Final Thoughts: How to Prepare

We hope this guide answers key questions about buying real estate in Poland as a foreigner.

Key takeaways:

• Tri-City is a fast-growing market, with approx. 50% price increases between 2020–2025.
• Foreigners can buy property in Poland; non-EU citizens may need an MSWiA permit.
• White Wood provides support throughout the process—from permit applications to financing.

We recommend starting with a trusted local agent who can guide you through formalities and help you discover the best—and sometimes off-market—opportunities.

For further inquiries, we remain at your service.