Real estate in Poland

Why buy real estate abroad: investments, lifestyle, strategic calculation

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The global real estate market is not just about square meters, but a space of opportunities. Against the backdrop of turbulence in the economy and politics, foreign ownership has become not a symbol of luxury, but a risk hedging tool, a channel for diversification, and strategic capital migration. Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America — each geography offers unique combinations of profitability, tax regimes, living conditions, and growth scales. Poland, for example, has become one of the new hubs for investment demand due to stable macroeconomics, market digitalization, and accessible credit leverage.

European Arena: Where Stability is Sought

Poland, Germany, Portugal, Hungary — locations attract investors with stable jurisdiction, property rights protection, and clear deal architecture. Why buy real estate abroad in these countries? The answer lies in the opportunity to earn stable income with a low entry threshold.

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In Poland, for instance, the average price per square meter in Warsaw is around 2,500 euros, while in Berlin it is already 5,000 euros. The market shows an annual growth of up to 7–9%, and tenant demand remains consistently high — especially in Krakow and Wroclaw due to IT clusters and student flows. Renting a studio in the center of Krakow brings in about 600 euros per month, with an annual post-tax yield reaching 5.1%.

Countries within the Schengen area not only allow earning but also free movement, opening up prospects for both leisure and relocation. Buying real estate abroad becomes a platform for obtaining a residence permit, access to healthcare systems, educational institutions, and banking products.

Profitable Mathematics: Why Buy Real Estate Abroad

The economic feasibility of a purchase begins with calculation. Why buy real estate abroad if domestic yields are falling and depreciation costs are rising? A well-structured model provides the opportunity to bypass inflationary losses and earn on two fronts — rent + capitalization.

Example calculation in the Polish market:

  1. Property: two-bedroom apartment in Lodz with an area of 55 m².
  2. Cost: 120,000 euros (including registration and renovation).
  3. Rental income: 750 euros per month.
  4. Taxes and maintenance: around 80 euros.
  5. Net profit: 670 euros per month.
  6. Annual yield: ≈ 6.7%.

The capitalization rate shows that the property will fully pay off within 14–15 years without considering price growth. Additionally, annual housing appreciation in Poland ranges from 5 to 11% depending on the province.

Legal Control: Legal Nuances of Ownership

Each country offers unique ownership conditions. Why buy real estate abroad if the legal framework is not transparent? This is why Poland and the Czech Republic have become points of attraction: here, ownership can be registered both to individuals and legal entities without the need for local registration.

In Poland, a non-resident gains ownership rights after approval by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but when buying an apartment in a multi-story building, this approval is not required. The transaction process is notarially controlled, and registration takes between 14 and 21 days. All contracts are accompanied by electronic extracts from the cadastre.

By purchasing real estate abroad, the owner gains access to tax deductions, simplified inheritance opportunities, and property insurance. The Polish market also offers tax benefits for EU residents, and rental income when registering as a sole proprietor is taxed at a fixed rate of 8.5%.

Why Buy Real Estate Abroad: Migration Effect

Why buy real estate abroad if it’s not just about income? The question opens up a strategic level — managing the location of life. Europe offers flexible residency programs based on ownership, especially popular in Portugal, Greece, Latvia, Spain, and Poland.

The Polish residency program based on real estate allows obtaining a temporary residence permit for up to 3 years with the possibility of extension, and after 5 years, applying for permanent residency. In addition, residents gain access to public healthcare, schools, and the labor market.

Quality of life, safety, ecology, and social standards become compelling arguments. In cities like Wroclaw, Poznan, or Katowice, for 150,000 euros, one can purchase a spacious apartment with underground parking and panoramic windows. In neighboring Germany, a comparable level of service would cost 2.5 times more.

New Formats: Where Value Grows

Buying real estate abroad is increasingly directed towards non-standard formats. Investors are choosing smart apartments, lofts, mini-hotels, and houses with plots in low-rise construction. Eastern European countries, including Poland, are unlocking the potential of suburbanization — demand for cottages within a 15–30 km radius of major cities is growing by 11–13% annually.

Developing formats that investors most commonly invest in:

  1. Aparthotels in tourist centers (Krakow, Zakopane).
  2. Mini-complexes with shared spaces (co-living).
  3. Cottages in agro-regions for weekend rentals.
  4. Lofts in former industrial zones.

Investors purchasing such real estate abroad gain an advantage in a dynamic segment where competition is still minimal, and profitability exceeds traditional residential properties.

Simplified Control and Remote Management Scheme

Market digitalization has simplified property ownership in other countries. Through tenant management platforms and automated calculations, properties can be controlled remotely using reporting, video analytics, smart locks, and remote cleaning services.

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Why buy real estate abroad if management involves risks? Today, routine tasks can be delegated by contracting with a management company in Poland, paying utility bills through a banking API, and receiving a tax report in one click. This reduces the workload and opens the way to a multi-property portfolio.

Conclusion

Every euro invested works towards stability and capital development. Poland, as an example of balance between accessibility, profitability, and predictable growth, demonstrates why buying real estate abroad even in uncertain conditions is an instrument that protects, multiplies, and forms a platform for the future.

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Investing abroad offers a wide range of opportunities to strengthen the financial base and diversify assets. Investments in commercial property are of particular interest in this strategy. By acquiring such properties in Poland or other countries, investors benefit from the stability of the local economy, tax and legislative incentives. These factors are obvious advantages of investing in foreign commercial property. Let’s talk about them in more detail.

Why invest in commercial property abroad

Investing in overseas commercial property is an opportunity not only to generate income, but also to strengthen financial independence. The world’s leading markets offer a number of significant advantages for investors.

Long-term stability and favourable rates of return

The advantages of investing in commercial property abroad lie in stable and high rates of return. In developed markets, rental yields can range from 6% to 9% per annum depending on location and type of space. This is significantly higher than in most jurisdictions, where rental yields often fluctuate between 3-5%.

Poland offers attractive conditions for tenants and property owners due to the high demand for office, retail and logistics space. Due to a stable economy and high levels of foreign investment, the country’s property market continues to show strong growth, providing investors with long-term stability.

Opportunities for asset diversification

Foreign commercial property is an important tool for diversifying an investment portfolio. Such investments make it possible to minimise risks associated with economic instability, political crises and currency fluctuations in the home market. By investing in property in developed countries, an investor can strengthen assets and reduce dependence on the situation in his country.

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Capital protection and high levels of liquidity

Unlike other types of assets, such as stocks or bonds, real estate has a high degree of stability. Even in times of economic turmoil or crisis, the value of commercial properties in international markets remains static or increases, providing protection for funds.

Importantly, investing in overseas commercial property markets is highly liquid. Properties can be sold or leased quickly and without significant loss of value. Poland, in particular, is actively developing its infrastructure, which in turn is fuelling demand for property, especially in major cities and business districts.

Advantages of investing in commercial property in Poland

Poland offers numerous advantages for investors. It is a strategically located country with an emerging economy, progressive politics and an active market.

Stable economy and sustainable GDP growth

Poland has shown stable economic growth in recent years. In 2021, the country’s GDP grew by 5.7% and the trend continues. A steady increase in national income and rising consumer demand are contributing to rising rental rates and commercial property prices. The high level of economic security makes the country an excellent choice for property investment. Investments in cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk will provide stable income in the long term.

Infrastructure projects and active demand for property

Poland is actively modernising its infrastructure, which creates additional opportunities for investors. In recent years, the country has invested in building new airports, modernising railway networks and improving transport hubs. These changes lead to an increase in property values in promising areas. It is also worth noting the high demand for commercial properties, especially in major cities. Warsaw, Krakow and other economically active metropolises in Poland offer excellent opportunities for tenants.

Tax advantages and programmes for foreign investors

Poland provides tax incentives for foreign investors when investing in commercial property, which significantly increases the profitability of investments. In particular, the country’s tax system actively incentivises investments in construction and rental properties. The Investor Benefit Programme creates additional incentives for investment in real estate.

How to choose the right property for investing in overseas commercial property

Choosing the right property to invest in commercial property in Poland is the key to successful profits. A few factors to consider when making a decision:

  1. Location. In large cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, it is worth targeting business districts and areas where there is active development and modernisation of infrastructure.

  2. Type of facility. Offices, hotel complexes, retail space or warehouses. For long-term stability and high income, it is worth considering office buildings in major cities

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  3. Condition of the property. Areas that require minimal investment in repairs can be particularly favourable. It is important to consider the condition of the building, the age of the structure and potential repair costs.

  4. Rental rate and lease term. Long-term tenants with a proven track record and stable financial flows – a guarantee of regular income.

Pros of investing in commercial overseas property: the main one

Countries with highly developed markets, such as Poland, offer not only stable rental income, but also significant potential for growth in the value of properties in the long term. Investing in commercial property abroad opens new horizons for portfolio diversification and capital protection. With a stable economy, active infrastructure development and tax advantages, Poland becomes an ideal choice for those seeking certainty in their investments.

In recent years, Poland has become one of the key destinations for migration. Flexible policies, a high standard of living, and access to the European market have made the country attractive to foreigners seeking integration. The central tool for integration into Polish society is citizenship by naturalization, which involves legally acquiring full legal status in the country after a long period of residence and meeting a set of requirements.

### Conditions for Obtaining Citizenship by Naturalization: Path to Recognition

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For many migrants, the path to citizenship begins with legalizing their residence. Typically, the sequence includes a visa, temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, and finally, submitting an application.

The main conditions for naturalization in Poland include having permanent residency, stable income, knowledge of the language, and passing a test on the country’s culture and history. Key to this is integration into Polish society, which requires involvement, understanding of traditions, and demonstrating commitment to local values.

### How to Obtain Citizenship by Naturalization: Key Features in Poland

The process of obtaining a passport in Poland is subject to specific norms:

– Mandatory permanent residency for at least 3-10 years depending on the category;
– Confirmation of stable income and employment;
– Providing certificates of no criminal record in Poland and the home country;
– Mandatory language proficiency and successful test completion;
– Signing an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Poland.

These elements serve as basic filters to select those genuinely seeking to become citizens of the country, rather than just obtaining a document.

### List of Required Documents

When applying for a passport, the following documents will be required:

– Application of the prescribed form;
– Passport and residence card;
– Proof of income for the past years;
– Certificates of no criminal record;
– Diploma or certificate in Polish language;
– Evidence of integration (employment contract, participation in public life).

Thus, the set includes not only standard documents but also elements confirming attachment to society.

### Language as an Integration Tool

Knowledge of the national language is particularly important for Poland. The law requires candidates for naturalization to pass an official exam at a minimum B1 level. All aspects of language proficiency are considered – speaking, comprehension, grammar, and writing.

The absence of a certificate automatically becomes an obstacle to further progress towards citizenship. Language proficiency is seen as an indicator of successful integration and readiness to participate in the life of the state.

### Permanent Residence Permit and Its Role

Obtaining permanent residency is a key stage before acquiring citizenship by naturalization. A foreigner must legally reside in the country for at least five years (or three years if married to a Polish citizen) and demonstrate domicile, i.e., a stable connection to the territory.

To obtain permanent residency, not only legally justified residence is required but also demonstrating economic self-sufficiency – having employment or other legal sources of income.

### Income, Employment, and Tax Discipline

The financial stability of the applicant is considered a sign of responsibility. Stable income, employment, or regular payments (including entrepreneurial activities) must be supported by official documents.

When reviewing the application, special attention is paid to tax compliance. The law requires fulfilling obligations to the state, including transparency of income sources.

### Historical and Cultural Context

Poland values not only formal criteria but also respect for its traditions. A candidate seeking citizenship by naturalization must demonstrate basic knowledge of history, power structure, and fundamentals of Polish culture.

The exam allows the state to ensure loyalty, awareness, and willingness to integrate into society. A foreigner who shows no interest in cultural aspects risks not passing the selection process.

### Reputation and Criminal Record

The moral character of the candidate is also taken into account. Having a criminal record or even administrative offenses can significantly reduce chances. Authorities reviewing the application check not only the applicant’s domestic but also international reputation.

Additionally, reviews, community activities, participation in charitable and cultural projects are considered. All factors influence the overall perception of the individual applying for citizenship by naturalization.

### Integration into Society and Taking the Oath

The final stage is taking the oath. It is not just a formality but an act of symbolic connection to the new homeland. Taking the oath signifies recognition of values, respect for the law, and a desire to be an active part of society.

Without this step, the passport acquisition process is not considered complete. Integration is confirmed through participation in the community, volunteering, education, and communication in the country’s language.

### Real Estate Investments as an Alternative

Investing in real estate is considered an alternative way to expedite the migration process. Polish legislation does not grant automatic citizenship by naturalization for buying property, but significant investments allow eligibility for a residence permit and later, permanent residency.

This path is suitable for those wishing to establish economic ties, demonstrating financial loyalty and long-term plans within the state. Subject to meeting all other requirements, real estate investments can be part of a comprehensive naturalization strategy.

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### Obtaining Citizenship by Naturalization in Poland: Key Points

Obtaining citizenship by naturalization in Poland is a multi-stage but transparent process. It requires a combination of legal knowledge, social involvement, financial stability, and respect for national identity.

Following all stages – from visa to oath – establishes a solid legal basis, allowing a foreigner to officially become a citizen of the country. In addition to the traditional path, real estate investments can be considered a way to strengthen positions, especially with economic resources in hand!