Poland has become one of Europe’s most dynamic investment destinations, drawing expatriates with its mix of affordability, economic resilience, and access to the EU market.
For foreign professionals and investors, Poland offers a balance of opportunity and structure, from accessible property ownership to a new proposed tax-sheltered investment accounts.
This article covers:
- Does Poland have a golden visa?
- Polish Tax Residency Rules
- What is the return relief in Poland?
- What is the Poland Belka Tax?
- How do you open a bank account in Poland?
- Can foreigners own property in Poland?
Key Takeaways:
- Poland does not offer a traditional golden visa.
- Residents are taxed on worldwide income under progressive rates (12% and 32%).
- The Return Relief program exempts up to PLN 85,528 of annual income for four years.
- The flat 19% Belka Tax can be used for all investment income.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Does Poland have an investor visa?
Poland does not currently offer an investor visa with guaranteed residency purely through passive investment (such as real estate or government bonds).
However, expats can obtain residency through business formation or self-employment, provided they demonstrate that their activity generates income and employment locally. Key routes include:
- Entrepreneur visa for running or investing in a registered Polish company (sp. z o.o. or sole proprietorship).
- Work-based residence permit if you hold an employment contract or act as a company director.
- Startup visa under Poland’s “Poland Prize” or other innovation-focused programs, which attract foreign founders to local incubators.
Poland, as a Schengen Area and EU member state, distinguishes between EU/EEA citizens, who enjoy freedom of movement, and non-EU nationals, who require a visa or residence permit.
Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can enter and reside in Poland freely without a visa. They must register their stay with local authorities if remaining longer than 90 days, after which they receive a certificate of registration.
This grants the same rights to work, start a business, or buy property as Polish citizens, with minimal bureaucracy.
For non-EU nationals, they must enter Poland under one of the following visa or residence categories:
- Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): Granted for up to three years, renewable. Available for purposes including work, business, studies, or family reunification. Most investors and professionals use this as the main long-term visa.
- Permanent Residence Permit: Can be obtained after five years of continuous legal residence (three years if married to a Polish citizen). It grants indefinite stay and almost full access to the labor market.
- Long-Term EU Residence Permit: Also available after five years, provided you meet stable income and accommodation requirements. It allows easier movement and work rights across the EU.
After maintaining continuous residence in Poland for five years (or three if married to a citizen), expats can apply for permanent residency, which allows indefinite stay and full access to the Polish job and property markets.
After an additional three years on a permanent card, foreigners may apply for citizenship by naturalization, subject to Polish language proficiency and clean legal status.
Taxation and Tax Residency in Poland
Tax residency determines how your income and investments are taxed in Poland. The country follows a dual standard for residency:
- You are considered a Polish tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Poland within a calendar year, or
- If your centre of vital interests such as family, property, or main business activity is located in Poland.
Once you meet either condition, you become taxable on your worldwide income. Non-residents, on the other hand, are taxed only on income sourced within Poland.
Poland applies a progressive system with two primary brackets:
- 12% on annual income up to PLN 120,000,
- 32% on income above that threshold.
Every taxpayer also benefits from a tax-free allowance of PLN 30,000 per year. Filing is typically done by April 30 for the previous calendar year.
Poland has over 80 tax treaties, including with the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, to prevent double taxation. Under these treaties, income taxed abroad may receive credit or exemption in Poland depending on the treaty method.
What is Return Relief for new residents in Poland?
To attract professionals and investors returning or relocating to Poland, the government offers a Return Relief incentive.
Eligible newcomers can exempt up to PLN 85,528 of employment or business income annually for four consecutive years, provided they were previously non-residents and meet relocation criteria.
A foreign employee who moves to Warsaw and earns PLN 200,000 in a year will pay tax on PLN 114,472 (after applying the relief).
This incentive can significantly reduce the cost of settling and investing in Poland during the first few years of residence.
Establishing whether you are a resident or non-resident is the foundation of expat tax planning in Poland. It determines your reporting obligations, access to deductions, and how your global income and investment returns will be taxed.
Keeping a clear record of your days in the country and maintaining evidence of ties abroad can help manage your residency status effectively.
What is the Belka Tax in Poland?
Poland imposes a flat 19% tax on investment income, commonly known as the “Belka tax”. Named after former finance minister Marek Belka, this tax applies to all personal capital gains, including interest from deposits, dividends, mutual fund returns, and profits from selling shares or ETFs.
What the Belka tax covers:
- Dividends from Polish or foreign companies
- Capital gains from the sale of securities or fund units
- Interest from savings accounts, bonds, or deposits
- Certain derivative or structured product gains
There are no progressive brackets as all gains are taxed at the same 19% rate. Financial institutions typically withhold this tax automatically for domestic investments.
However, for foreign investments or accounts held abroad, you must declare and pay the tax yourself through your annual PIT-38 return.
What is the Poland OKI account?
The Polish government has announced a new investment vehicle known as the Individual Investment Account (OKI). It would allow residents to invest up to PLN 100,000 annually without paying the 19% Belka tax on returns.
This initiative, similar to tax-sheltered accounts in other EU countries, is part of broader reforms to encourage long-term saving and could significantly benefit expats who plan to stay and invest in Poland for several years.
If you receive dividends, interest, or capital income from abroad, you may be eligible for reduced withholding rates under Poland’s double taxation agreements.
Typically, you’ll pay tax abroad, then apply a credit for that amount against your Polish liability, ensuring you don’t pay twice. Maintaining proper documentation especially certificates of tax paid is essential for claiming relief.
How to open a bank account in Poland?
To open a bank account in Poland, you’ll generally need:
- A valid passport or EU ID card
- Proof of Polish address (rental contract, utility bill, or employer letter)
- A PESEL number (personal identification number), which can be obtained through the municipal office once you register your stay.
Most major banks such as PKO Bank Polski, mBank, Santander Polska, and ING allow foreigners to open accounts, though a PESEL number (national ID) is often needed for full functionality.
Some banks allow openings without PESEL for temporary residents or digital nomads, but services may be limited such as lack of online access or investment options.
For expats planning long-term residency or property purchases, obtaining a PESEL early simplifies almost all financial procedures.
For those looking to invest, Poland’s capital market is structured under the Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW), which includes:
- Main Market: blue-chip and mid-cap equities
- NewConnect: growth market for small and medium enterprises
- Catalyst: bonds and fixed-income instruments
Expats can open brokerage accounts with local or EU-based firms to trade Polish and global securities. Many platforms offer English interfaces and direct PLN or EUR accounts.
Under Polish tax law, all capital gains realized through these platforms are subject to the 19% Belka tax, unless sheltered through a tax-advantaged wrapper.
Polish financial institutions comply with FATCA (for US citizens) and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), which means they automatically report account information to your home tax authority.
Always disclose your tax residency accurately to avoid penalties or mismatched reporting.
Can foreigners own real estate in Poland?
Foreigners can buy property in Poland. The process can vary:
- EU and EEA citizens can freely buy property and land in Poland without any special permits.
- Non-EU citizens (including UK and U.S. nationals) may freely buy apartments, but need a Ministry of Interior permit to purchase standalone houses or land.
- Permits are typically granted within 4 to 12 weeks, especially if you’ve been living or working in Poland.
Typical transaction taxes and costs are as follows:
- Primary market (new builds): VAT applies at 8% for most residential units up to 150 m², and 23% above that size or for certain commercial properties.
- Secondary market (resale): subject to a 2% transfer tax (PCC) instead of VAT.
- Buyers also pay notarial and registration fees, usually amounting to 2–3% of the property value.
Rental income from residential property is taxed under a lump-sum regime, with no deductions allowed:
- 8.5% tax on gross income up to PLN 100,000 per year
- 12.5% on the excess
These rates apply to total rental receipts, not net profit, so expenses such as maintenance or depreciation are not deductible unless the property is held through a business entity.
Major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk attract both local and foreign buyers due to strong rental markets driven by students, professionals, and expats.
Property prices have risen steadily but remain below Western European averages. High rental occupancy and limited housing supply in urban centers make residential apartments particularly resilient investments.
Polish real estate offers attractive returns and long-term security, but investors should plan for taxes and legal requirements upfront.
Non-EU expats should secure permits early, model VAT versus transfer tax scenarios, and choose properties with strong rental demand to balance compliance costs with profitability.
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