Can you get a mortgage in Poland while earning abroad?

More and more Poles and foreigners are working outside the country but planning to buy an apartment in Poland — whether for investment or for a future return. The natural question is: can a person earning abroad get a mortgage in Poland?

The answer is: yes, but under certain conditions.

✅ Who can get a mortgage in Poland while having foreign income?

Polish banks allow individuals working abroad to obtain a mortgage if they:

• have permanent, legal employment (employment contract or contract),
• hold citizenship of an EU country or a residence card in Poland,
• earn income in a currency accepted by the bank,
• and can document the source of income.

Banks assess creditworthiness individually, but in practice, it is easiest for those who work in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, or the United Kingdom.

💶 Which currencies are accepted by Polish banks?

According to Recommendation S, a mortgage can only be obtained in the currency in which income is earned.

In practice, Polish banks accept only some currencies from EU and EEA countries, and in some cases also from Switzerland.

Most commonly accepted currencies (2025):

• EUR – euro (income from EU countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, France, Italy),
• CHF – Swiss franc (occasionally, mainly for people living in Switzerland),
• NOK / SEK – Scandinavian currencies (in exceptional situations, e.g., with stable employment in Norway or Sweden).

❌ British pound (GBP) is currently not accepted in most banks in Poland, as the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union or EEA.

📄 What documents are needed to obtain a loan?

Banks require a comprehensive set of documents confirming the financial situation.

These are usually:

1. ID card / passport and residence card (if applicable).
2. Employment contract – valid for at least 6 or 12 months.
3. Certificate of employment and income (so-called certificate of earnings).
4. Bank account statements – at least from the last 6 months.
5. Tax documents (e.g., PIT, Tax Return, proof of tax payments in the country of employment).
6. Property documents (reservation agreement, preliminary agreement, property valuation).

It is worth remembering that all documents in a foreign language must be translated by a sworn translator.

🏦 Which banks consider foreign income?

Not all banks in Poland accept income from abroad.

The following banks most often positively consider applications:

• Alior Bank – accepts income in euros and pounds, requires a minimum own contribution of 30%.
• Santander Bank Polska – possible loan in euros with stable employment in the EU.
• BNP Paribas – accepts income from the EU but requires full tax documentation.
• mBank – assesses individually, especially for income in euros.

On the other hand, banks such as PKO BP or Pekao SA require that at least one of the borrowers has their center of vital interests in Poland (tax residence).

💡 Practical tips for people earning abroad

1. Gather a complete set of documents from the country of employment – the bank needs to see continuity of work and income levels.
2. Prepare a higher own contribution – usually at least 30%.
3. Submit an application through a mortgage advisor – brokers often have better access to offers for clients with income in euros.
4. Ensure a good credit history – even if foreign, the bank may request a report from a local credit bureau (e.g., Schufa, Experian).