Foreigners guide to finding an apartment in Poland

Whether you’re relocating for work, studies, or just chasing the charm of cobblestone streets and pierogi, finding an apartment in Poland as a foreigner can be a bit of a maze. Language barriers, unfamiliar rental processes, and local customs can make house-hunting stressful — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your step-by-step guide to navigating the Polish rental market like a pro.

---

📍 Step 1: Choose Your City Wisely

Poland offers a range of cities with different lifestyles and costs of living:

• Warsaw – the capital, with the highest rent but great job opportunities.

• Kraków – historic and student-friendly, with lots of expats.

• Wrocław – vibrant tech hub, great for young professionals.

• Gdańsk – coastal city with charm and growing international appeal.

• Łódź, Poznań, Lublin – more affordable, up-and-coming cities.

💡 Tip: Do some research on cost of living and community vibe before committing.

---

🔍 Step 2: Where to Search for Apartments

Here are the most reliable platforms for apartment hunting in Poland:

• OLX.pl – Popular classified site, but be wary of scams.

• Otodom.pl – Trusted real estate platform with filters in English.

• Gratka.pl – Good for long-term rentals and budget options.

• Facebook Groups – Try searches like “Expats in Warsaw – Flats/Rooms”, or “Kraków Flatshare”.

• Local real estate agents (agencje nieruchomości) – Helpful but may charge a commission (often one month’s rent). For example First Street Estate in Poznan t.me/firststreetestate

---

📄 Step 3: Understand Rental Terms

When browsing listings, look for these Polish terms:

• “Kaucja” – Security deposit (usually 1–2 months’ rent).

• “Czynsz” – Monthly rent without utilities.

• “Opłaty dodatkowe” – Extra costs like water, electricity, garbage collection.

• “Media” – Utilities.

• “Umowa na czas określony/nieokreślony” – Fixed-term/open-ended lease.

💡 Ask if the rent is “z opłatami” (all bills included) or “plus opłaty” (bills not included).

---

🗣 Step 4: Language Barrier? No Problem

Most listings and landlords communicate in Polish, but:

• Use Google Translate or Deepl to translate listing descriptions.

• Write a short introduction in Polish if you’re messaging a landlord (“Jestem zainteresowany wynajmem mieszkania…”).

• Bring a Polish-speaking friend when visiting properties — or hire a translator if needed.

• Some landlords or agents speak English, especially in major cities.

---

✍️ Step 5: Signing the Lease

Before signing a lease (umowa najmu), make sure to:

• Get it in writing – Never accept a verbal agreement.

• Ask for a copy in English – Or get help translating it.

• Check what’s included – Furniture, appliances, internet, etc.

• Document the apartment’s condition with photos during handover.

💡 Avoid paying large deposits without a signed contract.

---

🛑 Warning Signs of Rental Scams

• Rent that’s too good to be true.

• No in-person viewings allowed.

• Requests for payment via Western Union or crypto.

• Landlords who are “abroad and can’t meet.”

---

💬 Common Questions

Can I rent without a PESEL number?
Yes, but having a PESEL (Polish ID number) makes life easier, especially for utilities and contracts.

Can foreigners sign leases in Poland?
Yes, but always carry your passport and residency permit when signing.

Is it hard to rent without speaking Polish?
It depends on the city. Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław are more foreigner-friendly. In smaller cities, it may be trickier.

---

✅ Final Tips

• Start searching at least 4–6 weeks before your move-in date.

• Don’t rush — visit the place if you can before committing.

• Network with other expats — they often have insider tips.

• Keep copies of all communication and contracts.