Mortgages in Poland for Foreigners: How Banks Assess Creditworthiness

Mortgages in Poland for foreigners are still surrounded by many myths. Some believe it's impossible to get a mortgage without a Polish passport, while others believe a credit history or several years of work in Poland are essential.

In practice, everything looks different.

In this article we will look at, How do banks in Poland assess creditworthiness? mortgages for foreigners, which not only determines the bank's decision, but also mortgage loan terms, and also what to do if there is currently no mortgage creditworthiness.

What is creditworthiness for a mortgage in Poland (zdolność kredytowa)?

Creditworthiness (zdolność kredytowa) - this is the bank's assessment of whether the client is able to make regular payments mortgage loan over the course of many years.

When considering a mortgage, the bank analyzes:

• size and stability of income
• type of employment contract
• current financial liabilities
• age
• legality of stay and work in Poland

For the bank, citizenship does not matter.
Mortgages for foreigners are assessed according to the same financial criteria., as for a citizen of Poland.

Why High Creditworthiness = Better Mortgage Terms

It is important to understand:
Creditworthiness for a mortgage affects not only the bank's decision, but also the terms of the mortgage loan.

The higher your creditworthiness:

• those lower mortgage interest rates
• those higher available mortgage loan amount
• those better conditions (margin, term, contribution)
• the more banks are willing to consider the application

From the bank's point of view it's simple:
👉 the lower the risk, the more favorable the conditions mortgages for the client.

Which employment contract is suitable for a mortgage in Poland?

Umowa o pracę — the best option for a mortgage

For a person who does not run a company, and works for hire, the contract is of key importance when obtaining a mortgage loan.

Umowa o pracę:

• the most desirable option for banks
• in many banks already after 6 months of work you can apply for a mortgage
• agreement na czas nieokreślony — maximum plus
• a fixed-term contract is also possible, but with additional requirements

Umowa zlecenie and umowa o dzieło with a mortgage

These forms of employment are also permitted with a mortgage, but:

• most often required minimum 12 months of income
• continuity is important
• preferably one employer
• Income is calculated as an average value for 6-12 months

Mortgage Income: What the Bank Really Takes into Account

When taking out a mortgage loan, the bank takes into account exclusively legal income, which:

• is credited to the bank account
• confirmed by extracts

❗ Any money "in an envelope"« are not taken into account when applying for a mortgage, even if the real income is higher.

Financial obligations that reduce mortgage creditworthiness

Before applying for a mortgage, you need to check your obligations.

The bank takes into account:

• loans
• installments (raty)
• credit cards
• account limits

Even unused credit card reduces the mortgage creditworthiness, as it is viewed by the bank as a potential debt.

Age and mortgages in Poland

Age is rarely an issue with mortgages:

• Most banks lend up to 70–75 years old
• age is taken into account at the time of the last mortgage payment
• income stability is key

Do you need a credit history for a mortgage?

❌ No credit history does not block the mortgage
❌ There is no need to take out loans specifically "for history"«

When taking out a mortgage, the bank first looks at:

• income
• stability of work
• level of commitment

Mortgages in Poland for Foreigners: Myths and Reality

Common myth:
«"Only Poles get mortgages in Poland."»

In practice:

• banks do not evaluate nationality
• banks evaluate creditworthiness and risks

If a foreigner is legally employed and meets the requirements,
a mortgage loan is possible under the same conditions.

Regular transfers are a hidden factor in mortgages.

Regular transfers to one recipient or abroad may be perceived as fixed costs, which directly reduces the mortgage creditworthiness.

What to do if you currently don't have the creditworthiness for a mortgage

Lack of mortgage creditworthiness today does not mean, What mortgage is impossible at all.

Very often a mortgage is:
👉 a 6-12 month preparation process

If the bank is not currently ready to issue a mortgage loan, you can:

• stabilize income
• accumulate the required length of service under the contract
• close obligations
• prepare your financial situation correctly

Mortgage creditworthiness can be built step by step.

A mortgage is a path, not an accident.

Getting a mortgage in Poland is not a matter of luck or a lottery.
Most often it is a long, conscious road, which requires preparation long before visiting the bank.

Our role in obtaining a mortgage

As real estate professionals, We have a direct interest in obtaining a mortgage, because it's part of our job.

We:

• We assess mortgage creditworthiness
• we'll tell you how to improve it
• we accompany the client from preparation to the bank's decision

This helps to avoid rejections and get the most favorable mortgage terms in Poland.