Down payment for a mortgage in Poland: how much does a foreigner need?

The down payment is one of the key elements mortgages in Poland and at the same time one of the most frequent sources of myths and misunderstandings, especially among foreigners.
Some have heard of 10%, some of 20% or 30%, and some are sure that a mortgage without a down payment is impossible.

In practice, things are a little more complicated.

In this article we will discuss:

• What is the down payment required for a mortgage in Poland?
• how does it affect the terms of the loan?
• What myths do not correspond to reality?
• and how the Rodzinny Kredyt Mieszkaniowy (RKM) program works

What is a down payment on a mortgage?

Down payment — this is the portion of the property's cost that the buyer pays with their own funds. The remaining amount is financed by the bank in the form of a mortgage loan.

For a bank, the down payment is:

• client financial responsibility indicator
• risk reduction
• additional protection in case of problems with payments

The higher the contribution, the the bank is more relaxed about it deal.

Minimum down payment in Poland

🔹 10% — possible, but with limitations

Formally, the mortgage is 10% down payment in Poland it is possible, however:

• Not every bank offers such conditions
• additional insurance is often required
• the interest rate and margin are usually higher

For foreigners, a mortgage with a 10% down payment is possible, but:
👉 Income and stability requirements will be stricter.

🔹 20% — the standard and most popular option

20% down payment - This:

• the most common option
• more banks to choose from
• better and more stable conditions
• fewer additional requirements

For most foreigners it is 20% – optimal balance between accessibility and benefit.

🔹 30% and above — maximum chances and best conditions

Down payment 30% and above:

• significantly reduces the risk for the bank
• increases the chances of approval
• improves interest rates and margins

This option is often chosen if:

• non-standard income
• umowa zlecenie
• short experience
• age closer to the upper limit

How does a down payment affect mortgage terms?

The down payment affects not only the fact of approval, but also price mortgages.

The higher the contribution:

• lower interest rate
• lower bank margin
• lower monthly payment
• higher available loan amount

From the bank's point of view it's simple:
👉 the more equity you have, the lower the risk.

Down payment and creditworthiness

It is important to understand:

• high contribution does not replace income
• but maybe partially compensate for the risks

For example:

• pri umowa zlecenie
• with short work experience
• at a higher age

A bank can be more loyal if it sees a serious contribution from the client.

Myths about mortgages without a down payment

❌ Myth: It's impossible to get a mortgage in Poland without a down payment.

This partly myth.

There is a state program in Poland
Rodzinny Kredyt Mieszkaniowy (RKM), which allows you to get a mortgage without the classic down payment.

What is Rodzinny Kredyt Mieszkaniowy (RKM)

RKM — is a state program within the framework of which:

• state guarantees the missing down payment
• The warranty can cover up to 20% real estate value (within the established limits)
• the client does not actually make his own contribution, and the bank receives a guarantee

❗ This is not «money as a gift», but guarantee for the bank, reducing its risk.

Can a foreigner use the RKM program?

Yes, a foreigner can participate in the RKM program, If:

• legally resides in Poland
• has a stable income
• meets the requirements of the bank and the program itself

Citizenship is not an automatically excluding factor, however:

• creditworthiness requirements remain high
• Not every bank participates in the program

RKM Program Limitations

The RKM program has a number of important limitations:

• real estate value limits
• footage limits
• restrictions on the purpose of housing (first home)
• limited choice of banks

Besides:
👉 mortgages under RKM often have less favorable conditions, than a classic mortgage with a 20% down payment.

RKM or a classic down payment – which is better?

It depends on the situation.

RKM may be a good solution, If:

• no savings
• income is stable
• the object fits within the limits

Classic mortgage with a down payment It is often more profitable if:

• there is an opportunity to accumulate 10–20%
• better conditions are important
• We need a greater choice of banks

RKM is tool, and not a universal solution.

Where can funds for a down payment come from?

The bank verifies the origin of the funds. Acceptable sources:

• personal savings
• family help
• deed of gift
• proceeds from the sale of real estate

Important:
👉 There must be money legal and verifiable.

If you don't have a down payment now, what should you do?

No contribution today does not mean, that a mortgage is impossible.

Very often a mortgage is:
👉 6-12 months of training

During this time you can:

• save up a down payment
• raise creditworthiness
• choose the optimal strategy (RKM or classic)

The down payment is part of the strategy, not a formality.

Down payment:

• affects the conditions
• reduces the cost of mortgages
• increases the chances of approval

A well-chosen strategy can save you money tens of thousands of zlotys for the entire loan term.

Our role in choosing a mortgage strategy

As real estate professionals, we:

• We help you choose the optimal contribution amount
• We evaluate whether the RKM program is suitable
• comparing scenarios
• We support the client from preparation to the bank's decision

Very often a mortgage is a journey of 6-12 months, and not just one «here and now» solution.

Result

Down payment for a mortgage in Poland:

• 10% - It's possible, but more difficult.
• 20% — the most optimal option
• 30%+ - the best conditions
• RKM — a real alternative without a contribution, but with restrictions

The main thing is to choose the right strategy for a specific situation.