Why Brexit matters for property law, not just trade
Poland's foreign real-estate ownership rules, like those of several EU countries, distinguish between EEA/EFTA citizens (EU member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and everyone else. Before 31 December 2020, UK citizens fell into the first, exempt category. Since the end of the Brexit transition period, they fall into the second — the same "non-EEA" category as US, Canadian, Australian or Gulf-state buyers. For the full breakdown of both categories, see our companion guide: Can Foreigners Buy Property in Poland? EEA vs Non-EEA Rules Explained.
What stayed exactly the same
Buying a self-contained residential apartment in Poland — the most common purchase for a UK buyer looking at Poznań — generally still doesn't require a special permit, provided the property is outside a designated border zone. This is the rule for non-EEA citizens generally, and it was never a UK/EU-specific exemption, so this part of the process is unchanged from before Brexit.
What actually changed
The practical difference shows up if a UK citizen wants to buy a house with a garden or plot, undeveloped land, agricultural land, or commercial real estate. As a non-EEA citizen, that generally requires a permit from the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) — a process that typically takes around three to six months, based on general guidance for non-EEA applicants. Before Brexit, a UK citizen buying the same property would not have needed that permit. UK citizens who already hold a Polish permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status, and have legally resided in Poland for at least five years, are generally exempt from the permit requirement regardless of nationality. Source: CGO Legal — Buying Property in Poland as a Foreigner, accessed September 2026.
What this means in practice for a Poznań purchase
If you're a UK citizen looking at an apartment in Poznań — the most common scenario for buy-to-let investors and relocating professionals — Brexit hasn't added a new legal hurdle. If you're looking at a house with land, a plot to build on, or a commercial unit, budget extra time for the MSWiA permit alongside the usual legal and title checks, and start that process as early as possible so it doesn't become the bottleneck in your timeline.
How Wałęsa Group can help
Wałęsa Group works with UK and other non-EEA buyers on residential, investment and commercial property in Poznań — from shortlisting properties to coordinating due diligence, the notarial process, and, where relevant, the MSWiA permit application, in English or Polish.