Working with a Polish Notary as a Foreigner

In Poland, the notary (notariusz) is a public trust official who ensures the legality and safety of real estate transactions. For a foreigner, the notary’s office is where the final "Akt Notarialny" (Notarial Deed) is signed, officially transferring ownership. This guide explains the specific requirements for non-Polish speakers, from the mandatory presence of a sworn translator to understanding the fee structure in 2026.

The Role of the Notary in Poland

Unlike some countries where lawyers handle the entire closing, in Poland, the notary is the central figure. They are responsible for verifying the legal status of the property in the Land and Mortgage Register (Księga Wieczysta), ensuring all taxes are collected, and submitting the ownership change to the court. They act as a neutral party, meaning they do not "represent" the buyer or the seller, but rather the law itself.

The Mandatory Sworn Translator

If you do not speak Polish fluently, the law requires a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły) to be present during the signing. The translator must read the entire deed to you and ensure you understand every clause before you sign. Even if your real estate agent speaks English, they cannot act as a legal translator unless they are officially certified by the Ministry of Justice.

Step-by-Step Signing Process

1. Reviewing the Draft: You should receive the draft of the deed (projekt aktu) a few days before the meeting. Send this to your advisor or agent for review.
2. The Meeting: All parties meet at the notary’s office. You will need your original passport.
3. The Reading: The notary reads the deed aloud in Polish, and the translator translates it simultaneously or in blocks.
4. Signing: Once everyone agrees, you sign multiple copies of the physical document.
5. Payment: The notary collects the "PCC" tax (2% for secondary market) and their own fees (taksa notarialna) at the end of the meeting.

Notary Fees (Taksa Notarialna) in 2026

The maximum fees notaries can charge are regulated by the Ministry of Justice and are based on the value of the property. For a typical 500,000 PLN apartment in Wroclaw, expect to pay roughly 2,500 - 3,500 PLN in notary fees, plus 23% VAT and additional costs for certified copies (odpisy).