What You Should Know About Inheriting Property in Poland

giuliapedrinivisio
Jul 22
3 min read

Updated: Jul 24

Author: Michał Krawczyński

Why Inheritance Matters

Losing someone close is very hard. But things can get even harder when there is property or money involved. If you are dealing with inheritance in Poland—whether you live here or not—it helps to know the basics. Things work a bit differently here than in some other countries. So, if you are an heir or a foreigner who owns property, here is what you need to know to avoid confusion and stress.

Gavel on a wooden desk with a person in black robe writing on paper in the background, creating a legal and serious atmosphere.

The Process of Inheritance

Inheritance law in Poland is precisely regulated by the Civil Code. The first thing the law considers is whether the deceased left a will. But in the absence of a will, the law uses a set order to determine who gets what. A notary typically handles the process, but occasionally—especially in cases where there is a disagreement—the court intervenes. Either way, it is always best to ask a lawyer or notary to help you figure it out.

Who Gets What?

In most cases, the spouse and kids are first in line. If there are no children, the inheritance goes to parents, siblings, and so on. If no one shows up, the state may end up with the property. Adopted kids have the same rights as biological children. But if you are a stepchild, you will not inherit unless you are specifically included in a will. Also, if you are a foreigner or EU citizen, you can still inherit Polish property, though the paperwork needed to accomplish that might take longer.

How Is the Property Split?

In Poland, a lot of couples, especially those who are married, share everything as joint property. If one person passes away, only their half is inherited. If there is no will, the rest is divided based on the law. Some family members are also protected by something called zachowek—this means they must get a minimum share, even if the will says otherwise. It is a good way to protect close relatives from being left with nothing.

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What About Taxes and Fees?

Here is the good news: if you are closely related—like a spouse, child, or parent—you often do not have to pay inheritance tax. But you still need to report everything to the tax office within a certain time. There might be other costs, though—like notary fees, court charges, and translation services if you are not Polish. So, be ready to gather a bunch of documents, including the will (if there is one), death certificate, and property details. You are going to need them.

When Things Get Tricky

Sadly, not all inheritances go smoothly. Family members might argue over the will, or someone might try to contest it. Sometimes, people even refuse the inheritance— it usually happens when it includes debts. If you are not from Poland, or if you are not familiar with the system, it is extremely easy to feel overwhelmed. That is why getting legal help early can make the process go smoother.

Tips for Property Owners and Heirs

If you own property in Poland, it is smart to write a clear will—and make sure to do it with a notary if you can. This avoids confusion and problems for your loved ones later on. If you are inheriting something, make sure to formally accept or reject it within the legal deadline. Once everything is sorted, update the property register to reflect the new owner. And do not be afraid to ask for help. Inheritance law can be complicated, but there are professionals who can guide you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

No one likes to think about inheritance. But being prepared can save your family a lot of stress down the line. Whether you are an heir, a property owner, or a foreigner dealing with inheritance in Poland, it helps to understand your rights and options. Take your time, get advice, and remember—you do not have to go through it alone.