Who Can Benefit from the Program?
The „Pierwsze Klucze” („First Keys”) program is available only to individuals who have never owned a home or an apartment. This includes singles, couples, and families with children. Those who have inherited or previously oned any share in a property are not eligible. The program is designed to support those who are truly entering the housing market for the first time.
Can Foreigners Benefit from the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) Program?
Many foreigners living and working in Poland have successfully utilized past government housing programs to purchase their first property. Some banks have imposed additional restrictions on certain foreign applicants, depending on their residency rights in Poland.
Under the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) program, foreigners will be eligible, provided they meet specific legal residence and creditworthiness requirements. The final conditions regarding foreigners’ participation will be outlined in the implementing regulations before the program is launched.
Income and Financial Limits
The „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) program includes price caps per square meter to prevent sellers from artificially inflating property prices.
The maximum price per square meter is:
- 10,000 PLN in most regions of Poland
- 11,000 PLN in major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, and Gdańsk
Additionally, local governments can apply for an increase of 1,000 PLN per m² if they commit to financially supporting the program.
The program also has income limits to qualify for subsidies:
- Single applicant – 6,500 PLN
- Couple – 11,000 PLN
- Three-person family – 14,500 PLN
- Four-person family – 18,500 PLN
- Five-person family – 21,000 PLN
These limits will be updated annually. Exceeding the limit does not automatically disqualify an applicant—a “1 PLN for 1 PLN” rule applies, meaning that excess income gradually reduces the subsidy amount.
Additionally, maximum mortgage amounts eligible for subsidies are set as follows:
- Single applicant – 250,000 PLN
- Couple – 400,000 PLN
- Three-person family – 450,000 PLN
- Four-person family – 500,000 PLN
- Five-person family – 600,000 PLN
- Each additional family member – +50,000 PLN
For self-built homes, the mortgage limit can be increased by 50% of the land value, up to 100,000 PLN.
What Support Does the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) Program Offer?
The main form of support in the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) program is reducing mortgage interest rates to 1.5% per year for the first five years. Normally, mortgage interest rates in Poland range from 6-8%, but this program will significantly lower monthly payments. The government will cover the difference in interest, reducing the real cost of borrowing to the equivalent of a 4.5-5.5% standard mortgage rate.
The second key element is down payment assistance. If buyers lack sufficient savings, the state-owned Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) will provide a guarantee covering up to 20% of the property value, up to 100,000 PLN. Banks will recognize this guarantee as the buyer’s down payment, allowing individuals without savings to secure a mortgage.
Which Properties Are Excluded from the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) Program?
Important exclusions: The program only applies to the secondary market—homes and apartments that have been previously owned and occupied. Newly built properties, developer sales, and “flipped” properties are not eligible. To prevent speculation:
- The property must be at least five years old
- The current owner must have held the property for at least three years before selling
How to Apply for a Mortgage Under the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) Program?
The application process consists of several steps:
- Check eligibility – Ensure you have never owned property and that your income falls within the set limits.
- Find a qualifying property – Choose a second-hand home that meets the program’s price and age requirements.
- Submit a mortgage application – Apply at a participating bank and provide the necessary documentation.
- Obtain BGK’s guarantee – If needed, the bank will request a state guarantee covering up to 20% of the purchase price.
- Complete the transaction – Once approved, sign the mortgage agreement and finalize the property purchase.
When Will the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) Program Begin?
The government plans to launch „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) in the second half of 2025. Final details, including financial limits and application procedures, will be determined in the implementing regulations. The success of the program will depend on bank readiness and budgetary approvals.
Mortgage Expert Assistance for Foreigners Applying for „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”)
Foreigners interested in the „Pierwsze Klucze” (“First Keys”) program can benefit from expert mortgage advice. A mortgage broker can:
- Help find a suitable bank
- Assess creditworthiness
- Guide applicants through the mortgage application process
- Recommend the best available mortgage offers
- Assist with document preparation
With professional assistance, foreigners can increase their chances of mortgage approval and navigate Poland’s mortgage system with confidence.
