Bank may freeze transfer: Notary data now includes property

21 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Banks can pause payments and a bank may freeze transfer for verification. New notary data links property sales to money flows.

Lead: A bank may freeze transfer when a client moves large sums for a flat, renovation or family gift. Consequently, Warsaw residents face more checks as authorities receive richer notary data from June 30, 2026.

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Why banks pause payments and how the system works

Banks, notaries and other obliged institutions report suspicious transactions to Poland’s Financial Intelligence Unit. Moreover, the GIIF logged 11,071 notifications in 2025. Therefore, institutions initiated 4,304 analytical procedures that year.

In addition, inspectors placed 1,170 account blocks. They froze 266.58 million PLN overall. However, a notice does not mean guilt. The bank only signals circumstances that need scrutiny. Then GIIF or a prosecutor decides on further steps.

bank may freeze transfer: what triggers checks and what to expect

Large one-off transfers often attract attention. For example, payments for a flat, developer instalments, or contractor bills can prompt questions. Banks assess amount, recipient, frequency, destination country and alignment with client history. Consequently, one awkward phrase in a payment title rarely causes a block.

Still, the bank can ask for proof. It may request a contract, invoice, notarial deed or proof of previous sale proceeds. In addition, it may ask about gifts or private loans. Clients who refuse to explain risk non-execution and a possible notification to GIIF.

New notary reporting affects Warsaw housing market

From June 30, 2026, notaries send structured data to GIIF and the tax administration. The files include land register numbers, plot IDs, flat area, floor number and room count. Moreover, they record buyer and seller ID issuer country. Therefore, authorities can link specific properties to money flows more easily.

For expats buying in Warsaw, this matters. Often buyers combine mortgage funds, savings and family help. Consequently, you should keep the notarial deed, proof of sale of your old property and bank statements. In Poland, institutions use identifiers such as PESEL for residents. However, foreigners often rely on passport numbers or tax identifiers (NIP).

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan a large payment, prepare clear documents. Keep the notary deed, purchase agreements, loan offer and transfers. Also retain invoices for renovations. For paid help from family, keep a written gift or loan agreement and any tax filings. In Poland, know basic institutions: ZUS (social security), NFZ (public health insurer) and PESEL (personal ID number). Moreover, file complaints electronically to your bank from Feb 13, 2026, if needed.

Reporting thresholds do not equal automatic blocks. Institutions report transfers above the EUR 15,000 equivalent to GIIF. However, reporting does not mean a transaction is suspicious. Conversely, operations below that threshold can trigger scrutiny.

Blocks can last various periods. Initially, a bank waits up to 24 hours after GIIF receives a notification. Then GIIF can request a hold up to 96 hours. A prosecutor may extend a freeze for up to six months. Therefore, keep calm and provide requested documents quickly.

Finally, use clear payment descriptions. For example, write “deposit for renovation, contract dated 12 Aug 2026”. Moreover, avoid overly long or joking titles. They complicate reviews. Above all, keep coherent paperwork showing where funds came from and why you paid them.

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