Who Helps People in Debt in Poland: Where to Find Real Support
Four specific institutions offer real help to people in debt in Poland: free legal aid (nieodpłatna pomoc prawna) run by the local municipality, the Financial Ombudsman (Rzecznik Finansowy) for disputes with a bank or loan company, the county or city consumer ombudsman (rzecznik konsumentów), and a restructuring advisor (doradca restrukturyzacyjny) when consumer bankruptcy comes into play. None of them charge the debtor an upfront fee.
Short version
Free legal aid is open to every adult, with no income threshold, once you book a slot. The Financial Ombudsman handles disputes with banks and loan companies. The consumer ombudsman advises on unfair contracts. A restructuring advisor guides you through consumer bankruptcy if the debt genuinely exceeds what you can repay.
Free legal aid: the first call before you pay a lawyer
I had a client who could afford to sell the apartment but couldn't afford a lawyer, even though the situation, debt owed to several creditors at once, genuinely called for one. He kept putting off the decision because he was afraid to move without legal support, and a paid consultation cost more than he could spend at that point. Every municipality and county in Poland runs free legal aid points (nieodpłatna pomoc prawna), open to any adult with no income threshold since 2019. All it takes is booking a slot by phone through the local municipal or county office.
The Financial Ombudsman: when the dispute is with a bank or loan company
The Financial Ombudsman (Rzecznik Finansowy) reviews complaints against banks, loan companies, and insurers, and also runs amicable settlement proceedings in financial disputes. Filing a complaint is free. It's the right address when the problem is about a specific contract: unclear repayment terms, interest charges, or how a financial institution is handling your case. You can file a complaint at rf.gov.pl.
The county or city consumer ombudsman
This is a public office, not a private business, so advice is free. The consumer ombudsman (rzecznik konsumentów) advises on unfair terms buried in loan agreements and helps you draft a complaint or a court filing. Contact details for the ombudsman covering your area are usually on the website of your county office (starostwo) or city hall.
A restructuring advisor and consumer bankruptcy
If your obligations genuinely exceed what you can repay, consumer bankruptcy is the formal way out, handled by a district court with a restructuring advisor (doradca restrukturyzacyjny) or a court-appointed trustee (syndyk) involved. It's a process measured in years, not weeks, and it ends with a court-set repayment plan or, in certain situations, the debt being written off. It's not a shortcut, but it's a real option when nothing else is enough.
When selling the apartment closes things out faster
Talking to an advisor or an ombudsman doesn't rule out selling the apartment at the same time, if the property itself is the source of the debt or stands as collateral for it. A property with debt attached is one of the better candidates for a direct sale, not the worst: a typical buyer using a mortgage almost never accepts a complicated debt-settlement structure built into the price, and their bank makes sure of that. We do this routinely, settling the debt directly in the notarial deed.
- The price is 70-90% of market value, depending on the legal and physical condition.
- The valuation is always free, ready within 2 days of contact.
- Closing happens from 4 days after you accept the offer.
- Costs on your side: none. Debt settlement is built into the process.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice for your individual situation. The law can change and every case is different. Before making a decision, consult a qualified lawyer, tax advisor, or notary.
If you're considering selling the apartment alongside getting formal support, call us. We'll check the land registry and tell you plainly whether a sale with the debt settled out of the price makes sense for your situation.
Straight answers
Is free legal aid really free for everyone?
What does the Financial Ombudsman do?
Does consumer bankruptcy wipe out all debt right away?
How long does a consumer bankruptcy case take?
Does selling a debt-encumbered apartment rule out talking to an advisor or ombudsman?
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