A significant increase in Poles seeking notarial services is occurring, driven by a desire to secure assets and clarify inheritance matters before a projected surge in 2026.
Estate Planning Sees Rapid Growth in Poland
Poles are increasingly turning to notaries to proactively manage their estates, reversing a previous trend of delaying such decisions. Notarial offices are experiencing a noticeable rise in activity as individuals seek to ensure their affairs are in order and protect their loved ones.
The increase in demand is prompting questions about the underlying causes and the reasons for this sudden surge in proactive estate planning.
Notarial Wills on the Rise
The number of notarial wills executed in Poland is steadily increasing. In 2019, 143,870 notarial wills were drawn up, rising to 207,293 in 2025 – a 43% increase.
Notarial Will Registry Experiences Exponential Growth
The Notarial Will Registry has seen even more dramatic growth, with entries increasing from 42,369 to 118,146, representing a 179% increase.
Why Choose a Notarial Will?
Notarial wills offer clarity and prevent disputes, particularly in blended families where partners have children from previous relationships and separate assets. Without clear provisions, conflicts can easily arise. A notarial will precisely designates heirs, divides assets according to the testator’s wishes, and protects both the partner and children, reducing the risk of legal battles.
Notarial vs. Handwritten Wills: Key Differences
The primary advantage of a notarial will is legal certainty. The notary ensures the document’s validity, explains the implications of each provision, and verifies compliance with regulations, minimizing the risk of errors. This is especially crucial for complex provisions like vindication clauses.
A vindication clause ensures a specific asset, such as a property, is transferred to a designated person immediately upon the testator’s death. In contrast, beneficiaries under a statutory or handwritten will do not immediately gain ownership of specific items, but rather a share of the estate, requiring a division of assets which can lead to family conflicts.
Cost of a Notarial Will in 2026
A basic notarial will costs 50 zł net, plus 23% VAT and a fee for each page of the notarial deed (6 zł per page). The total cost of a simple will typically ranges from 100-150 zł gross.
More complex documents, such as those with vindication clauses or disinheritance provisions, may cost around 200 zł net. This remains a relatively small cost compared to the potential problems arising from an unclear inheritance plan.
Disinheritance: A Complex Process
Disinheritance is not straightforward and requires specific legal grounds, such as persistent violation of family obligations or a crime against the testator. Without proper justification, a disinheritance clause can be challenged. A notary’s assistance is vital to avoid errors that could invalidate the testator’s wishes.
Accessing a Notarial Will
Access to information in the registry is only granted after the testator’s death. No one, not even family members, can access the information beforehand. To obtain information, one must visit any notary in Poland with the death certificate and identification.
Proof of kinship is not required, only a legal interest in the estate.
