Did you move to the UK but leave debts behind in Poland? Struggling to keep up with payments, while collection letters are still being sent to your old address? Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. At LexBridgeLegal, we help Polish nationals living in the UK regain control over their debt issues in Poland – legally and without the need to return to the country.
1. Can Polish Creditors Pursue Me Abroad?
Yes, but… not immediately and not always effectively. Living in the UK does not cancel your debts in Poland. Creditors may attempt to:
- Enforce debt collection in Poland (e.g. from property or assets still located there),
- Obtain a European Enforcement Order to pursue the debt in the UK (less common due to cost and complexity),
- Sell your debt to an international debt collection agency.
If you ignore the issue, it may result in the seizure of funds or wages. However, there is often room to negotiate and take action before things escalate.
2. What Can I Do While Living in the UK?
Being abroad doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You have several legal options – and all of them can be handled by a legal representative in Poland. For example:
- Negotiation with creditors – handled by your law firm, even without your direct involvement,
- Debt settlement or installment plans – often possible if you act before enforcement begins,
- Checking if the debt is time-barred – many people unknowingly pay debts that are no longer legally enforceable,
- Filing an objection to a payment order – if a Polish court issued a payment order, it’s often still possible to respond effectively,
- Protecting your assets in the UK – including analysis of what can or cannot be seized.
With power of attorney, you don’t need to travel to Poland or communicate directly with creditors or bailiffs – your legal team handles it for you.
3. Can I File for Bankruptcy from the UK?
If your permanent residence is in the UK, British insolvency laws apply – not Polish ones.
However, if you still have significant ties to Poland (e.g. property, family, business activity), it may be possible to file for bankruptcy in Poland.
This is a complex matter and requires a thorough analysis of your individual situation and careful legal preparation. It’s risky to attempt on your own.
4. Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Debts in Poland don’t go away with time – in fact, they often grow due to interest and enforcement costs. Many of our clients only contact us when:
- A Polish bailiff has already frozen their bank account,
- They’re unable to inherit family property due to outstanding debt,
- They try to buy real estate or return to Poland – and discover legal proceedings they didn’t know about.
The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.
Do You Have Debts in Poland but Live in the UK and Don’t Know What to Do?
Contact LexBridgeLegal.
We’ll assess your situation and help you choose the right course of action – without judgment, with a realistic action plan.
📩 [email protected] | ☎️ +48 696 092 198
LexBridgeLegal – Legal Support for the Polish Community in the UK
