Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in interest among foreigners in acquiring Polish citizenship. Undoubtedly, this is linked to the growing importance of the Polish economy on the global and European map.
There are several ways to become a Polish citizen. Polish citizenship can be obtained by operation of law, through grant, recognition as a citizen, or restoration of Polish citizenship.
Basic facts
| Acquisition by Law | For minors under 18 or married before 18. Includes the “right of blood” (child acquires citizenship if at least one parent is Polish) and “right of soil” (child born in Poland with unknown, stateless, or undetermined parents). |
| By Grant | Granted by the President upon request. Application includes personal details, residence, income, language proficiency, and supporting documents (e.g., permits, certificates). Decision is final, no appeal. Processing time: 1-3 years. |
| By Recognition | Administrative process for long-term residents meeting conditions (e.g., stable income, residence). Different criteria apply based on residency duration and personal circumstances (e.g., marriage, refugee status). |
| By Restoration | For those who lost citizenship before 1999. Requires application to the Minister of the Interior with supporting documents. Excludes individuals posing a threat to Poland or involved in detrimental actions during WWII. |
| Key Principles | – Continuity of Citizenship: Citizenship remains regardless of legal changes. – Exclusivity: Polish citizens with dual citizenship are treated as Polish citizens in Poland. – Dual Citizenship is allowed. |
| Special Cases | – Polish Card holders: Citizenship after 1 year of residence. – Refugees: Citizenship after 2 years of residence. – Spouses of Polish citizens: Citizenship after 2 years of residence and 3 years of marriage. |
| Documents Required | Application forms, identity documents, residence permits, notarized copies, civil registry documents (birth/marriage certificates). Foreign documents must be transcribed into Polish civil registry. |
| Application Process | Submit to Voivode or consulate (if abroad). Can be done in person or by mail. |
| Processing Time | – Grant by President: 1-3 years. – Restoration: Prompt decision, appealable within 14 days. |
| Fees | Consular fee: €360. Additional costs for translations and notarizations. |
| FAQs | Covers dual citizenship, adoption, repatriation, procedural timelines, eligibility for minors, and appeal rights. |
Acquisition of Polish citizenship by law
Only minors, i.e., those who have not yet reached the age of 18 or have entered into marriage before reaching the age of majority, can acquire citizenship by operation of law. Two main situations are distinguished in this context:
The first is the so-called “right of blood” principle. According to this principle, a child acquires citizenship if at least one parent holds Polish citizenship at the time of the child’s birth. The second is known as the “right of soil” principle.
Under this principle, a child born in Poland acquires citizenship if the parents are unknown, stateless, or their citizenship is undetermined. A similar provision applies to a minor found on the territory of the Republic of Poland whose parents are unknown.
Additionally, a minor foreigner who is fully adopted by Polish citizens before reaching the age of 16 also acquires citizenship retroactively from the date of birth.
Polish citizenship by grant
Granting citizenship is the most commonly chosen route for foreigners to become Polish citizens. Citizenship is granted by the President of the Republic of Poland. This is done upon the request of the foreigner or their legal representatives (e.g., parents) if the applicant is a minor. The application is submitted on an official form, available on the website of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
The application must include, among other things:
- the foreigner’s personal details,
- place of residence,
- information about the parents (if they held Polish citizenship),
- sources of income,
- proficiency in the Polish language,
- professional achievements.
The foreigner must attach all documents that confirm the accuracy of the information provided in the application. These may include employment contracts, diplomas, language certificates, and other documents proving their ties to Poland. Copies of the following must also be submitted:
- temporary or permanent residence permits in Poland,
- residence card,
- passport.
All copies must be notarized as true to the original.
Additionally, the application must include a birth certificate and, if applicable, a marriage certificate issued by a Polish civil registry office. This requirement often presents the most difficulty for foreigners.
Foreign civil documents translated into Polish by a certified translator are not sufficient. To obtain a Polish civil registry document, the foreign document must first be transcribed, meaning it must be entered into the Polish civil registry.
The application for granting Polish citizenship is submitted through the relevant Voivode or consul. It can be done in person or by mail. The President, after reviewing the application, either grants or denies citizenship.
There are no specific deadlines for processing the application. In practice, the waiting period for a decision on citizenship ranges from one to three years. The President’s decision is final, and no appeal is possible.
Recognition as a Polish citizen
The matter of recognition as a Polish citizen is governed by the Act of April 2, 2009, on Polish Citizenship. According to Article 30, paragraph 1 of this act, the following individuals may be recognized as Polish citizens:
- A foreigner who has resided continuously on the territory of the Republic of Poland for at least 3 years
- Based on a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit, or the right of permanent residence,
- Who has a stable and regular source of income in Poland,
- And holds legal title to occupy a residential property.
- A foreigner who has resided continuously in Poland for at least 2 years
- Based on a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit, or the right of permanent residence,
- And who:
- Has been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years, or
- Is stateless.
- A foreigner who has resided continuously in Poland for at least 2 years
- Based on a permanent residence permit obtained due to refugee status granted in Poland.
- A minor foreigner residing in Poland
- Based on a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit, or the right of permanent residence,
- If one parent is a Polish citizen and the other parent, who does not hold Polish citizenship, consents to the recognition.
- A minor foreigner residing in Poland
- Based on a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit, or the right of permanent residence,
- If at least one parent has had Polish citizenship restored, and the other parent, who does not hold Polish citizenship, consents to the recognition.
- A foreigner who has resided continuously and legally in Poland for at least 10 years, provided that they:
- Hold a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit, or the right of permanent residence,
- Have a stable and regular source of income in Poland,
- And hold legal title to occupy a residential property.
- A foreigner who has resided continuously in Poland for at least 1 year
- Based on a permanent residence permit obtained due to Polish origin or possession of a Polish Card (Karta Polaka).
Application for recognition as a Polish citizen
The application must be submitted to the relevant Voivode (regional governor) based on the applicant’s place of residence. Applicants are required to provide documents proving their eligibility, such as proof of residency, income, and legal title to a residential property, as well as personal documents like birth and marriage certificates.
Reinstatement of Polish citizenship
The last procedure applies to individuals who lost Polish citizenship before January 1, 1999. It involves submitting an appropriate application to the Minister of the Interior. In the application, the foreigner must provide basic information, including personal details, current address, the address of their last place of residence in Poland before losing citizenship, as well as a statement confirming that they previously held Polish citizenship.
The application should be accompanied by all documents that support the circumstances outlined in the request. In particular, the applicant must provide evidence detailing the reasons and circumstances surrounding the loss of citizenship.
A decision regarding the restoration of citizenship should be issued promptly. Unlike the President’s decision regarding the granting of citizenship, this decision can be appealed within 14 days.
According to the law, restoration of citizenship does not apply to individuals who may pose a threat to the Polish state or those who acted to Poland’s detriment during World War II.
FAQs regarding Polish citizenship
What is the principle of continuity of Polish citizenship?
It guarantees the permanence of citizenship, even if the legal provisions regarding citizenship change.
What is the principle of exclusivity of Polish citizenship?
A Polish citizen who holds another citizenship is regarded in Poland solely as a Polish citizen.
Can I hold dual citizenship?
Yes, but in dealings with Polish authorities, you will always be treated as a Polish citizen.
How can Polish citizenship be acquired by birth?
A child acquires citizenship if at least one parent holds Polish citizenship, regardless of the place of birth.
What is the principle of blood (Ius Sanguinis)?
It is a principle under which citizenship is passed down through the parents, regardless of the child’s place of birth.
What is the principle of territory (Ius Soli)?
A child born on the territory of Poland, whose parents are unknown or stateless, automatically acquires Polish citizenship.
Can adoption be a basis for acquiring citizenship?
Yes, a child adopted by individuals holding Polish citizenship automatically acquires it, provided the adoption took place before the child turned 16.
Who can grant Polish citizenship to a foreigner?
The President of the Republic of Poland may grant Polish citizenship to a foreigner upon their request.
What documents are required to submit an application for citizenship granted by the President of the Republic of Poland?
Application form, documents confirming identity, translations of documents, and photos meeting the specified requirements.
Does the President of the Republic of Poland have to justify their decision to grant citizenship?
No, the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland is discretionary and does not require justification.
Can the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland be appealed?
No, the decisions of the President of the Republic of Poland are final and cannot be appealed.
What conditions must be met to be recognized as a Polish citizen through the administrative process?
A foreigner must reside in Poland for a specified period, have proficiency in the Polish language, possess a stable source of income, and not pose a threat to national security.
Who can be recognized as a Polish citizen after 3 years of residence in Poland?
A person who resides on the basis of a settlement permit and has a stable source of income and housing.
Can spouses of Polish citizens acquire citizenship?
Yes, after 2 years of residence in Poland and 3 years of marriage.
Can refugees apply for Polish citizenship?
Yes, refugees can acquire citizenship after 2 years of residence in Poland based on a settlement permit.
Can a minor child of a foreigner acquire Polish citizenship?
Yes, if one parent is a Polish citizen and the other parent gives consent.
What requirements must a foreigner residing in Poland for 10 years meet to acquire citizenship?
They must have a settlement permit, a stable source of income, and the right to occupy a residential property.
Can a foreigner with a Polish Card (Karta Polaka) acquire Polish citizenship?
Yes, after one year of residence in Poland based on a permanent residence permit.
Can Polish citizenship be lost?
A Polish citizen cannot be deprived of Polish citizenship without their consent.
What are the procedures related to the restoration of Polish citizenship?
Foreigners who lost their citizenship before 1999 can have it restored by submitting an application to the Minister of the Interior.
Who can benefit from the procedure for the restoration of citizenship?
Individuals who lost Polish citizenship under previous regulations, such as before 1999.
What documents are required for an application for the restoration of citizenship?
Identity documents, proof of the loss of citizenship, and a photograph.
Are children included in the decision to grant citizenship to their parents?
Yes, children automatically acquire citizenship if both parents obtain Polish citizenship.
Do children need to give consent to acquire Polish citizenship?
Children over the age of 16 must give consent to acquire citizenship.
Is it possible to submit an application for Polish citizenship from abroad?
Yes, foreigners can submit an application through the consulate.
How long does the process of acquiring citizenship through the President of the Republic of Poland take?
The process can take over a year, as the President is not obligated to act within a specified timeframe.
What are the fees associated with granting citizenship?
The consular fee is 360 euros; additional costs may involve translations and authentication of documents.
Can Polish citizenship be obtained through repatriation?
Yes, individuals of Polish descent can obtain citizenship through repatriation.
Can Polish citizenship be regained?
Yes, individuals who lost citizenship before 1999 can apply for its restoration.
Who can acquire Polish citizenship by operation of law?
Only minors who have not yet reached the age of 18 or those who have married before reaching the age of majority can acquire citizenship by operation of law.
Can a minor foreigner adopted by Polish citizens acquire citizenship?
Yes, a minor foreigner fully adopted before turning 16 by Polish citizens acquires Polish citizenship by operation of law.
What documents should be attached to the application for citizenship granted by the President of the Republic of Poland?
The application should include documents such as a passport, residence cards, birth and marriage certificates, as well as notarized copies of these documents.
Where should the application for Polish citizenship be submitted?
The application can be submitted to the relevant Voivode based on the place of residence or through the consulate if the foreigner lives abroad.
How long does the processing of the application for citizenship by the President of the Republic of Poland take?
The President does not have specific deadlines for processing the application; however, the process can take from one to three years.
What does the recognition of a foreigner as a Polish citizen involve?
Recognition as a Polish citizen occurs by means of an administrative decision, based on an application submitted to the Voivode by foreigners who meet specific conditions, such as long-term residence in Poland.