POLISH PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

APPLYING FOR AN POLISH PASSPORT OR PASSPORT RENEWAL

The process to get a Polish passport is relatively straightforward—as long as you are already a Polish citizen.

Since Poland doesn’t have restrictions on dual citizenship, you’ll likely be able to maintain a passport in your current country, but that depends on the regulations there. 

Despite already having one, you may still want to learn how to get a Polish passport thanks to the ease of travel this offers for many people. It ranks 9th in the world for the access it grants you. That’s because it offers access to 186 destination countries and territories around the globe!

For citizens, it’s simply a matter of gathering the right documents and going to your local consular office. Unlike many other countries, Poland requires that you apply in person. But other than this one inconvenience, it’s still a fairly simple affair.

While we walk you through the steps below, you can always contact us to get in-depth advice from one of our experts.

Polish passport requirements

How to Obtain a Polish Passport with Dual Citizenship

A Polish passport requires citizenship no matter what. For many people, that is the first step. This can be done through descent, naturalization, marriage, granting, or restoration.

Below, you’ll find exactly what you’ll need and what you’ll need to do.

Polish Passport Requirements

Here is a list of requirements you will need for your Polish passport:

  • Make an appointment
    • This can be done electronically through the e-konsulat platform
  • At your appointment with the consular office, bring
    • Color biometric photograph
      • needs to be recent (within 6 months)
      • you cannot wear a hat, glasses with dark lenses, or other obstructive things
      • include all of your head and the upper shoulders
      • your face needs to be 70-80% of the photo
      • your mouth should be closed
      • you should not make a face
      • facial hair that makes you potentially unrecognizable could result in rejection
    • Filled out application (this can be done electronically at the consular office)
    • Proof of Polish citizenship
      • Either a passport document or valid identity card
    • If you want a reduced fee, proof of status
      • g. Student ID card, pensioner ID card, etc.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Polish Passport

At the end of the process, the person taking your application will be able to tell you what date you should return to the office to retrieve your passport.

Along with that, you’ll get a written confirmation. This will give you a number you can use to check the progress online.

You can get a temporary passport more quickly. This can work if you have urgent business abroad. You just need to fill out a second application for a temporary passport, but it should be noted that not as many countries will accept this.

Where Do I Get a Polish Passport?

You’ll pick up your passport at the same consular office you submitted your application to.

If you have an old Polish passport or temporary passport, you’ll need to drop those off.

The consul will mail passports to an address in extreme circumstances. If there is some extraordinary reason you cannot pick up the passport in person, discuss this during the application process. You’ll have to pay for the mailing fees.

A passport that’s mailed to you will require electronic activation.

Why Would My Polish Passport Application Get Rejected?

There are a many reasons your application might be rejected. Among the most common are:

  • Photograph doesn’t meet requirements
  • You have an ongoing court proceeding
  • You are under investigation for a serious criminal act
  • Your application details could not be confirmed
  • Your citizenship could not be verified
  • You did not pay a required fee

Is a Rejection Reversible?

You can appeal the decision if it’s from a decision by the consul. If it’s because of a court order, you cannot appeal a passport application rejection.

I Lost My Polish Passport—Now What?

If you lose your passport, notify the passport authority (or the consul if abroad) immediately. Once reported, the passport becomes invalid. You can notify the loss online using a trusted profile, qualified certificate, or e-identity card, or via a written letter with a notary-certified signature. If you find the lost passport after reporting, you must return it to the passport authority.

Important Considerations

It’s extremely important for dual citizens to remember: always use your Polish passport when entering or exiting Poland.

Does this all sound a bit complex? Reach out to us today for a FREE consultation call. We can simplify the Polish passport process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I get a Polish passport?

Passports are available for all Polish citizens.

You will need a completed application, a color biometric photo, proof of Polish citizenship (e.g., passport or identity card), and proof of status if applying for a fee reduction (e.g., student ID).

Yes, a temporary passport is available for urgent travel, but it may not be accepted in all countries.

A temporary passport might be available that same day. A biometric passport will take about 1 to 2 months.

Once your Polish citizenship is approved, you can immediately apply for a passport.

Yes, Poland allows dual citizenship, so you can hold a Polish passport while retaining citizenship in another country. However, the other country must also allow dual citizenship.

You must apply in person at a Polish consulate or embassy. Applications are not accepted online or by mail unless in exceptional circumstances. A full list of the Polish consulate locations in the USA can be found here.

You’ll receive a confirmation code after submitting your application at a consular office. This code can be used to track progress online.

The cost of a Polish passport varies greatly:

  • General cost: 122 PLN
  • Reduced fee for:
    • Student between 18 and 26
    • Pensioners
    • Person with disability
    • Dependent on a pensioner or person with disability
    • Staying in a care facility
    • Recieving carer’s allowance
    • Veteran
    • Anti-communist resistance activist or repressed for political reasons
    • Recognized by the Head of the Veterans and Repressed Persons Office as involved in regaining independence or respecting human rights
    • Active duty soldier
    • Voluntary firefighter granted a rescue worker benefit
    • Mountain rescue volunteer
    • Part of a large family as defined by the Large Family Card Act of 5 December 2014 and hold a Large Family Card

Common reasons include non-compliance with photo requirements, ongoing legal issues, incomplete documentation, or unpaid fees.

Report the loss immediately to the passport authority or consul. Once reported, the passport becomes invalid. If found later, it must be returned to the authorities.

This page was last updated with with help by Marco Permunian

Additional Resources:

PDC - Polish Dual Citizenship

PDC was founded with a passion for helping individuals of Polish descent reconnect with their heritage and strengthen their ties to Poland. Gaining dual citizenship with Poland offers numerous opportunities for you and your family within both Poland and the European Union.

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