How to Apply for Polish Citizenship
The step-by-step application process to apply for Poland nationality
In order to gain access to the benefits of Polish citizenship, then you must meet all of the eligibility requirements for Polish citizenship, collect all of the proper documentation and supporting documents to support to claim, and properly navigate the application process for approval.
To help clarify the process, we put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide covering everything you need to know about how to apply for Polish citizenship. The application process with Poland is very complex.
Following the steps below can serve as a guideline to follow as you navigate the process when trying to apply for polish citizenship. Keep in mind individual cases and process often vary so it is always recommended to speak with a professional prior to starting the process to make sure you qualify and your case would be successful.
Know Your Path to Apply for Polish Nationality
When learning how to apply for Polish citizenship, you will need to know which qualification guidelines you meet will determine the exact path you’ll need to follow to apply for Polish dual citizenship properly. For our full guide on eligibility, check out this page for the requirements of Polish citizenship.
For citizenship by descent, you’ll need to meet all of the following:
- Have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent had/has Polish citizenship after 1920
- The ancestor did not
- Renounce their citizenship
- Serve in a foreign military before 1951 (except the Allies during WWII)
- Serve in a foreign public office without the consent of the Polish government before 1951
For citizenship by naturalization through marriage, you’ll need to meet both of the following:
- Continuously live in Poland for 2 years
- Have a residence permit for 3 years of marriage
For citizenship by recognition you’ll need to meet any of the following:
- Lived in Poland for the last 2 years as either a refugee, repatriate, permanent resident (married or stateless)
- Lived in Poland for the last 3 years as a permanent resident with a source of income and own your home or apartment
- Lived in Poland for the last 8 years and have permanent resident status for any length of time with a source of income and own your home or apartment
For citizenship by power of law, you’ll need to meet either of the following:
- Born in Poland to parents of unknown citizenship
- Found in Poland as a minor of unknown parents
For citizenship by investment, you’ll need all of the following:
- Have lived in Poland with a permanent residence permit for at least 3 years
- Documents showing you own a business in Poland with an annual income of at least €15,000
You’ll need to look over the guidelines above carefully, because you’ll apply for Polish citizenship through one of these channels.
Is there a language requirement for polish citizenship by descent?
No, you do not need to learn to speak Polish to apply your Polish citizenship by descent and obtain a passport. You are only required to prove your Polish lineage through a qualifying ancestor from Poland. If you have multiple ancestors from Poland that helps increase your chances of qualifying. Think of each ancestor (parent, grandparent, or great grandparent) from Poland as an opportunity to qualify for Polish dual citizenship.
There is not a requirement to speak Polish in order to have your citizenship application successfully approved. However, please be aware that if you are navigating the application process on your own, you will need an advanced level of the Polish language, as the entire process and all documentation (translations, certifications, etc) will be in Polish. This is where our team of professionals is able to step in and complete the process for you from the beginning of tracking down your documents to having your Polish passport in hand.
The Language Proficiency Requirement when applying for Polish citizenship by naturalization
If you are working on applying for Polish citizenship through naturalization, the government requires an understanding of the language to become a citizen. They determine this as proficiency in Polish at the B1 level.
You’ll need to confirm this proficiency through an approved language exam and attach that to any application.
Internal Security and Public Order Requirement
If the government determines you are a safety risk for any reason, you will not be allowed to become a citizen.
Apply for Polish Citizenship
The next step is to actually apply. Here, you’ll put together your materials and send them to the right offices, all while paying the right fees.
Step 1. Collect Necessary Documents
Before filling out applications, it is critical your documents are in perfect order. This requires looking at your pathway to citizenship and having documents and supporting documents that clearly prove your eligibility.
If any documents aren’t in Polish, they must be translated by an official translator approved by the government. These include sworn translators or the Polish consul.
Step 2. Submit Your Application
Applications can be submitted in person at the office or by mail to the voivodeship governor (regional government). The voivodeship governor you submit to will be based on where you reside in Poland.
For those abroad, apply through the Polish consulate.
Each voivodeship has a designated office for handling citizenship applications, and it’s important to ensure you are sending your materials to the right authority.
Step 3. Pay the Stamp Duty
There is a fee of PLN (Polish złoty) 219 to process your citizenship application. The exact payment details and account numbers are listed on the voivodeship’s official website.
Step 4. Await the Decision
After your application is submitted, the office will look over the details. During this time, they might reach out for clarification on certain matters. You’ll want to make yourself available for any of these discussions!
While the government website claims this process only takes 2 months, prepare for it to take significantly longer, especially if the application hits any snags.
Appealing a Decision
Not all applications for citizenship will be accepted, and so it’s best to prepare for this possibility. Luckily, if this happens to you, there are still steps you can take toward Polish citizenship.
You have the right to appeal to the Minister of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA). Just make sure you file your appeal within 14 days of getting the decision—the sooner, the better. Submit the appeal in person or by mail to the MSWiA office in Warsaw:
Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji ul. Stefana Batorego 5, 02-591 Warszawa
If the Minister comes back with a denial, you still have another shot. Appeal to an administrative court within 30 days by submitting a complaint to the MSWiA.
How Long Does the Process Take?
As we mentioned above, the official Polish government website claims this process takes 2 months. This does not match a lot of first-hand experiences. It’s worth preparing for a much longer process—up to 24 months.
Need Help to Apply for Polish Citizenship?
Knowing “how” to apply for Polish citizenship is one thing. Actually navigating the sometimes drawn out process can be another challenge altogether.
Want support as you transition to this new chapter in your life?
Our experts are here to help. We are offering a FREE consultation call to get started.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
Do You Qualify?
Want to know if you qualify for Polish citizenship? Contact us, we offer a free consultation to help determine your eligibility.
