FAQs
LIst of Frequently Asked Questions
How can I obtain Polish citizenship?
Polish citizenship can be obtained in several ways:
• By birth – if one of the parents is a Polish citizen.
• By granting it by the President of Poland – upon request of a foreigner.
• By recognition as a Polish citizen – a decision is made by the voivode if you meet certain conditions, e.g., long-term residence in Poland.
• By repatriation – for people of Polish descent returning to the country.
What is the difference between granting citizenship and recognizing it?
• Granting citizenship is a decision made by the President of Poland, which is discretionary and does not require meeting specific legal conditions.
• Recognition as a Polish citizen is an administrative procedure carried out by the voivode, based on the fulfillment of specific criteria, e.g., long-term residence in Poland.
How can I confirm my Polish citizenship?
If you have Polish heritage or ancestors who held Polish citizenship, you can apply for confirmation of Polish citizenship to the voivode. For this, you will need documents confirming the Polish citizenship of your ancestors.
How long does the process of obtaining Polish citizenship take?
The waiting time depends on the procedure:
• Recognition as a citizen – approximately 3-6 months.
• Confirmation of citizenship – 3-12 months, depending on the availability of documents.
• Granting citizenship by the President of Poland – up to 2 years.
What documents are required to obtain Polish citizenship?
Depending on the procedure, the following documents may be required:
• Passport and identity document,
• Birth and marriage certificates,
• Documents confirming Polish heritage or citizenship of ancestors,
• Certificates of residence and employment in Poland.
Is knowledge of the Polish language required?
Yes, in most cases, a Polish language proficiency certificate at the B1 level is required, unless you are of Polish descent or are obtaining citizenship through a grant by the President of Poland.
How can I obtain a Polish passport after acquiring citizenship?
After confirming or acquiring citizenship, you must:
• Obtain a Polish birth certificate and a PESEL number,
• Submit an application for a passport at the voivodeship office or consulate.
Passport application procedure:
• Personal submission of the application – you must appear in person at a passport office or consulate, as fingerprinting is required.
• Filling out the application form – the form is available both in paper form and online, depending on the location of the application.
• Passport fee – an administrative fee is charged for issuing a passport, and the amount depends on the applicant’s age and the type of passport (standard passport, temporary passport).
Typically, the waiting time for a passport is from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the workload of the offices. For temporary passports, the waiting time may be shorter.
Can I have dual citizenship?
Poland allows dual citizenship; however, some countries may require renouncing your citizenship if you acquire Polish citizenship.
If you need help obtaining or confirming Polish citizenship, contact us – we will be happy to assist you throughout the entire process!
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We help people of Polish heritage reclaim their citizenship and obtain a Polish passport—quickly, legally, and with full support.
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