Since the beginning of the full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes and move to safer countries, including Poland. During this time, many managed to integrate into Polish society, find a job, send their children to local schools and start a new life. Some Ukrainians are already thinking about the possibility of staying forever, because their future is increasingly connected with this country.
One of the important steps on this path is obtaining Polish citizenship, which provides broader rights, a stable legal status and the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of EU citizens. However, this process has its own characteristics, and there are several options for its completion.
The main ways of obtaining Polish citizenship
There are several ways to obtain a Polish passport. The most common of them are:
- Citizenship by birth – if at least one of the parents is a citizen of Poland. If only one of the parents has Polish citizenship, the other must consent to the recognition of the child as a Polish citizen.
- Grant of citizenship by the President of Poland – the president has the authority to grant citizenship to a foreigner regardless of the length of his stay in the country or the fulfillment of any other conditions. This is a quick but unpredictable option, as the decision is made at the discretion of the head of state.
- Recognition as a citizen of Poland is the most common option, which involves certain conditions regarding the duration of residence in the country.
- Restoration of citizenship – for those who used to be citizens of Poland, but lost it for various reasons.
Who can apply for Polish citizenship and what requirements must be met
Foreigners who meet at least one of the specified conditions can apply for Polish citizenship. For each category of candidates there are certain requirements regarding the period of residence, legal status and social integration.
1. Long-term residence in Poland on legal grounds
Those who:
– Legally resides in Poland for at least three consecutive years without a break. For this, it is necessary to have a permanent residence permit (permanent residence), a residence permit of a long-term resident of the EU or the right of permanent residence.
– Has a stable and regular source of income in Poland.
– Owns a legal right to housing (rent or ownership).
2. Marriage with a Polish citizen
If the applicant has been married to a Polish citizen for at least three years, he can apply for citizenship. However, before that, it is necessary to live in Poland continuously and legally for at least two years on the basis of a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU resident permit.
3. Refugees
Those who have been granted refugee status in Poland can apply, but this requires at least two years of continuous and legal residence in the country with a permanent residence permit.
4. Children whose parents are citizens of Poland
– A child under the age of 18 can obtain citizenship if he/she legally resides in Poland with a permanent residence permit or a long-term EU resident permit and one of his/her parents has Polish citizenship. The second parent must consent to the recognition of the child as a Polish citizen.
– A child under the age of 18 can also obtain citizenship if one of his parents has restored Polish citizenship, and the other has given his consent for the child to acquire it.
5. Long-term legal residence in Poland
If a foreigner has lived in Poland for at least 10 years, he can apply for citizenship, provided that:
– Legally resides in the country on the basis of a permanent residence permit or the right of long-term residence of an EU resident.
– Has stable and regular income.
– Possesses a legal right to housing.
6. Polish origin or Map of a Pole
Those who are of Polish origin or who hold a Pole’s Card can apply for citizenship already after one year of permanent and legal residence in Poland with a permanent residence permit.
Additional requirements
In addition to fulfilling the basic conditions, it is necessary:
– Have knowledge of the Polish language at a level not lower than B1 and confirm it with an official certificate.
– Meet the security criteria, because the voivode has the right to refuse to grant citizenship if it would pose a threat to the defense or public order of Poland.
Where to submit documents
Applications are accepted at the Department of Civil Affairs and Passports of the Department of Civil Affairs and Foreigners:
Address: str. Konarskogo 1-3, Bydgoszcz, building C, 2nd floor, office #202
Reception schedule:
– Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 08:00–13:00
– Tuesday: 08:00–14:00
Telephone for inquiries: +48 52 34 97 231
Payment for processing the application
– 219 zlotys – for a decision on recognition as a Polish citizen.
– PLN 17 – for a power of attorney, if the case is handled by a representative who is not a family member.
– PLN 5 per page in case of document authentication (if copies are attached).
Terms of consideration of the application
The duration of the review depends on when all the necessary documents will be received by the relevant authorities. The government requests additional information from the police, the Foreign Security Agency and other agencies to ensure that the applicant does not pose a threat to the state.
How to appeal the decision
If the applicant is denied citizenship, he has the right to appeal. To do this, within 14 days after receiving the refusal, you need to contact the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration through the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
What documents need to be submitted
To obtain Polish citizenship, it is necessary to collect a package of documents:
– Completed application in Polish.
– Biometric photo (4.5×3.5 cm).
– Copies of all pages of a valid passport or other identity document.
– Photocopy of the Card of permanent residence (if available).
– Certificate of marital status (marriage certificate or lack thereof).
– Copies of children’s birth certificates (if any).
– Certificate of residence registration in Poland and PESEL number.
– Proof of knowledge of the Polish language (level B1 certificate or a document of graduation from school in Poland).
– Autobiography.
– Certificate of travel abroad and stay in other countries.
– Evidence of professional and academic achievements (if applicable).
– Documents confirming stable income and housing.
– Confirmation of payment of fees.
If the applicant has a minor child under his care, it is necessary to additionally submit his documents and the permission of the second parent to grant citizenship to the child.
General important requirements
– All documents must be in Polish or have an official translation.
– Copies of documents must be notarized or certified by the consul of Poland.
– Documents on marital status (marriage, birth) are submitted in original.
Polish citizenship opens up wide opportunities: the right to visa-free travel in the EU, access to free education, social benefits and medical services. However, each case is considered individually, so you should carefully familiarize yourself with all the conditions and choose the most optimal way to obtain a Polish passport.
