Learn how to obtain a Polish passport and what costs are involved. If you have already confirmed, or are planning to confirm, your Polish citizenship by descent, this article is for you.
Having a Polish passport not only allows for free travel within the European Union but also offers many other benefits.
As a valid passport document, it opens the door to a vast job market across EU countries, enables you to study at European universities under preferential conditions, grants you access to healthcare and social security in EU nations, and simplifies the process of settling and purchasing property.
However, before you can enjoy all these privileges, you must go through the process of applying for a Polish passport, which first requires confirmation of your Polish citizenship.
The passport application itself is a relatively simple step, but it involves some consular fees, which may vary depending on where you live. Additional costs may include passport photos and obtaining a PESEL number. Therefore, the total passport fee is a combination of many factors.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the costs associated with obtaining a Polish passport, if your Polish citizenship has already been confirmed, so that you can plan your budget accordingly and avoid any surprises.
For more information on timeline of the process of confirming Polish citizenship and passport, read the article How long does it take to get Polish Citizenship by descent and obtain a Polish Passport?
Key Takeaways
- What requirements must you meet to apply for a Polish passport?
- What documents are needed for the application?
- What are the costs involved when applying for a Polish passport?
- How can we help you?
Requirements for Obtaining a Polish Passport
If you have never held a passport issued by the Polish government, there are two key requirements you must meet to obtain a new passport:
1/ Confirmed Polish Citizenship Status
Every applicant must have legal confirmation of their status as a Polish citizen. This means you must provide documents proving that you are officially recognized as a Polish citizen.
This step is particularly important for those applying for a passport based on descent rather than prior citizenship. Your certificate or document confirming citizenship is the foundation for moving forward with the passport application process.
For more details on the ways to obtain Polish citizenship, read the article How to Get Polish Citizenship.
2/ Submitting a Passport Application
Once your citizenship has been confirmed, the next step is to submit your passport application. This process requires several key documents, including a birth certificate, passport photo, and a PESEL number.
It’s important to ensure that each of these documents meets the specified requirements, so preparing them in advance is crucial for a smooth application process.
For more information on the passport application process, read the article How to Get a Polish Passport.
Confirmation of Polish Citizenship by Descent
As we mentioned, Poland only issues to applicants that are already recognized as Polish citizens.
There are several paths to obtaining citizenship, including through birth, descent, naturalization, or marriage. For those applying for a passport based on descent, proving your Polish heritage is essential, which involves documenting your lineage.
The most critical step for those applying based on descent is the formal confirmation of Polish citizenship. This requires gathering the appropriate documents that prove your ancestors were Polish citizens. These documents may include birth and marriage certificates, as well as other historical records that confirm your ancestors’ Polish citizenship.
Check if you qualify for polish citizenship by descent
Once your lineage has been documented, you must submit an application to confirm your Polish citizenship. This is a formal process that must be completed before submitting a passport application. The cost of confirming citizenship depends on the complexity of the case and the documents you already have. It can include fees from your consular office as part of the application.
It’s important to remember that confirming citizenship is the first step, but it is essential. Without it, you cannot apply for a Polish passport.
Applying for a passport is a separate process that can only begin after you have received official confirmation of your citizenship. It involves additional costs, including fees from your consular office, which may vary depending on where you live. Therefore, it’s wise to plan the entire process in advance and account for all potential expenses.
For more information on confirming Polish citizenship, read the article How to Get Polish Citizenship.
Documents Required for Submitting a Polish Passport Application
To support your passport application, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Confirmation of Polish Citizenship
You will receive this when you apply for citizenship based on descent.
- Birth Certificate
This must be in Polish and be an official document. If you were not born in Poland, you will need to register your foreign birth certificate and obtain a Polish birth certificate issued by the Polish Civil Registry Office. The same applies to your marriage certificate, if you have one.
- PESEL
This is an 11-digit identification number used for identifying Polish citizens, such as for social security purposes, for example. It is issued free of charge when you apply for a Polish passport.
- Passport Photo
Like any new passport, a valid passport application requires a photograph.
For more detailed information on the process and required documents, see the article How the Process of Getting a Polish Passport Looks Like.
Costs Associated with Obtaining a Polish Passport
The cost of obtaining a Polish passport depends on several factors, including your location and whether you need to first confirm your citizenship.
Here’s an overview of the main expenses:
- Consular Fees
The fee for submitting a passport application at a consulate depends on the country and factors such as age or student status. For example, in the UK, the fee is approximately £96 for adults, while in the United States, it is about $122. Children under 12 years old are entitled to discounts (around £31 or $39). Passport issuance is free for applicants over 70. Keep in mind that you can also submit your application in Poland at one of the voivodeship offices, where fees may vary.
- Translation and Legal Support Costs
If your documents are not in Polish, you will need to have them translated by a sworn translator, which will add to the costs. Additionally, legal assistance may be required to navigate complex procedures, especially if you need to confirm your Polish citizenship. These services are essential to ensure that all documents meet the formal requirements of Polish authorities.
If you haven’t yet confirmed your Polish citizenship, you must go through this process before you can apply for a passport.
The fastest way to check if you qualify for citizenship by descent is to complete a free eligibility quiz.
Within 24 hours of completing the quiz, Lexmotion experts will contact you to discuss your ancestors’ situation and outline the next steps.
Additional Costs
- Temporary Passport
In exceptional cases, a temporary passport can be issued, costing approximately £35 or $45 (when issued for reasons other than awaiting a regular passport), though this is not common for first-time applicants.
- Family Applications
When it comes to other family members, each relative must submit a separate application, with no group discount available. However, some savings can be achieved by consolidating translation and legal services for multiple applications.
Regional Consulates for Submitting Passport Applications
If you live outside of Poland, you will submit your application through a regional consulate.
Below is a list of Polish consulates that most frequently process passport applications, along with links to their specific passport fees and related costs.
Please check these details before submitting your passport application.
- United States of America
The USA has five consulates – in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C. The USA also offers a range of consular outreach services, during which passport applications can be submitted.
- Canada
Canada has four consulates – in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and the Polish Embassy in Ottawa.
- United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has four consulates – in Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, and the Polish Embassy in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Polish passport fees vary by country?
Although fees are generally similar, there are slight differences between consular offices. For example, the cost of a Polish passport application in the UK is £96, while in the United States, it is $122 for adults. For children under 12, discounts are available (e.g., £31 or $39). Passport issuance is free for individuals over the age of 70.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment methods for passport applications vary depending on the country and regional consulate. In most cases, debit cards and checks are accepted. Many consulates also accept cash, but only for in-person payments and a valid identity card, current passport or other proof of identity is usually required.
Each consulate may have its own specific rules, so it’s always best to check with the regional consulate where you will be applying.
Can I get a temporary passport?
The Polish consulate charges a separate fee for temporary passports, around £35 or $45. However, they are issued only in exceptional circumstances, and you must be able to justify the need, such as by presenting the appropriate documentation.
What about other family members?
The listed fees and costs apply to individual applications, with adult fees being the standard. Children under 12 have a separate, often significantly lower fee.
However, each family member must submit their own application. Although no discounts are offered for group applications, you can streamline the process by planning ahead. For example, once you secure Polish citizenship (which all passport applicants must have), you can save on sworn translation and legal fees.
We offer family discounts, as your Polish citizenship confirmation can also serve as a basis for confirming citizenship for your children.
