Learn what documents are required, how to confirm Polish citizenship by descent, and where to submit your Polish passport application. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know to obtain a Polish passport through your Polish ancestry.
Obtaining a Polish passport is a process that can open many doors for you, both in Poland and across the European Union.
A Polish passport allows for visa free access travel (to 176 countries) and legal work within the EU. You gain the right to healthcare in the EU, can settle in its countries, and vote in elections. In addition to being able to travel internationally or live abroad, a Polish passport simplifies formalities and opens opportunities for educational programs and international exchange.
It’s also a chance to deepen your connection with your ancestors’ homeland and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Old Continent.
The Polish passport application is essentially a formality if your Polish citizenship has already been confirmed.
In this article, we will detail the steps of applying for a Polish passport and the documents you’ll need once you have your Polish citizenship confirmed.
You’ll learn what steps to take when applying for a Polish passport, including what documents to prepare and how the entire process works, so you can fully enjoy the benefits that Polish passports have to offer.
Key Takeaways
- What are the requirements to apply for a passport?
- What documents are needed for the application?
- How and where to apply for a Polish passport?
- How can we help you?
Who Can Apply for a Polish Passport?
Let’s start with the fact that to apply for a Polish passport, you must first confirm your Polish citizenship. The Polish government only grants passports to Polish citizens.
This means the process of applying for a Polish passport is available to:
- People of Polish descent – If you have Polish ancestors, you can apply to confirm your Polish citizenship. Once your citizenship is confirmed, you will be eligible to apply for a passport.
- Polish citizens – Individuals who already have confirmed Polish citizenship can apply for a Polish passport without any additional citizenship-related formalities.
- People who acquired Polish citizenship by other means – For example, those who have lived in Poland for several years. For them, obtaining a passport is also a straightforward formality.
The path to confirming Polish citizenship by descent is particularly popular among individuals from countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, where many people have Polish roots. While you do require a Polish ancestor, it is one of the only roots to citizenship confirmation that does not require you to speak Polish or live in the country.
For more information on who qualifies for Polish citizenship by descent, read our article Who is Eligible for a Polish Passport?
Check if you qualify for polish citizenship by descent
Why Should You Apply for a Polish Passport?
With a Polish passport in hand, you gain access to 176 countries around the world.
Poland ranks among the top countries with the strongest passports globally, allowing you to explore new cultures and destinations.
A Polish passport also means:
- Connection to Europe – Obtaining a Polish passport marks you not only as an official Polish citizen, but also an EU citizen as well. As such, it grants you full citizenship rights in one of the most important regions in the world, unlocking countless opportunities across the European Union.
- Freedom to work and study across the EU – You can advance your career or pursue education at prestigious universities in any EU country without barriers.
- Access to healthcare across the EU – In case of illness or an accident, you are guaranteed essential medical care on the same terms as citizens of any EU country.
- Voting rights in European Parliament elections and referendums – You have a real say in shaping the future of Poland and Europe, participating in key decisions.
- A sense of belonging to Europe – A Polish passport is not just a document, but a symbol of EU citizenship and European identity. Having one can be a source of pride and satisfaction, helping you integrate into the European community, both in Poland and abroad.
- An investment in the future – A Polish passport is a valuable asset, opening doors to many new experiences and opportunities for both you and your family.
- Poland is a stable and safe country with a dynamically growing economy. With a Polish passport, you gain access to an attractive job market, a rich cultural scene, and a high quality of life.
A means to recognize your Polish roots and a gateway to opportunities in a foreign country, it’s clear to see why Polish passports are so desirable. To learn more about the benefits of having a Polish passport, read Your Benefits of Polish Membership in the EU.
What Does the Process Look Like?
If you have already confirmed your Polish citizenship by descent—congratulations! You are now ready to apply for your Polish passport.
| Polish Passport Application | ||
| Confirmed Polish citizenship by descent | → | Polish passport application |
Preparing the Documents for the Application
It’s important to be well-prepared before submitting your passport application to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
For the passport application, you will need the following:
| Biometric color photo | Your Polish passport photo must meet international passport standards. Make sure the photo fulfills all the requirements to avoid any issues and delays. |
| Documents confirming Polish citizenship | An official confirmation of Polish citizenship, which you will receive after completing the citizenship process in the form of an administrative decision. Currently, many offices issue this digitally with a valid electronic signature. This is one of the most vital required documents: if you are not able to prove you are a Polish citizen, you can not receive a Polish passport. |
| Birth certificate | Individuals born outside of Poland must provide an official copy of their birth certificate, registered in Poland. |
| PESEL number | The PESEL number is similar to a social security number and is automatically assigned to individuals who have been registered in Poland for over 30 days. If you do not yet have a PESEL number, it will be assigned when you submit your passport application. |
| Marriage certificate | If you are married, divorced, or widowed, you must provide a registered Polish marriage certificate with the appropriate annotation reflecting your current marital status. Like your Polish birth certificate, this is because you must submit translated foreign certificates to the Polish authorities, which are then copied into Polish vital records and used in application forms, such as when applying for polish passports. |
| Your current passport | Your current passport confirms your identity and must be presented for verification. Even an expired passport can be useful in the application process, helping to facilitate the issuance of a new document. |
In some cases, the Polish consulate you apply through may request an additional form of identification, such as a valid identity card or driver’s license.
Choosing the Location to Submit Your Application
Once you are ready to submit your Polish passport application, you should take all your documents to the Polish embassy or consulate of your choice.
In the UK, you can find a Polish consulate in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Manchester.
In the United States, they are in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York.
In Canada, there is a Polish consulate in each of Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
In Australia, consular services are available in Sydney and Canberra.
In New Zealand, the Polish embassy is in Wellington.
All Polish passport applications must be submitted in person.
For more information about Polish consular services, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Booking an Appointment at a Polish Consulate
All Polish passport applications are submitted by appointment only. You can book a passport appointment through the e-Konsulat system on the Polish consular services website.
Be aware that in some cities, such as London, it may take up to six weeks to get an appointment.
You must collect the new passport at the consulate where the application was submitted, although in some cases—such as if you have difficulty traveling—they may agree to send it by mail.
You can also apply at a Polish voivodeship office, even if you live permanently abroad.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
Typically, the process takes a few weeks to a few months from the time the application is submitted.
The processing time may vary depending on where you submit your application and the workload at the Polish consulates.
Did you know?
If you need a passport in a shorter time frame, there is the option of obtaining a temporary passport. A temporary passport is usually issued faster, but it has limited validity.
For more information on how long the process of confirming Polish citizenship and obtaining a passport can take, read the article How long does it take to obtain Polish citizenship and a passport?
What Is the Cost of Submitting the Application?
The cost of issuing a Polish passport may vary depending on the country where the application is submitted.
These differences are mainly due to various consular fees set by Polish diplomatic missions in different countries.
Polish consulates and embassies have their own fee schedule, which may include additional administrative costs for processing applications abroad.
Estimated costs for the passport:*
| Country | Adult Passport | Child Passport |
| USA | 122 USD | 39 USD |
| Canada | 180 CAD | 117 CAD |
| United Kingdom | 94 GBP | 49 GBP |
| Australia | 297 AUD | 148 AUD |
| New Zealand | 215 NZD | 125 NZD |
*Individuals who do not yet have Polish citizenship based on their Polish roots should be prepared for additional fees.
These amounts may vary depending on the specific consulate and any additional administrative charges.
For more details on the costs associated with a Polish passport, read the article How much does it cost to get a Polish passport?
Summary
Once you are a confirmed Polish citizen, the passport application process is largely a formality.
Our clients typically apply for their Polish passport immediately after confirming their citizenship by descent.
At Lexmotion, we ensure that our clients receive clear guidance on where, how, and when to submit their documents at the consulate, making the process simple and fast, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of holding a Polish passport.
Remember, passport applications must be submitted in person after scheduling an appointment at the consulate.
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, scheduled your passport appointment, and submitted your application, it’s just a matter of waiting a few weeks to enjoy the freedom that comes with having a passport granting access to the EU.
FAQ
How can I apply for a Polish passport in the USA?
The Polish consular services website lists all the cities in the USA that offer passport services. While this list may change occasionally, the main locations are Washington D.C., Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York.
Be sure to check if there are any additional consular outreach events (dyżury konsularne) closer to your location. These can be found on the main website: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/.
How can I apply for a Polish passport in the United Kingdom?
A Polish passport application must be submitted in person after scheduling an appointment at the nearest Polish consulate. You can find a consular office in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
In the UK, there is no paper application form for a Polish passport; as in most countries, the application is completed digitally.
How can I apply for a Polish passport in Canada?
Applications can be submitted through the Polish Embassy in Ottawa or consulates in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.
Do I need to know Polish to get a Polish passport?
No, you do not need to know Polish to get a Polish passport. Holding Polish citizenship is sufficient to apply for a passport.
However, similar to the citizenship confirmation process, knowing the Polish language can make the process easier, especially when filling out forms and communicating with consular officers. Our multilingual experts at Lexmotion are well-versed in every aspect of the citizenship and passport application process, which can significantly speed up and simplify communication with authorities.
Do I have to apply for Polish citizenship or a Polish passport at the nearest consulate?
No, you can apply in any country where there is a Polish diplomatic mission with a consular section, regardless of where you reside. You can also apply in Poland, at a voivodeship office with a passport department.
However, you may be asked to visit the official Polish office of your choice during your citizenship confirmation process. This is also the case with your passport application, as an in-person meeting is required. For these reasons it’s advised to choose amongst Polish consulates in your home country, ideally as close to you as possible for ease of travel.
