From obtaining a Polish passport to embracing your Polish roots, Polish citizenship offers many benefits. Learn about the ways to get Polish citizenship and why Polish citizenship by descent is the perfect option for those with Polish heritage.
Confirming Polish citizenship opens many doors, offering vast opportunities in both Poland and the European Union.
Polish citizenship law provides several pathways to obtaining citizenship, tailored to individual circumstances.
These include ancestry, naturalization, marriage, descent and presidential grant, each with specific requirements and processes. Aqcuiring Polish citizenship by descent, specifically, requires proof of a Polish ancestor, while naturalization involves long-term permanent residence in Poland and proficiency in the Polish language.
Whether you have Polish ancestry, plan to live in Poland, or have other reasons for seeking Polish citizenship, this article will help you understand the various methods and processes involved.
In the following sections, we will discuss each method of confirming Polish citizenship, including ancestry, naturalization, marriage, and citizenship granted by the President of Poland. We will share some vital information on becoming a Polish citizen through descent.
Key Takeaways
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Methods for Confirming Polish Citizenship
Polish citizenship law offers various methods for applying for citizenship, tailored to individual circumstances. Under the Polish citizenship act, the Polish government outlines the ways in which citizenship can be granted.
In addition to those born as a Polish citizen through Polish law – such as those born in Poland to Polish parents, these methods also include:
- By grant of Polish citizenship, such as via the Polish president.
- By recognition as a Polish citizen, due to permanent residence, polish ancestry or other forms of naturalization.
- By restoration of Polish citizenship, such as when someone previously lost their status as a Polish citizen.
Each of these methods has specific requirements and procedures that must be met. For example, for most cases, in order to be recognized as a Polish citizen, you need to have lived in Poland via a permanent residence permit, and have a proven ability to speak Polish. When applying based on your family history and Polish ancestry, these restrictions do not apply.
How to Get Polish Citizenship by Descent
For those who want to apply for Polish citizenship, doing so via family ancestry is the most popular amongst our clients.
This process operates on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), which means that citizenship is passed down through birth from Polish ancestors. In other words, if one of your great grandparents, grandparents or even parents were Polish, there’s a good chance you could also receive citizenship.
Eligibility:
- At least one ancestor must have held Polish citizenship.
- This person must have resided in Poland after 1920.
- Proof of lineage through birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, or other documents.
Process Steps:
1. Eligibility Validation: Verifying whether you meet the criteria for confirmation of Polish citizenship by descent.
2. Document Collection: Gathering birth and marriage certificates, along with documents proving your ancestors’ citizenship.
3. Document Translation: Translating all documents into Polish by a sworn translator.
4. Application Submission: Filing the application with the appropriate office in Poland or through a consulate.
5. Awaiting Decision: The verification process can take up to a year, depending on the application’s completeness and the office’s workload.
Check if you qualify for polish citizenship by descent
Our clients using this pathway receive comprehensive support, from qualification and document gathering to verification, translation, and process monitoring, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Learn more about working with us on our page dedicated to the benefits of working with Lexmotion
Other Ways of confirming and obtaining Polish Citizenship
Beyond ancestry, several other methods allow individuals to get Polish citizenship. Each procedure has its own specific requirements, which you can find in detail on official government websites.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Individuals legally residing in Poland for a required period can apply for citizenship through naturalization if they meet criteria related to long-term residency and integration into Polish society.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Continuous legal residence in Poland for at least three years with a permanent residence permit (or equivalent).
- Stable and regular income.
- Proficiency in Polish at the B1 level, certified by an exam or a school diploma.
Citizenship by Marriage
Individuals married to Polish citizens can obtain Polish citizenship if they meet conditions such as the length of marriage and legal residence in Poland.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Two years of continuous legal residence in Poland with a permanent residence permit (or equivalent).
- Marriage to a Polish citizen for at least three years or status as a stateless person.
- Proficiency in Polish at the B1 level, certified by an exam or a school diploma.
Citizenship by Law
Children with at least one Polish parent automatically acquire Polish citizenship. This also applies to children adopted by Polish citizens.
Eligibility Requirements:
- At least one parent must be a Polish citizen.
- Also applies to children adopted by Polish citizens.
Citizenship Granted by the President of Poland
Citizenship can also be granted by the President of Poland as a discretionary procedure without specific residency or language requirements. The decision rests solely with the President.
Requirements:
- The application must be submitted personally by the foreigner.
- The application should include a justification, identity documents, and proof of the applicant’s current legal status.
For more detailed information about each method, visit the government website, where you’ll find comprehensive details and requirements for obtaining citizenship.
Summary
There are many ways to acquire Polish citizenship, each with unique requirements.
These include citizenship by descent, naturalization, marriage, or applying directly to the the President of Poland. Each path caters to different circumstances and involves specific criteria.
The path through descent is one of the most popular and accessible methods for those with Polish heritage. If you have Polish ancestors, confirming your citizenship through descent could be the ideal solution for you.
