To be a citizen of Poland is to hold a status that grants an individual the rights and freedoms of the European Union, as a community of civilized nations. As a subject of the Poland, one can enjoy living in a country with a robust economy, under the protection of the state, and with confidence in the future for themselves and their entire family.
Possessing a Polish passport is a document that provides visa-free access to 154 countries worldwide, offering the opportunity to live and work freely within any European Union member state.
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Advantages of Polish citizenship
Over 2 million foreigners with various statuses reside in Poland. Polish citizenship offers numerous benefits to individuals seeking a better life in Poland. These advantages include:
- EU civil rights and visa-free travel to EU and Schengen countries with a European Republic passport
- Simplified immigration procedures to Canada and the United States
- Discounted education opportunities in Polish and EU universities with scholarships
- Priority employment program in any EU country for European passport holders
- The ability to open a business in any EU member state
- Unrestricted right to dual citizenship
- Access to obtaining loans, opening deposit accounts, and saving money in European banks
- The right to participate in elections in the Republic of Poland, excluding the presidency
- The ability to invite close relatives for immigration and naturalization
- Massive social support from the state.
Conditions for Polish citizenship
Polish citizenship can be obtained through several avenues, such as by repatriation, birth, roots, naturalization, marriage, family reunification, business. Familiarizing oneself with the procedures, eligibility criteria, and conditions associated with each method is key to comprehending the overall process of obtaining Polish citizenship.
Repatriation to Poland
The repatriation program allows ethnic Poles to return to their ancestral homeland. It was made legal in 2000 and updated in 2017.
Individuals who can provide documentary evidence of their Polish ancestry, such as birth certificates, passports, and education or military certificates, as well as other documents indicating nationality, are eligible for the program. Certificates of participation in Polish Senate or Sejm elections, deportation facts, and other investigative documents are also acceptable proof.
To apply for the program, potential repatriates must submit supporting documents to the Polish embassy in their home country. The review process takes several months. If approved, they can apply for a special repatriate visa, which requires an application form, two photos, a passport with copies of personal data and Schengen visas, marriage and birth certificates (if available), a certificate of non-criminal record, a copy of the consulate’s decision on the right to a repatriation visa, an invitation from the authorized repatriation representative, and medical insurance and travel documents.
The repatriates receive full support from the Polish government and do not require any additional permission for employment. They can rely on budget assistance, including a benefit of €142 for the first 6 months of living in their historical homeland, and a one-time payment of €947 for each family member. Moreover, they can avail of financial aid of up to €6,000 to purchase a home and €1,450 for its repair.
Acquisition of Polish citizenship by birth
Minor children can acquire Polish citizenship through various means. The right of blood (us Sanguinis) applies if at least one of the child’s parents is a Polish citizen, irrespective of the place of birth. The application requires submission of the following documents:
- Photograph of the child and their birth certificate
- Document certifying the Polish citizenship of one of the parents
- Consent from the non-Polish parent to grant citizenship.
The right of soil (ius Soli) is considered a legal basis for granting citizenship to a child born or found on Polish soil whose parents are unknown. Orphaned children fall under state care and become citizens automatically at the age of 5 if their parents are not found.
Furthermore, children adopted by Polish citizens before the age of 16 are eligible to acquire Polish citizenship. In such cases, the application should include the legal guardian’s personal information and address.
Citizenship by roots
To obtain Polish citizenship based on ancestry, individuals can apply after residing in Poland permanently for at least two years. In this case, the Polish Card serves as a basis for their stay, which can be acquired by foreigners who have evidence of their Polish ancestry. The Polish Card is issued in the individual’s country of origin and can simplify the process of obtaining a long-term visa and a Residence Card.
Good to know: Obtaining a Pole’s Card without Polish roots or only with one ancestor
Naturalization
The naturalization process comprises five stages:
Visa Application on a long-stay Schengen visa (type D)
To legally enter Poland, foreigners must obtain a long-stay Schengen visa (type D). The initial stage requires submitting the following documents:
- Completed visa application and a 35×45 mm photo
- Passport and national identity card
- Medical insurance worth €30,000
- Proof of financial capability for the trip
- Evidence of accommodation
- Documents verifying the terms of stay in Poland
- Travel documents.
Depending on the application grounds, a long-term visa may be a work, investor, or family reunification visa. The applicant should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Poland in your country of residence. The maximum duration for a type D visa is one year.
Temporary residence visa
In Poland, a temporary residence permit is the equivalent of a permanent residency, issued for one year and extendable up to three years. Eligibility for a Polish temporary residence permit includes opening a business, studying at a Polish university, or obtaining employment. Applicants must meet specific criteria and reside in the country for three to five years before being eligible for a permanent residency permit.
To obtain a temporary residence permit, applicants must submit a document package similar to that required for a long-term visa application. These documents must verify the basis for their stay in the country, such as an employment contract, university enrollment certificate, or family reunification documents.
Permanent residence permit
The Card, which serves as the equivalent of a permanent residence permit, is indefinite but requires renewal every 10 years. Foreign citizens who have held a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years and have not violated the laws of the Republic of Poland are eligible to apply for it. After 3 years of obtaining a permanent residency permit, applicants can apply for Polish citizenship.
The main document package submitted to the Voivodship includes:
- Application form and photo
- Valid passport
- Documents certifying the basis for obtaining the Card (as indicated in the application)
- Receipt of payment of the state fee.
Depending on individual circumstances, officials may request a marriage certificate, a Pole’s Card (if available), or other documents.
Obtaining citizenship in Poland
The majority of immigrants who hold permanent resident status eventually become citizens of Poland. The process of obtaining a Polish passport through naturalization takes less time compared to other European countries.
To apply for Polish citizenship, the following documents are required:
- Photo and birth certificate
- Passport and a residence card
- Calculation of the total continuous stay based on entry and exit dates
- Certificate demonstrating proficiency in the Polish language
- Information regarding one’s spouse and minor children
- Payment receipt for the state fee
- Proof of income and residence (which may not be required for all categories).
The application is reviewed within three months, during which officials may request information about the applicant from the police and other government agencies.
The pledge of allegiance
The issuance of a Polish citizen’s passport takes place at a specified time and location within the municipality. Upon becoming a new Polish citizen, an oath of allegiance is taken to the people and the Constitution of the Republic of Poland.
Marriage
Getting married to a Polish citizen is a popular means of obtaining Polish citizenship. An interesting fact about Poland is that religious marriages, except for Muslim marriages, are accepted as valid, irrespective of the denomination.
If you are the spouse of a Polish citizen and want to acquire Polish citizenship, you can do so by living in Poland continuously for two years with a permanent residence card or a blue card and being married for three years. It is essential to note that immigration officers can identify fraudulent marriages, which may lead to deportation of the foreign spouse.
Provided that all the necessary requirements are met, and the marriage is recognized as legitimate, the following documents must be obtained:
- Application in Polish
- Photo and a copy of the passport
- Copies of the permanent and temporary residence cards
- Certificate of passing the Polish language exam
- Calculation of the period of stay in Poland
- Marriage certificate
- Document confirming the Polish citizenship of the spouse.
The decision on your application will be made within one month and, in rare cases, up to two months.
Family reunification
Foreigners who have moved to Poland to join their close relatives have the opportunity to undergo naturalization. The immigration office issues an invitation confirming the degree of kinship and financial support. The invitation can come from a Polish citizen or a foreigner legally residing in Poland.
Upon receiving the invitation, the close relative is granted a temporary residence card for up to three years. Spouses, children, and parents of foreigners living in Poland are eligible for family reunification. To obtain Polish citizenship through family reunification, one must complete all stages of naturalization, including a national visa, temporary residence card, and permanent residence card.
Business
Registering a company takes just two weeks and costs only €1500. Business owners receive immediate immigration status and can proceed with acquiring Polish citizenship.
Foreign investors can also obtain the appropriate visa and residence permit by engaging in investment activities. The duration of the immigration status depends on the amount of capital investment and its placement conditions. In the future, investors and their family members have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency and citizenship.
The minimum investment amount is €200,000, and investing €5 million in the economy allows foreigners to apply for permanent residency and even citizenship upon arrival. In the standard process, a business immigrant can apply for permanent residency and Polish citizenship after five years of being a resident with a valid residence permit.
Presidential authority to grant Polish citizenship to foreigners
The President of the Republic of Poland has the power to grant Polish citizenship to foreign nationals based on exceptional merits, such as sports achievements, scientific discoveries, large investments, or world-class political status. Even ordinary immigrants may apply for Polish citizenship by demonstrating their merits to the Republic of Poland through a letter to the President. The length of stay in the country, ownership of property, or income are not relevant for such exceptional individuals.
Reasons for rejecting a request for Polish citizenship
It is important to note that in rare cases, an applicant may be denied Polish citizenship. Such rejections may occur due to several reasons, including incomplete documentation, deliberate errors or incorrect data in the application package, insufficient period of stay in Poland, violations of Polish laws, or suspicions of the person’s involvement with terrorists or a threat to national security.
If an applicant receives a negative decision, they have the option to appeal within 14 days by filing a complaint with the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. If the response is still negative, further appeal can be made to the Voivodeship Administrative Court and then to the Supreme Administrative Court of Poland. To avoid encountering such problems, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for the documentation process and ensure that all necessary information is provided accurately.
The process for acquiring Polish citizenship is unique for each individual, and proper preparation and compliance with migration laws can expedite the process. Dual citizenship is permitted in Poland, making integration into Polish society easier than in any other EU country.
