How to Apply for Polish Citizenship Recognition

How to Apply for Polish Citizenship Recognition

Who Can Apply?

If you are a foreign national, you may apply for Polish citizenship recognition if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

Polish Citizenship Recognition: Residency-Based Eligibility

• You have legally resided in Poland for at least 3 years on a permanent residence permit, EU long-term residence permit, or right of permanent residence.
• You have a stable and regular income in Poland.
• You have the right to occupy a dwelling unit.

Marriage or Stateless Status

• You have legally resided in Poland for at least 2 years based on a permanent residence permit or equivalent.
• You have been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years or you are stateless.

Refugee Status

• You have legally resided in Poland for at least 2 years with a residence permit granted for refugee status.

Minors (Under 18)

• You reside in Poland on a permanent residence permit or equivalent.
• At least one of your parents is a Polish citizen, and the other consents to your recognition as a Polish citizen.
• At least one of your parents had their Polish citizenship restored, and the other parent (if non-Polish) consents to your recognition.

Long-Term Residency

• You have legally resided in Poland for at least 10 years.
• You hold a permanent residence permit or equivalent.
• You have a stable income and the right to occupy a dwelling unit in Poland.

Polish Origin or Karta Polaka Holders

• You have legally resided in Poland for at least 1 year.
• You hold a permanent residence permit obtained due to Polish origin or as a holder of a Polish Card (Karta Polaka).

Important Requirements

• You must have a Polish language certificate at B1 level. You can start your exam preparation right here
• A voivodeship governor may deny recognition if it threatens national security or public order.

When to Apply to a Polish Citizenship Recognition?

You can apply at any time.

How to Apply?

1. Collect Required Documents: See the full list under What to Prepare.
2. Pay the Fee: PLN 219 (details under How Much to Pay).
3. Submit Your Application: Apply at your local voivodeship office or send it by post.
4. Wait for a Response: The processing time is up to 2 months.

Where to Apply?

Submit your application to the voivodeship governor where you reside. For example, if you live in Opolskie Voivodeship, apply to the Governor of Opolskie Voivodeship.

How Much to Pay?

• PLN 219 for the decision.
• Payment details can be found on the official voivodeship office website.

What to Prepare?

• Application form for Polish citizenship recognition.
• Certified translations of foreign documents (by a sworn translator or Polish consul).
• Parental consent (if applicable) for children under 18, made in person or by officially certified signature.

How Long Does It Take?

• Up to 2 months for a decision.

How to Appeal?

• If your application is denied, you can appeal to the Minister of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) within 14 days.
• Address: Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji
  ul. Stefana Batorego 5, 02-591 Warszawa
• If MSWiA denies your appeal, you may file a complaint with an administrative court within 30 days.

Additional Information

• Children Under 18: If you are recognized as a Polish citizen, your children will also receive citizenship.
• Children Over 16 must provide written consent.

For more details, visit the official Polish government website here.