By Residence Angels
Relocation Company in Poland
Relocation Company in Poland
Do I Need to Speak Polish Language to Apply for Permanent Residence in Poland?
Reading time: 10 minutes
Good news — if you're applying for permanent residence in Poland, you don’t always need to speak Polish. However, if you're applying for a long-term EU residence permit, you will need to prove your Polish language skills. The difference between these two types of permits is crucial — and can save you time, money, and stress.
Permanent Residence Permit – No Language Exam Required
Permanent Residence Permit – No Language Exam Required
If you’re applying for a permanent residence permit (for example, based on Polish ancestry or family ties), you do not need to pass a Polish language exam.
However, there’s a catch:
If you apply based on descent, and don’t hold a Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka), you’ll be invited to an interview with a voivodeship officer. While speaking Polish is not required by law, it’s certainly helpful. The interview is used to evaluate your connection to Polish heritage and culture — and basic communication in Polish makes a positive impression.
However, there’s a catch:
If you apply based on descent, and don’t hold a Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka), you’ll be invited to an interview with a voivodeship officer. While speaking Polish is not required by law, it’s certainly helpful. The interview is used to evaluate your connection to Polish heritage and culture — and basic communication in Polish makes a positive impression.
💡 Don’t worry — if you don’t speak Polish, you can bring a certified translator, or use our Residence Angels interpreter assistance.
Long-Term EU Residence Permit – Yes, Polish Language Proficiency Is Required
Long-Term EU Residence Permit – Yes, Polish Language Proficiency Is Required
Unlike the permanent permit, the EU long-term residence permit requires proof of Polish language skills at minimum B1 level.
To meet this requirement in 2025, you must provide one of the following:
To meet this requirement in 2025, you must provide one of the following:
- 📝 Pass the official state Polish language exam (B1) with at least 50% correct answers
- 🎓 Graduate from a Polish-language university or school in Poland or abroad
- 🎓 Hold a certificate from: ECL, TELC, WBT
- 📚 Complete a B1-level Polish language course at:
- a Polish post-secondary school
- a recognized Polish university, military, vocational, or church institution (even if your program was in English)
✅ Important 2025 update: If you completed a post-secondary school in Poland before June 30, 2025, your certificate will still be accepted for your EU long-term residence application until June 30, 2026.
Not Sure Which One You Qualify For?
Not Sure Which One You Qualify For?
At Residence Angels, we’ll guide you through the exact permit that fits your situation — whether it’s permanent residence, long-term EU residence, or even citizenship. We provide:
- ✅ Individual consultation
- ✅ Document preparation
- ✅ Interpreter services for interviews