How to Become a Polish Citizen (2025 Guide)

In the past two years, we’ve received an increasing number of queries at Residence Angels about how to become a Polish citizen. We love when people from the UK, US, Chile, Israel, and other parts of the world suddenly ask themselves: "To which nationality do I really belong?"

Here, we’ll break down how to become a citizen of Poland using different strategies. If you want a personal citizenship roadmap — feel free to book an individual consultation. We’ll build the shortest, most realistic plan tailored just for you.

This path is as mysterious as it is generous. Whether you’ve lived in Poland for 40 years, 1 day, or never at all — you still have the right to apply for Polish citizenship by sending a request to the President of Poland.

• Processing Time: ~2 years (inside Poland), ~2.5 years (outside Poland)
• Fee: ~1600 PLN
• Required: Transcripts of birth/marriage certificates
• No Polish language certificate required

Is it a long shot? Yes. But it’s real and people win it.

This path is based on residency and integration. It’s slower, but much more predictable than the lottery.

Step A – Get EU Long-Term Residence

You’ll need:

• 5 continuous years of legal stay in Poland (almost no breaks!)
• Minimum income for the last 3 years (e.g. 1010 PLN/month in 2025, declared in PITs)
• B1 Polish language certificate issued by the State Commission or Secondary School/BA/MA degree in Polish

• 1 year of work = 1 year
• 1 year of studying = 0.5 year (in most cases)

So, 5 years of studies = just 2.5 years toward your total.

Step B – The Polish Language Exam

• Held 4 times per year
• You need to register months in advance
• Limited spots by city
• Passing score: 50% correct answers
• Waiting time for results: 6–7 months

Start learning NOW — don’t wait until you hit 5 years. Procrastination here = wasted time.

• Get an appointment and complete the EU Long-Term Residence Permit process
• Book and prepare for the Polish Language Exam
• Assist with every step in applying for Polish citizenship

Need a custom-made citizenship plan for Poland? Contact us. Let’s make it real.