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By Residence Angels
Relocation Company in Poland

Ultimate Guide to Polish Citizenship
(2025 Edition)

Reading time: 5 minutes
Whether you're exploring your roots or planning a new life in Europe, Polish citizenship can open doors to the EU. This in-depth guide explains how to obtain Polish citizenship by descent, naturalization, or birth, tailored for Americans, Brits, Israelis, and foreigners from around the world.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Topics Covered:

  • Polish citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis)
  • Polish citizenship by naturalization
  • Citizenship for children and spouses
  • Dual citizenship and Polish nationality confirmation

๐Ÿงฌ Polish Citizenship by Descent

Poland grants citizenship through jus sanguinis โ€” the "right of blood." If your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were Polish citizens, you may qualify for Polish citizenship by descent.

โœ… Who Qualifies?

You may apply if:
  • One of your ancestors was a Polish citizen after 1918;
  • They did not renounce or lose Polish citizenship (e.g., by naturalizing elsewhere before 1951);
  • You can provide documents proving lineage and citizenship (passports, military records, birth certificates).

๐Ÿ” Special Cases:

  • Polish Jewish descent: Yes, descendants of Polish Jews are eligible if lineage and citizenship can be proven.
  • 1920-1939: Citizenship by descent before Poland regained independence is more complex and evaluated individually.

๐Ÿ“ Process:

  1. Collect birth, marriage, and citizenship documents.
  2. Confirm unbroken citizenship chain.
  3. Submit application for confirmation of Polish citizenship at Polish consulate or in Poland.

๐Ÿ“ฅ How to Apply for Polish Citizenship by Naturalization

If you do not qualify through ancestry, you can still obtain citizenship in Poland by fulfilling certain residence and legal criteria.

๐Ÿ‘ค General Requirements:

You may be recognized as a Polish citizen if you:
  • Have legally and continuously lived in Poland for at least 3 years with a permanent residence permit or EU long-term residence;
  • Have stable and regular income in Poland;
  • Have a proof of Polish Language proffiency at B1 level;
  • Hold a legal title to a residence (own/rent apartment).

๐Ÿ‘ซ Family-based Paths:

  • Married to a Polish citizen? After 2 years of stay + 3 years of marriage, you may qualify.
  • Stateless? 2 years of legal stay may be enough.
  • Recognized refugee in Poland? Eligible after 2 years of stay.

๐Ÿ‘ซ Family-based Paths:

  • Married to a Polish citizen? After 2 years of stay + 3 years of marriage, you may qualify.
  • Stateless? 2 years of legal stay may be enough.
  • Recognized refugee in Poland? Eligible after 2 years of stay.

๐Ÿ‘ถ Polish Citizenship for Children:

  • If one parent is Polish, a child under 18 can be granted citizenship with the non-Polish parentโ€™s consent.
  • If a parent regains Polish citizenship, the child may follow suit.

๐Ÿ“„ Documents Required:

  • Application form in Polish
  • Valid ID/passport
  • Polish birth/marriage certificates (translated if foreign)
  • Proof of income, residence title, and Polish language certificate (minimum B1)
  • Statement of past residence periods
  • Fees: PLN 1000 from July 2025

๐Ÿ“š Additional Paths to Citizenship

๐Ÿ” Repatriation or Polish Origin:

  • If you have Polish origin or a valid Karta Polaka, you may apply after 1 year of residence with a permanent stay card.

๐Ÿ‘ถ Poland Citizenship by Birth:

  • Applies only if a parent is Polish at the time of birth.
  • Poland does not grant automatic birthright citizenship based on birthplace alone.

๐Ÿ›‚ How to Confirm Polish Citizenship

If you suspect your parent or grandparent was Polish, apply to confirm citizenship before getting a passport.
  1. Submit historical records (birth, military, identity documents).
  2. Apply at a Polish consulate or regional office (Urzฤ…d Wojewรณdzki).
  3. Wait ~6 months for a decision.

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Polish Citizenship for Foreigners (US, UK, Israel, etc.)

Americans:
  • Can hold dual citizenship.
  • Must go through descent or naturalization route.

Brits:
  • Can apply after Brexit through ancestry or naturalization.
  • Legal stay of 3+ years + stable income required.

Israelis:
  • Many qualify via Jewish-Polish ancestry.
  • Biometric passport allows 90 days visa-free stay to start the process.

๐Ÿ“Œ FAQs: How to Get a Polish Passport

Q: How do I know if I qualify for a Polish passport?

A: Check your family tree and historical documents. If someone in direct line was Polish and didnโ€™t lose citizenship โ€” you may qualify.

Q: Does Poland allow dual citizenship?

A: Yes. But Poland considers you Polish inside its borders, so use your Polish passport when entering/leaving.

Q: How easy is it to get Polish citizenship?

A: By descent โ€” if documents are complete, it's relatively straightforward. By naturalization โ€” it requires time, legal stay, income, and language exam.

Q: Can US citizens apply for Polish citizenship?

A: Yes. Either by descent or through residency and naturalization.

๐Ÿค How Residence Angels Can Help

We are more than just immigration experts โ€” weโ€™re relocation partners. Our services for Israeli citizens include:

โœ… Legal analysis for Polish citizenship or residence eligibility
โœ… Complete application process for TRC or PR
โœ… Family relocation support (schools, housing, documentation)
โœ… Certified translations and document legalization
โœ… Communication with Polish authorities and consulates
โœ… Ongoing support after you move โ€” in English, Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, Hindi or Nepalese

๐Ÿ“ž Schedule a consultation with our legal team to check your eligibility and start your journey.