Our Citizenship by Descent Programmes
If you have an ancestor who holds or held Polish citizenship and resided in the
country or one of its former territories after 1920, you could be eligible to
become a citizen. To apply for Polish citizenship by descent, you just need to
provide the vital records necessary to recreate your family tree.
What Can I Expect from Polish Citizenship by Ancestry?
Poland is a country with thousands of years’ worth of culture and tradition –
exemplified by its incredible neoclassical, Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic
architecture. Delicious cuisine, low crime rates and one of the most resilient
and diverse economies in the European Union (EU) also make it an extremely
attractive place to live.
- Freedom of movement throughout the European Union (EU), and the ability to live and work anywhere in the EU - without restriction.
- Publicly funded healthcare for insured citizens – the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia.
- Poland doesn’t tax based on citizenship – dual citizens of Poland and their own country, who live outside of Poland, are not subject to Polish Income Tax (PIT).
- Polish citizenship can be passed on to children and future generations, while spouses obtain equal working and residential rights.
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Polish Citizenship-by-Descent Requirements
You don’t have to donate, invest, or pay due diligence. You don’t have to pass a ‘Polish citizenship by descent test’ either. All that’s required is proof, via civil documentation, to support your claim. These are the eligibility requirements:
At least one of your ancestors was born in Poland or one of its former territories. This can be a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent or
beyond.
Your ancestor resided in Poland or a former territory of Poland until after
1920.
Your Polish ancestor maintained their Polish citizenship until the day of your birth or the day of their death.
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How to Apply for Polish Citizenship by Descent
To apply for Polish citizenship by descent via a great-grandparent, grandparent, or parent, you’ll need to gather a variety of vital records. These records can include birth, marriage, death, naturalization, and baptism
certificates amongst others. Each of these documents will be used to recreate
your family tree and establish your claim.
You’ll then need to get all of these documents translated into Polish by a sworn translator registered in Poland. Following this step, you must arrange an appointment at your local Polish consulate via an e-booking system.
Your application will be processed in Poland at the Wojewode (Regional Governor) in Mazowsze (Mazovian Voivod Office) – to determine whether you meet the Polish citizenship by descent requirements.
Once the decision is made, the confirmation of citizenship will be mailed to a third party in Poland you’ve appointed, or to a consular officer – if you’ve granted them the power of attorney.
From this point, you’ll need to arrange for the registration of your vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, etc.) in Poland via the consulate’s legal office. You’ll then be able to apply for a Polish passport through the Polish consulate, as well as apply for a PESEL (the Polish equivalent of a social security number).
How Long Does Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Take?
The process typically takes anywhere between 12 and 24 months. However, it can take longer.
What If Your Polish Citizenship Application is Rejected?
If you don’t qualify for Polish citizenship by ancestry, but you do have Polish heritage, you may be eligible to make an application to the President of Poland.
Granting of Polish citizenship is governed by the Law on Polish Citizenship of April 2, 2009. The President’s constitutional power allows him or her to grant any foreigner citizenship. His or her authority in this regard is unlimited and final.
Anyone seeking citizenship by presidential grant will need to provide a detailed resume, outlining professional or personal achievements, as well as
proof of a relevant connection to Poland or the Polish diaspora.
Additionally, applicants must also provide proof of financial stability, copies of professional certifications, diplomas, licenses or awards, and proof of membership of a Polish organisation abroad.
Can I Have Polish Dual Citizenship by Descent?
Yes, Poland allows dual citizenship.