Polish heritage is one of the most common European ancestries in the US, and lots of families are reconnecting with that identity by claiming their Polish citizenship by descent. Whether you have family from the country or are a long-term resident, if you’re interested in becoming a Polish citizen, this guide is for you.
We’ll explain who qualifies for Polish citizenship, what documents you’ll need, how to apply, and how long it takes. The process can feel overwhelming, but at Remitly, we’re here to make things simpler and support families in preserving their roots and building brighter futures.
Paths to Polish citizenship
There are five main routes to Polish citizenship: by descent, by restoration, by marriage, by residency, and by recognition from the president of Poland.
Descent (through parents, grandparents, or adoption)
The most common way to get Polish citizenship is by descent. If you have one Polish parent, you’re automatically a Polish citizen, no matter where you were born.
Even if your parents weren’t citizens, you may qualify if you have grandparents or other Polish ancestors who lived there later than 1920.
Children who were fully adopted by a Polish citizen before they turned 16 are also eligible for this path to citizenship.
Restoration (for those whose family lost it in the past)
Some families lost Polish citizenship because they naturalized in another country, took public office abroad, or served in a foreign military. If this happened to your ancestors, you may be able to restore Polish citizenship.
- If your ancestor lost citizenship before 1951, eligibility depends on the circumstances.
- If it happened after 1951, the rules are more flexible, making restoration easier.
This can be a document-heavy process, but it’s also a deeply meaningful way to reconnect with your roots and carry that legacy forward.
Residency (living in Poland long-term)
Residency is another path to Polish citizenship. If you’ve been living in Poland legally (e.g., with a Polish permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident permit) and continuously for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply.
You will have to prove that you have a stable income and secure housing. You’ll also need to show that you speak Polish at a B1 (intermediate) level. Although the complete process can take time—sometimes close to a decade—many people find it worth the wait.
Marriage (to a Polish citizen)
Marrying a Polish citizen doesn’t automatically give you Polish citizenship, but it does open the door. If you’ve been married for at least three years and have lived in Poland for two years with a valid residence permit (e.g., permanent or long-term EU resident status), you can apply to become a citizen.
You’ll need to present your marriage certificate, proof that you live together, and evidence of Polish language ability (at least B1 level). It’s worth noting that Poland doesn’t currently recognize same-sex marriages.
Granted by the president (very rare)
In some rare situations, the president of Poland can grant citizenship. This doesn’t require ancestry or years of residency. Instead, it’s often for people who’ve made a meaningful contribution to the country or have strong ties that don’t fit the usual categories.
If you take this route, you’ll submit your request through a local voivodeship office or a Polish consulate abroad. It’s then up to the president to make a decision.
How long does it take to become a Polish citizen?
The timeline for becoming a Polish citizen depends on which path you’re following.
- By descent: This often takes 12 to 36 months after submitting your application.
- By restoration: Most cases take one to three years, depending on how quickly you can collect and verify family documents.
- By residency: This requires at least three years of permanent residence, though the full journey can take up to 10 years.
- By marriage: You need at least three years of marriage and two years of residency before you can apply.
- By presidential recognition: This is on a case-by-case basis, so there’s no set time frame.
No matter which path you take, patience and preparation are key. Your eligibility path and paperwork will shape how long the process takes.
What are the benefits of holding Polish citizenship?
Holding Polish citizenship opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in Poland and across Europe. As a Polish citizen, you automatically have the right to live, work, and study across all 27 EU countries. You can also access public healthcare systems, social benefits, and even reduced or free tuition at universities.
A Polish passport offers ease of travel, with visa-free access to 185 countries. On top of that, citizenship makes it easier to start a business, invest, buy property, or pass these rights on to your children.
With benefits come responsibilities, too. Dual citizens are still subject to Polish law, which includes obligations like registering certain activities abroad and, sometimes, completing military service.
What documents do you need to prove Polish citizenship by descent?
To apply for Polish citizenship by descent, you’ll need to provide a paper trail that connects your family to Poland and shows that citizenship wasn’t lost along the way. The key documents usually include:
- Birth certificates (yours and ancestors’)
- Marriage certificates across generations (e.g., your parents’ and grandparents’)
- Death certificates
- Immigration and emigration records
- Naturalization documents, if your ancestors became citizens of another country before 1951
All documents need to be submitted in the official language of the issuing country, along with certified Polish translations. You might need an apostille stamp to confirm authenticity.
Finding older records can take effort. Useful sources include Poland’s national and regional archives, parish records, and genealogy databases. Some applicants even hire professional researchers to track down hard-to-find certificates.
Polish citizenship application: a step-by-step guide
Applying for Polish citizenship can be stressful, but breaking it down into steps makes the process far less overwhelming.
Step 1: Preparing your documents
Start by gathering the essential records that prove your family connection, like birth, marriage, and death certificates, along with any immigration and naturalization documents. Most of these will need to be officially translated into Polish and require an apostille certificate to confirm their authenticity.
These documents will form the backbone of your case, so remember to double-check everything to avoid delays or rejections.
Step 2: Submitting your application
When you’re confident you have all the documents you need, the next step is to formally submit your application. You can apply either at a Polish consulate abroad or at a voivodeship office in Poland. Both follow the same rules, but applying locally can sometimes speed up processing times.
You’ll need to complete the official forms and pay the government fees, and you might be asked to attend an interview about your family history. Clear paperwork, properly certified translations, and staying calm during the interview will give you the best chances.
Step 3: Waiting for a decision
After submission, the waiting game begins. Processing times can differ greatly depending on where you apply and how complex your case is. It can take about a year for straightforward cases, or longer if archives have to be checked.
Most consulates and voivodeship offices provide ways to track your application, either through an online portal or by direct inquiry. Even if you have chosen to get automated updates, it’s worth checking in periodically. If officials ask for clarifications, respond quickly with certified copies to keep things moving.
How much does it cost to make a Polish citizenship application?
Applying for Polish citizenship comes with a few different costs. You’ll likely need to pay for copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates, certified translations, and apostille stamps to prove authenticity. These document expenses are often the biggest part of the process.
There’s also a government application fee, which depends on where and how you apply. At a voivodeship office in Poland, fees currently start at around 219 PLN for naturalization as of 2025, but this is expected to increase. Applications made to the president of Poland are free for now, but may also be increased. If you apply through a Polish consulate abroad, the fee is typically 360 EUR.
Some people choose to hire legal or genealogical experts, or travel to Poland to submit documents in person, which adds significant costs.
How to overcome common Polish citizenship application challenges
Even with the right guidance, Polish citizenship applications don’t always go completely smoothly. Documents can go missing, histories get complicated, and official requirements can seem confusing. Knowing what to expect can save you time, stress, and unnecessary costs.
Missing or destroyed documents
If records were lost (especially during wartime), you can look for duplicates in Polish state or church archives, immigration files in your current country of residence, or international genealogy databases. When a document truly can’t be found, affidavits or notarized family statements may help fill gaps.
Complex family histories
Divorces, remarriages, and name changes can create confusion when you’re trying to trace or prove your lineage.
Be ready to provide extra certificates like marriage records, divorce decrees, or official name-change documents that link you to your Polish ancestors. One idea is to create a family tree and organize documents to make your case clearer.
Language barriers
All documents need to be translated into Polish by a sworn translator. Plus, interviews are in Polish. If you’re not fluent, consider taking language classes or hiring a professional interpreter to avoid any potential “lost-in-translation” moments.
Rejections and appeals
Rejections are not the end of the road for your Polish citizenship application. You can usually appeal within a set timeframe via the voivodeship office handling your application or through administrative courts. Carefully review the reasons given for the rejection and find ways to strengthen your case before resubmitting.
When to consider hiring legal assistance
If your case involves unusual circumstances like disputed citizenship loss, gaps in records, or questions around residency, it can be tricky to put together. In these instances, it’s worth hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant to guide you through the process and liaise with Polish authorities on your behalf.
Take your first step toward Polish citizenship
Polish citizenship offers a meaningful way for you to honor your heritage while also unlocking many EU citizenship benefits. From descent and marriage to residency and presidential recognition, each path has its own requirements. But with the right documents in hand, you can start your journey toward citizenship with confidence.
FAQ
Do I need to speak Polish to apply for citizenship?
This will depend on your pathway. For applications based on residency or marriage, you’ll need to show that you can speak Polish at a B1 level.
Can I hold dual citizenship?
Yes, Poland allows its citizens to hold more than one citizenship. Your other country’s rules also apply, though, so it’s a good idea to check whether dual citizenship is allowed there before you start applying for Polish citizenship.
How long is Polish citizenship valid?
Polish citizenship is permanent. It never expires, and you pass it down to any children. A Polish passport needs to be renewed once every 10 years.
What if my ancestor renounced Polish citizenship?
First, verify whether citizenship was actually lost. Modern law only allows loss by presidential consent to renunciation. If your ancestor became a citizen of another country before 1951, you can still apply for citizenship by descent.
Can I apply if I was adopted?
Yes, any child who was fully adopted by a Polish citizen before the age of 16 automatically acquires citizenship. You’ll need to supply the adoption judgment, the birth certificate, and the adoptive parent’s proof of citizenship.