If your parents or grandparents are from Poland, you probably already know that Polish citizenship enables you, for example, to stay, study or get a job in all countries of the European Union.
However, the Polish passport is not only a matter of law, but also of identity and belonging. For many people, it becomes a goal they wish to achieve for various reasons, such as work, family or patriotic feelings. To help you navigate the bureaucratic maze that is acquiring citizenship, we have prepared 10 answers to the most frequently asked questions about Polish citizenship and the European Union passport.
Who may be recognised as a Polish citizen (naturalized)?
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act of 2 April 2009 on Polish citizenship, it is currently possible for foreigners to acquire Polish citizenship through an administrative procedure. Foreigners residing in Poland under specific permits, who have integrated into Polish society, speak the Polish language, have housing and sources of income assured may apply for recognition as a Polish citizen. The process is governed by administrative law and involves several stages, including the submission of an application on an appropriate form. The procedure is conducted by the voivode, and in the case of a refusal, an appeal to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration and to the administrative court is possible. A prerequisite is the possession of a document permitting legal residence in Poland and the fulfilment of other specified criteria, depending on the specific situation of the foreigner. One of the requirements is the aforementioned knowledge of the Polish language, confirmed by an appropriate document.
What exact conditions must be met to acquire Polish citizenship by naturalisation?
Foreigners have the right to apply for Polish citizenship by naturalisation. Of course, such application must be supported by the fulfilment of several requirements. These include, first of all:
- Residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland for at least 5 years, on the basis of a permit to settle, a residence permit for a long-term resident of the European Communities or by holding the right of permanent residence.
- Conditioning, in some cases, to provide proof of loss of or exemption from foreign nationality,
- Requirement of a stable source of income, knowledge of the Polish language supported by a positive state examination and uninterrupted residence in Poland,
- In special cases, the above requirements may be waived and a foreigner may be granted Polish citizenship without meeting them,
If both parents receive Polish citizenship, it also extends to the children. If a child is over the age of 16, it is then up to the child to decide whether he or she wishes to obtain a Polish passport.
How do I know if I qualify for Polish citizenship by descent?
First of all, you need to have Polish ancestors (only one is enough), who were born in Poland or in the territories of the former Poland and lived there after 1920. Then it is necessary to prove that your ancestors were Polish citizens.
Furthermore, it is usually not enough to have the birth certificate of a grandmother or grandfather. This is because a birth certificate is first and foremost proof of being born in a certain place, at a certain date and of certain parents, and since the law of the land (ius soli) does not apply in Poland, a birth certificate does not prove Polish citizenship. On the other hand the proof must be provided that our close ancestor did not lose Polish citizenship or did not acquire another citizenship by renouncing Polish citizenship.
Can Polish citizenship be obtained through investment?
No, Poland is one of the few countries in Europe where no law or regulation tells us that it is permissible to obtain Polish citizenship or even a permanent resident card in exchange for investing in the territory of the Republic of Poland.
Can Polish citizenship be lost?
No, no one can take away our Polish citizenship. The only possibility of losing it is to renounce it oneself. This issue is precisely regulated by Article 34(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and the Act on Polish Citizenship. The Constitution stipulates that “a Polish citizen cannot lose Polish citizenship unless he renounces it himself”. Pursuant to Article 46 of the quoted Act, a Polish citizen loses Polish citizenship at his/her own request after obtaining the consent of the President of the Republic of Poland to renounce Polish citizenship.
The loss of Polish citizenship under such conditions takes place after the lapse of 30 days from the date of issuing such a presidential order or within a shorter period, if the President of the Republic of Poland so decides. The consent for renunciation of Polish citizenship granted to parents extends to children remaining under their parental authority.
What are the rights of a Polish citizen?
The most important rights that are guaranteed to a Polish citizen by the Constitution of the Republic of Poland include, first and foremost:
– The right to life,
– The right to personal inviolability,
– The right to a fair trial,
– The right to protection of privacy,
– Freedom of expression and opinion,
– Freedom of conscience and religion,
– Freedom of movement,
– Freedom of assembly,
– Freedom of association,
– The right of access to the public service,
– Right to information on the activities of public bodies,
– The right to vote,
– The right to submit petitions, complaints and motions.
What are the duties of a Polish citizen?
As the Constitution of the Republic of Poland demonstrates, the duties of a Pole include:
– Loyalty to the Republic of Poland and concern for its common good,
– Observance of all the laws of the Republic of Poland,
– To defend the homeland,
– To bear the public burdens and benefits, including taxes, which are determined by law,
– Caring for the state of the Polish environment.
However, it should be borne in mind that under international law some of these obligations (such as tax liability) depend on the actual place of residence (residency) so as not to duplicate themselves.
What documents are needed to apply for Polish citizenship by a Presidential grant?
The following documents must be attached to the application addressed to the President of the Republic of Poland:
– A passport photograph measuring 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm,
– Original copy of birth certificate issued by a Polish civil registry office,
– Proof of marital status, issued by a civil registry office,
– A photocopy of a valid document confirming identity and citizenship,
– Documents confirming the foreigner’s source of income,
– Document confirming the legal title to occupy a dwelling,
– Documents confirming professional achievements,
– Additional optional documents, such as confirmation of Polish citizenship of ancestors or letters of recommendation.
How long does it take to acquire Polish citizenship?
The waiting time to obtain Polish citizenship can be different depending on the type of application and individual circumstances. The naturalisation process (granting) can take several years, while other forms of obtaining citizenship occur much more quickly.
Nevertheless, one should be aware that the President of the Republic of Poland is not bound by any strict deadlines in matters of granting Polish citizenship. In practice, however, we have to wait about one-two yeras for a final decision. In exceptional cases, this time is reduced to a period of a few months.
Can Polish citizens also have citizenship of other countries?
Yes, Poland allows for dual citizenship, which means that Polish citizens may simultaneously hold citizenship of another country. However, it should be borne in mind that not all countries accept dual citizenship, so it is worth checking what the rules are in your country.
If you have more questions about Poland or Polish citizenship, please go to https://fivetoeurope.com/faqs/, where you are sure to find the answer to any of your questions.