Grounds for recognition

A foreigner is recognised as a Polish citizen, among others, if they have stayed in Poland continuously (Art. 30 para. 1 of the Act on Polish Citizenship):

  • for at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit, an EU long-term resident permit or a right of permanent residence - and have a stable and regular source of income in Poland and a legal title to housing (point 1),
  • for at least 2 years on the same bases - and have been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years or have no citizenship at all (point 2),
  • for at least 2 years on the basis of permanent residence obtained in connection with refugee status granted in Poland (point 3),
  • for at least 10 years legally - and currently have permanent residence, EU resident status or a right of permanent residence, as well as income and a legal title to housing (point 6),
  • for at least a year on the basis of permanent residence obtained in connection with Polish origin or the Pole's Card (point 7).

Separate grounds apply to children - see citizenship of a child.

Polish language

You must confirm your knowledge of Polish with an official certificate at least at level B1 or a school certificate (Art. 30 para. 2). See: Polish at B1 for citizenship.

What continuous residence means

The rules are the same as for permanent residence (Art. 30 para. 3): no break may last longer than 6 months, and all breaks together - more than 10 months, unless they resulted e.g. from work abroad for a Polish employer (Art. 195 para. 4 of the Act on Foreigners).

Application and decision

  • You submit the application to the voivode competent for your place of residence, on the form from the regulation (Art. 34 and 36) - see documents for the application.
  • The stamp duty for the decision is 1 000 PLN.
  • The case is handled within 6 months of the day the application is received (Art. 10 para. 3a).
  • The voivode refuses when you do not meet the conditions or for security reasons (Art. 31). The appeal authority is the minister responsible for internal affairs (Art. 10 para. 4).

Note: if during the recognition case you apply for citizenship to be granted by the President, the recognition proceedings will be discontinued (Art. 23).