What are the ways to obtain Polish citizenship?

Poland is a country located near Russia and Ukraine in the center of Europe. The mentality of local residents is similar to the mentality of Russian citizens, the countries are historically connected with each other, and some of its inhabitants are ethnic Ukrainians, so it will not be difficult for a Slavic immigrant to adapt to Poland.

Polish citizenship has been of interest to foreigners since the country joined the European Union. Today, the state’s economy is slowly but surely developing, providing an adequate standard of living for residents. It is not surprising that in recent years thousands of immigrants from Russia and Ukraine have applied to immigrate to Poland.

Ancient Wawel Castle in Poland

Advantages of Polish citizenship

Poland in 2021 is a member of the European Union, a party to the Schengen Agreement. By becoming a full-fledged resident of this country, and therefore a citizen of the European Union, a person opens up many prospects for himself.

Citizenship allows:

• obtain status by becoming a citizen of the European Union;
• freely visit countries included in the Schengen zone without a visa;
• simplify the registration of citizenship in any other country within the European Union (EU);
• acquire dual citizenship;
• go through an easier stage of obtaining a visa to the USA and Canada, as well as open up prospects for a residence permit in these countries;
• acquire a priority right to study at Polish universities, as well as universities in any Schengen country on simplified terms. In addition, a Polish resident can count on the terms of a state educational loan, scholarships, and state financial support in the form of grants;
• freely get a job in Poland;

  

  Poland on the map of the European Union

• open Polish bank accounts, prospects for obtaining a consumer loan;
• simplify the employment process not only in Poland, but also in any EU state. The law obliges employers to provide priority employment to residents of the European Union.

European citizenship is a status that allows priority use of:

• government benefits, subsidies;
• medicine;
• the opportunity to vote in political elections of the country or local government.

Most Polish words are consonant with the speech of Russian residents, however, without competent knowledge of the state language, it is impossible to obtain citizenship and find a job with a high level of wages.

Nationality Law

The Polish constitution allows its residents to receive all privileges, regardless of nationality or which state they were previously a citizen of.

This video explains what documents you need to collect and how to apply for Polish citizenship.

Differences between passport and citizenship

Obtaining the status of a resident of Poland occurs on the basis of the law of this state “On Citizenship”:

• Article No. 12;
• № 17.

It is impossible to deprive a person of citizenship.

Recognition as a Polish citizen

Additions to the Law of April 2, 2009. to the law of 1962. expands the range of foreigners who can apply for Polish citizenship. To obtain Polish citizenship, foreigners residing in Poland on the basis of official permission, who, during a certain period of legal residence in Poland, have been integrated into Polish society, know the Polish language, are provided with housing and means of subsistence, respect the Polish legal order and do not pose a threat, can apply for national security or defence, in particular refugees, stateless persons, children and spouses of Polish citizens and persons of Polish origin. Materials for recognition as a Polish citizen are submitted in the manner prescribed by the Code of Administrative Procedure. The decision of the voivode will serve as an appeal to the authority of the second instance, which is the Minister of Internal Affairs.

In accordance with Article 30 of Section 1 of the Law on Polish Citizenship, a citizen of Poland is considered to be:

1: a foreigner permanently residing in Poland for at least three years on the basis of a residence permit: long-term EU resident or on the basis of the right of permanent residence, who is located in the Republic of Poland and has a stable and regular source of income and a place of residence;

has been married to a Polish citizen for at least ;

3: a foreigner permanently residing in Poland for at least two years on the basis of a residence permit obtained in connection with refugee status granted in the Republic of Poland ;

4: a minor foreigner, one of whose parents is a Polish citizen , residing in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a long-term resident of the EU and one of the parents who does not have Polish citizenship has agreed to this;

5: a minor foreigner whose at least one parent has or has acquired Polish citizenship , if the minor resides in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a long-term resident of the EU, and one of the parents who does not have Polish citizenship has agreed to this;

6: a foreigner residing permanently and legally in Poland for at least 10 years , who meets all of the following conditions - has the right to long-term residence in the European Union or the right to permanent residence, and has a stable and regular source in Poland income and ownership of occupied housing;

7: a foreigner permanently residing in Poland for at least two years on the basis of a residence permit obtained in connection with Polish origin .

At the same time, Article 30, paragraph 2 of this provision, requires a foreigner (except for paragraphs 4 and 5, children whose one of the parents already has Polish citizenship) to know the Polish language and have a supporting official document .

If the child is over 16 years old, then his consent to obtain Polish citizenship is also required. At the same time, the provision of Article 31 of the Law states that a foreigner will be refused recognition as a Polish citizen if he does not meet the mandatory conditions set out above, or when his acquisition of Polish citizenship poses a threat to national defense or national security or the protection of public safety and order.

Registration of residence permit in POLAND, residence card and blue card

One of the important features of Poland when immigrating from other EU countries is the relatively simple procedure for obtaining a residence permit for foreigners. Residence permit in…

Type of application for recognition as a Polish citizen

https://mswia.gov.pl/download/1/15305/09-41-53KW321019DOIRplik5.pdf

Documents required for recognition as a citizen of Poland

A foreigner applying for recognition as a Polish citizen must provide the following documents:

1. 1 completed application for recognition as a citizen of Poland in Polish
2. 1 photo
3. original or certified copy of birth certificate. It is not necessary to submit a Polish certificate of state civil registration. Foreign certificates must be submitted with certified translations into Polish
4. a certified copy of a valid document proving identity and citizenship (foreign passport, travel document)
5. a certified copy of a permit for permanent residence in Poland or a long-term resident of the EU
6. a certified copy of the permanent residence permit issued by the voivode,
7. official confirmation of knowledge of the Polish language - Currently, knowledge of the Polish language must be documented at least at the communicative level. A document confirming knowledge of the Polish language is a certificate of completion of a school in Poland, a certificate of completion of a school abroad with Polish as the language of instruction, or a certificate issued by the State Commission for Certification of Knowledge of Polish as a Foreign Language.

And:

• An application for the dates of departure from Poland and return, as well as places of stay abroad during the required periods of continuous residence (i.e. 10, or 3 or 2 years, depending on the basis on which the foreigner applies for recognition as a Polish citizen), must be submitted with documents confirming continuous residence in Poland (for example, a stamped passport, plane tickets). If a person does not remember the specific dates of his departure from Poland and does not have the opportunity to obtain such information (for example, citizens of Ukraine and Belarus are not given stamps on entry into Poland and departure from Poland), he can write a statement that he does not remember the specific dates of his departure and can only indicate approximate dates. The application form for continuous residence is here ->
• documents confirming professional achievements (for example, titles and academic or professional degrees) and the nature of political and social activities,
• a document confirming the citizenship of the foreigner’s spouse (for example, a passport),
• available documents confirming previous Polish citizenship or an application for it,
• a certificate of payment of the state fee for issuing a decision on recognition as a citizen of Poland.

Legal ways to obtain Polish citizenship

Polish legislation provides several ways to obtain citizenship in 2021, which are actively used by immigrants from the CIS countries.

Foreign passport of a citizen of Poland

Grounds for obtaining Polish citizenship:

• right of origin;
• marriage;
• invitation for employment or training;
• business relationship;
• naturalization;
• repatriation.

The complexity of the process will be determined by the initial data available to a person. Let us consider in more detail the conditions for granting Polish citizenship.

Right of origin

The origin of a person demonstrates his family relationships with other people. To assign the official status of a resident of Poland, it is necessary to confirm family ties with specific citizens, collecting documentary information not only with the help of relatives, but also in city archives or the registry office, where, on the basis of an application, they are required to look for the required data.

Descendants who decide to restore historical ties with relatives and reunite with their family are perceived more than loyally by the Polish government.

How to obtain citizenship with Polish roots

Thanks to amendments to Polish legislation, after May 15, 2012, a child is recognized as a citizen of Poland, even if one of the legal representatives is a foreigner. Thus, when one of the parents obtains citizenship, the minor child receives it automatically.

To assign Polish citizenship to a newborn, it is necessary to attach written and officially certified permission to do so from the second parent. After which the package of documents is submitted along with the application to any government agency:

• to the embassy;
• ministry, etc.

Birth on Polish territory does not give the child the right to citizenship. It is assigned only to orphans whose parents are unknown. A foreigner under the age of 16 who has been adopted by Polish nationals can become a citizen.

Granting citizenship for special merits

The President of Poland can make exceptional decisions to recognize a citizen as an official resident of the country based on an individual application from the applicant. The reason for the president to make a positive decision on the applicant’s appeal may be services to the state, for example, scientific developments for the country, political interest that improves the economic situation, innovative projects, victories in sports under the flag of Poland, etc.

Detailed map of Poland showing all voivodeships

Assigning citizenship for special merits is one of the shortest ways to obtain citizenship.

Conditions for naturalization

The right to become a citizen of the European Union using the naturalization route is available after an 8-year period. The applicant must be officially registered in Poland with permanent residence (permanent residence), have an excellent command of the state language and know the peculiarities of culture, the state administrative apparatus, its Constitution, and history. The fact of buying your own home will be a plus.

An adult can become a citizen of this country under the conditions of naturalization.

The conditions for naturalization presuppose the voluntary and personal expression of the will of a person and the desire to become a legal resident of Poland.

Obtaining citizenship based on marriage

Marriage is a rather banal, but effective way to obtain Polish citizenship.

Algorithm for obtaining citizenship by marriage

During the first years of residence, the officer has the right to visit the couple to check the reality of the union. After 3 years, the spouse of a Polish citizen is recognized as a full citizen on the basis of a residence permit or permanent place of residence.

If a fictitious relationship is detected, the foreigner will be deported to his or her country without the right to re-enter.

Employment and study in Poland

Obtaining a Polish passport through employment is not easy, which is quite typical for Schengen member countries.

A foreigner must prove his qualifications and professionalism. Most often, local employers hire a foreigner as an employee only for a season.

There are many programs in Poland that allow foreign students to come and study as exchange students. It is also possible to obtain a second higher education in 1-3 years.

How to obtain Polish citizenship after studying

At the university, students undergo internships at enterprises with modern production methods and technologies; upon graduation from the university, if they have good results, they can undergo an internship program with subsequent employment and subsequently apply for citizenship.

Business

Private entrepreneurs who have invested at least 5,000 zlotys in the capital of their company or any other company will be able to become a citizen of Poland. Introducing funds into the economy during business immigration guarantees obtaining a residence permit with the right to work. After 5 years, the foreigner can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship.

The President of Poland has the right to grant citizenship to a foreigner regardless of the number of years he has lived in the country. But the procedure takes quite a long time and for this reason is used extremely rarely. The president's refusal cannot be appealed.

How to open your own business in Poland? Useful tips on video.

Repatriation. Citizenship for repatriates and persons with Polish roots

Repatriation involves the assignment of Polish citizenship by origin. The repatriation procedure is provided only for persons whose relatives up to the second degree (mother, father, grandfather, grandmother) are immigrants or citizens of Poland.

Under the new Polish legislation, the repatriation process has been simplified. In 2021, you must submit an application, passport and documents that confirm your origin to the consulate. Please note that the Polish mission has the right to request additional information. Their consideration takes up to 3 years.

Ethnic Poles exiled from their country as a result of political repression before 1999 can be reinstated as full residents in two ways:

• register a Pole card, which allows you to apply for the status of a resident of Poland within 1 year;
• Apply to the consulate for a repatriation visa, register for permanent residence and, after 3 years, complete registration of citizenship.

Archival document confirming Polish origin

The Law “On Repatriation” of Poland, updated on November 9, 2000, states that this right can be used by foreigners with Polish roots and a special repatriation visa, and the purpose of arriving in the country is permanent residence.

To obtain a repatriation visa you must:

• prove with the help of documents your relationship with the Poles;
• confirm good knowledge of the Polish language.

Based on the totality of information provided by the applicant, the consul will make a decision.

Relatives of the applicant can also receive permission to cross Polish borders to enter the country under the repatriation program.

If the authorities make a positive decision, a specialized visa is affixed to the international passport, which upon entry into the state automatically grants the right to become a full citizen .

If fraud and invalidity of documents are detected, the foreign person is deported from the country with a possible ban on entry in the future.

Purpose of visa issuance – 23 (for repatriation)

Options for obtaining citizenship

The country's legislation provides for several ways to obtain citizenship: by birth, origin, restoration. In addition, the President of Poland has the exclusive right to grant citizenship to foreigners. In this case, compliance with other conditions provided for by law is not necessary.

With a high degree of probability, athletes or scientists can obtain Polish citizenship from the President on the basis of an application submitted to the head of the country through the voivode or consul. It is also a working option for refugees. Image from freepik.com.

Citizenship by birth

Polish citizenship automatically acquired by a child whose at least one parent is a Polish citizen . Place of birth does not matter. If one of the parents is a foreign citizen, they will need official permission to grant the child Polish citizenship. In case of adoption by Polish citizens, the minor child also receives citizenship.

Citizenship of the republic extends to children found or born on the territory of the country whose parents are not identified or do not have citizenship. Image from freepik.com.

Citizenship by descent

Since 2001, the country has had a repatriation program. Under it, foreigners with Polish roots have access to a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship on the basis of a repatriate visa (type of national visa D). This document can be obtained by citizens of the former Soviet republics, except the Baltic states, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and the European part of the Russian Federation , in whose family there are Poles in the ascending line up to the 4th generation (great-grandparents). We will not dwell on this program in detail - there is a special article on the website dedicated to this topic.

Citizenship on a Pole card

The Pole's Card (CP) is a special document that gives foreigners with confirmed Polish roots and titles of the country's language, history and culture the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a simplified manner. Foreigners who do not live in the country and who have been able to confirm Polish roots or active participation in the life of the local Polish community . KP owners have the opportunity to obtain a national visa for free, and upon arrival in the country, apply for permanent residence. After a year of permanent residence in Poland in this status, you can apply for citizenship .

You can receive a Pole's card and, if necessary, renew it only in your country of residence, but not in Poland. Image from freepik.com.

There is an option to apply for citizenship immediately after receiving permanent residence (the so-called Stale Life Card) by submitting an application to the President. But recently, such requests are often refused , which can make it difficult to obtain citizenship in the future. It is better to use the option of obtaining citizenship on a general basis: through marriage, naturalization or on a Pole card after at least a year of residence in the country.

Citizenship through marriage

Polish migration legislation does not provide for automatic citizenship for a foreigner in case of marriage with a citizen of the country . An applicant for citizenship will have to go through the naturalization with minor concessions: live in marriage for at least three years, two of which - stay permanently in Poland as a permanent resident (permanent residence). Obtaining a passport is available only after submitting the entire package of documents required for naturalization and successfully passing exams on knowledge of the Polish language, culture and history of the country.

The equivalent of a marriage registered in the registry office is considered to be a wedding in a church. Image from freepik.com.

Citizenship through business

Opening and running a business in Poland is not a guaranteed basis for obtaining citizenship . But having your own operating company can become the basis for obtaining a long-term visa and residence permit. Next, you will have to go through the usual naturalization procedure through four years of residence in permanent residence status and passing exams. All this time, the company must operate, generate income and pay taxes in good faith . It must employ Polish citizens or EU residents.

As in the case of naturalization on a general basis, obtaining a Polish passport will take at least 7 years. Image from freepik.com.

The information promoted on the Internet that you can open a company in Poland in just 2 weeks and $1,500 and, based on this alone, obtain citizenship is just an advertising gimmick.

Citizenship through naturalization

In fact, most of the above options for obtaining citizenship are types of naturalization with some assumptions, concessions and features. If for many residents of Ukraine and Belarus (especially their western regions) the most suitable and simplest option is to obtain citizenship using a Pole card - if there is evidence of Polish origin - then Russians will have to go through the naturalization procedure on a general basis. These are several steps, each of which is required.

Visa

Obtaining a Polish Schengen visa ( visa C ) or a long-term national visa ( visa D ). The reason for coming and staying in the country can be work, study, opening and running a business, etc.

Residence permit

The corresponding document - Temporary Residence Card or temporary residence permit - is issued for a period of up to 3 years , can be extended and gives the right to legally stay, study, work in the country, in fact equating the foreigner in terms of capabilities with a citizen of Poland. You can apply for a residence permit for the entire period of legal stay in the country, for example, with a visa - in person or by mail. But to receive it, you will still need to come to the Voivodeship Office with the original documents:

• Application in Polish.
• 4 photos 35x45 mm.
• International passport with two copies;
• Receipt for payment of stamp duty (PLN 440).
• Confirmation of legal residence status: worker, student, entrepreneur, etc.
• Medical insurance.
• Certificate of income.

An amount of PLN 800 per month per person is considered sufficient after deducting housing rent, insurance and other mandatory expenses, such as tuition fees.
Image from freepik.com. Consideration of the application usually takes 1.5-3 months . If the decision is positive, within two weeks you will receive a plastic card confirming your residence permit status. 50 zlotys for it . In case of refusal, stamp duty can be refunded.

permanent residence

After four or five years of continuous residence in the country with a residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence in Poland. Moreover, all this time the foreigner must be officially employed in one of the in-demand specialties. The full list of grounds and conditions for issuing the so-called Stale Life Card is prescribed in the relevant article of the Law. If you have Polish roots or a Pole's Card, residence in the country with a residence permit is not necessary.

There is another document that is essentially an analogue of the Steel Living Card. We are talking about the EU Long-Term Resident Card . It is easier to obtain it for holders of the so-called Blue Card, as well as for foreigners from third countries who do not have Polish roots, a Pole Card and who are not married to a citizen of the country. The period of residence under a residence permit in this case is five years. The difference between the documents is in the nuances, but the registration process is almost identical.

For students, the period of stay under a residence permit is divided in two . That is, of the two years lived in Poland during study, only one year is taken into account. Residence is considered continuous if the foreigner has not left the country for more than 6 months, and the total period of stay outside Poland does not exceed 10 months.

To obtain permanent residence you must provide:

• A completed form in Polish for the Stalego Life Card.
• International passport plus two copies of each page.
• Four color photographs 35x45 mm.
• Medical insurance.
• A document confirming official status in Poland, employment, student status, etc.
• Document on ownership or rental of housing.
• Certificate of regular income.
• Receipt for payment of state duty in the amount of 640 zlotys.

This is followed by an interview in Polish. It will have to demonstrate not only language skills, but also knowledge of the history, culture, and legislation of the country. In addition to the package of documents and compliance with the conditions (see below), good knowledge of the language and deep integration into society are required.

As in the case of a residence permit, you need to pay 50 zlotys for issuing a plastic card. The review usually takes two months, but may take some time. Permanent residence is issued for an indefinite period with the card being replaced after 10 years.

4. Citizenship

You can naturalize in Poland on the basis of a Stale Life Card or a Long-Term EU Resident Card after three years of continuous residence in the country. Package of documents for obtaining citizenship:

• International passport.
• Birth certificate.
• Internal passport.
• Confirmation of status in Poland (permanent residence, resident card, etc.).
• Confirmation of Polish origin (if any).
• Autobiography and justification for connection with the Polish nation.
• Certificate of no criminal record or offenses.
• Document confirming employment and required income level.
• Statement of tax deductions.
• Medical insurance and certificate of passing a medical examination.
• Ownership of real estate or long-term rental agreement.
• Four photographs 35x45 mm.
• Certificate of knowledge of the Polish language at a level not lower than B1.
• A free-form application about the fate of previous citizenship - refusal or abandonment.

Without Polish roots and a Polish Card, foreigners will need 7-10 years to become a Polish citizen.
Image from freepik.com. All documents, except those issued in Poland, must be translated into Polish and notarized. Documents for residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship are submitted and reviewed in the “Department for Work with Foreigners” in the Voivodeship Office at the place of residence.

Advantages of a Pole's card

On the basis of a repatriation visa, a person entering the country must present documents directly to the consulate for permanent residence permit and the issuance of a special card indicating membership of the Polish people.

The Pole's card "Stalego Pobytu" is issued on the territory of the state at the place of registration. The card gives the right to freely cross the border in the Schengen countries.

“Stalego Pobytu” gives the right to open your own business in the country. At the same time, you will not have to pay for medical insurance and a multiple-entry visa to Poland.

The card makes it possible to obtain citizenship in the shortest way.

Required documents

In such a procedure as obtaining citizenship of another country, it is impossible to do without documents. Certificates, certificates must confirm the applicant’s compliance with the requirements of Polish migration legislation: age, income level, length of residence in the country, etc.

Package of documents for Polish citizenship:

• Application for Polish citizenship, which indicates the basis for immigration and the applicant’s personal data;
• Autobiography of a citizen of the Russian Federation, written in Polish;
• A certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation confirming that the Russian has no criminal record, criminal record or large fines. It is also required to confirm the absence of ongoing legal proceedings, primarily those where the applicant acts as a defendant;
• Passport-size photograph (color, dimensions 3 by 4 cm);
• A photocopy of an identity document (internal or foreign passport, driver's license, etc.), certified by a notary;
• Birth certificate of the applicant.

All categories of persons applying for a Polish passport are required to pass a special test that will confirm or refute their knowledge of the state language, key aspects of Polish legislation and the culture of the state at the required level. An exception is made for minor applicants.

Certificates, certificates and statements must be provided in Polish. Translations are certified by a notary.

And the last question - where to submit the collected documents in order to obtain Polish citizenship? A Russian living in Poland with resident status must contact the voivodeship office at the place of registration regarding this issue.

Documents for the child

Russians often immigrate to Poland with their entire family, taking their children with them. But for minor applicants, additional documents will be required. First of all:

• Birth certificate;
• Permission for a child to obtain Polish citizenship. Signed by a parent who is not a Polish citizen.

Price

To obtain Polish citizenship, a Russian must pay stamp duty. In the consulates of different countries, its size may vary slightly, but for Russians the amount is 219 Polish zlotys. If the applicant changes his mind and withdraws his application, the entire amount is returned to him.

Term

Once the applicant has undergone the naturalization procedure (usually 8 to 10 years of continuous residence in Poland) or otherwise becomes eligible to apply for Polish citizenship, he, as stated above, can submit a corresponding application.

But here the question arises: how long will it take to get citizenship? If the applicant has provided all the necessary documents, then the application is considered within a month (in cases where the information must be reviewed in detail - within two months). The review can take place in just 1 day. This is possible in special cases, when granting citizenship to famous cultural, scientific or sports figures. However, the queue for accepting applications can last much longer and, as a result, the entire procedure will take approximately 2-3 years.

Is it possible to have dual citizenship in Poland?

Polish legislation, like Russian legislation, allows its citizens to have two passports. Therefore, dual citizenship between Russia and Poland is acceptable. The main thing, when preparing documents, is to write a separate statement of intent to retain your Russian passport and all accompanying rights.

Granting citizenship in 2021

The new legal framework contains all the details of how to obtain Polish citizenship, including the process for foreign citizens to apply for it.

Pole identification card

Receipt procedure

Since 2012, the procedure for obtaining Polish citizenship has been significantly simplified. The main change concerned the requirement for Polish roots in the pedigree. Now there is no need to look for relatives further than the second generation.

The basic requirements for candidates for obtaining a Polish passport in 2021 have not changed:

• You must first obtain a national visa category D for a long-term period, as well as a Schengen visa;
• you must obtain a residence permit and live in the country for at least 5 years;
• after which obtain the status of permanent residence (permanent residence) and live in the country for another 3 years.

Requirements for obtaining Polish citizenship:

• availability of rented or purchased housing;
• official place of work with a wage level above the minimum;
• knowledge of Polish;
• knowledge of national traditions, history, government structure, culture.

Obtaining Polish citizenship in connection with employment

The main condition is that you cannot stay outside Poland for more than 3 months a year. If this condition is met, after 3 years, if the remaining conditions are met, the specific person is assigned citizenship.

How can I get

How to obtain Polish citizenship? This article will help you figure out how to obtain it for Russians. According to the law, obtaining a Polish passport is possible in several ways:

• Origin;
• Naturalization: Family unification;
• Marry a Polish woman or woman;
• Own business;
• Employment;
• Under the refugee protection program.

Not only those living in Russian territories, but also residents of Belarus and Ukraine apply for citizenship. Without the status of a Polish citizen, Belarusians and Ukrainians are deprived of many privileges. The laws in Poland are simpler for Belarusians, so getting a passport will be quick and will take up to six months.

The main condition for Belarusians is permanent residence status. Ukrainians require additional documentation. Only Ukraine does not accept second citizenship, but Poland views this positively. Polish citizenship for Russians does not have any difficulties if you complete a number of necessary steps.

By right of birth

A child born to Polish parents automatically receives Polish citizenship by descent. Newborn born in Poland: acquires Polish citizenship.

A child under the age of majority born in Poland, of whom one parent has citizenship, also has citizenship if both parents agree and confirm it in the application. An adopted child under the age of sixteen who was born in another country receives Polish citizenship. Orphans found on the territory of the Republic will be granted citizenship if the search for their parents is not successful.

Through marriage

Is it possible to obtain Polish citizenship through marriage? Automatic citizenship is not established through a wedding. You must marry a Polish citizen and live together in an official marriage with a Polish citizen for at least three years. A man from another country must definitely marry a Polish woman. Fictitious marriages are not taken into account. For two years of this period, you must reside in the country without leaving the country on the basis of a registered residence permit.

To claim all the rights of a resident of Poland, you need to run a household and divide your joint property. In this case, after three years of living in a registered marriage, they receive a passport and citizenship. But sometimes an immigrant has to get married and enter into a fictitious relationship. If the government discovers the deception, the foreigner faces expulsion from the country and is prohibited from further entry or any visit. A Pole or a Polish woman who signs for a fictitious marriage may also be held liable for fraud in order to facilitate the acquisition of citizenship.

Naturalization

Recent necessary amendments to Poland's immigration laws have reduced the complexity of the citizenship process. The acquisition of citizenship by any person has been expanded. They also reduced the period for accepting Polish citizenship for refugees.

To naturalize you need to take the following steps:

1. Enter the territory of Poland. You need to register a Schengen visa or long-term visa permit (category D).
2. Registration of residence permit. To obtain a residence permit from the voivodeship office for foreigners, after acquisition you must live for five years.
3. Obtaining permanent residence. After five years, apply for a permanent residence permit. You need to live with such a document for 3 years.
4. Eight years after arriving in the territory, the applicant has the full right to submit an application to be awarded Polish citizenship and a passport.

Citizenship by descent ("roots")

In addition to the simplified form of the procedure for accepting citizenship through naturalization, you can also submit a package of documents and obtain Polish citizenship by roots, by origin.

It is necessary to obtain permanent residence on the basis of documentary evidence that parents or ancestors with Polish roots lived in Poland. Citizenship is then obtained through an expedited process.

Pole's card

A foreigner who has documented Polish origin receives a Pole card. In addition to documents, you need to provide knowledge about Polish culture, customs and pass a language exam. An immigrant should not have a residence permit, and any other person should not have Polish citizenship. As proof, relatives living near the borders of Poland will be an advantage.

After presenting documents confirming your relationship with the Poles, you must also successfully pass the test for entry into society and pass an exam on your knowledge of the Polish language. Russians should not have permanent residence status.

Thanks to the Pole's card, the immigrant gains belonging to the Polish people. The procedure for acquiring a Pole's card is similar to naturalization, but in addition it adds special advantages:

1. The cardholder can claim citizenship upon repatriation.
2. Free registration of a multiple visa is provided without an invitation from relatives or an agreement with an employer.
3. It is possible to register your own business under conditions equal to those of native residents.
4. Free medical care. Emergency medical care is also included.
5. Employment is officially on equal terms with residents of Poland, without purchasing a special permit.
6. Obtaining discounts when visiting museums in Poland.
7. Free education at Polish universities.

Based on business

It takes Russians fourteen calendar days to register a new business of their own. The cost is one and a half thousand euros. After this, you can immediately obtain a residence permit, and after four years - permanent residence. A Polish citizen's passport can be issued after five years.

An ordinary migrant needs to live in Poland for eight years, but for a businessman five is enough, because he will apply for a residence permit immediately after registering a company, he will have to live with permanent residence for four years, and after that he will have to purchase a passport.

Repatriation

Foreigners who have close relatives living in Poland can obtain citizenship by repatriation. They need to submit an application and documents about Polish origin to the Polish mission in their home country. Sometimes special documentary evidence may be required. Discussion of an application for citizenship for a repatriate takes up to three years. If you agree, a visa is attached to your foreign passport, thanks to which you can enter the country.

It is necessary to provide documents confirming the existence of Polish relatives whose year of birth was before 1939. Then you need to apply for a standard visa and begin the repatriation process within thirty days. Polish citizenship by repatriation is obtained in two years, sometimes it can last up to three years.

How to become a Polish citizen as a refugee

Forced political refugees can also undergo naturalization under their protection program, in which the Polish government takes an active part. To become citizens of the Polish Republic, refugees must register officially and live in the state for 24 months based on permanent residence (permanent residence).

It is necessary to obtain official refugee status by contacting the office of the representative office of the Polish government. The refugee is exempt from testing and examinations.

Procedure for obtaining citizenship

Polish citizenship consists of several stages: residence permit and permanent residence. On a general basis, after a total of 8 years of living on the territory of the state, a Russian can apply to be admitted to the ranks of residents.

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Subtleties of obtaining Polish citizenship. The petition is submitted to the President of Poland.
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the list of required documents and prepare them for filing the application.

The list of documents for obtaining citizenship includes:

• passport;
• international passport and its copy certified by a notary. As a document confirming a person’s identity, you can provide a driver’s license or other document with a photograph;
• generating an application in the prescribed form indicating the reasons for the desire to officially become a resident of Poland and personal data;
• justification for legal presence on the territory of the state;
• a certificate of no debt to budgetary or other government bodies for the payment of taxes and fees;
• certificate of purchase of real estate or its lease agreement;
• the results of the medical examination completed on the territory of Poland;
• autobiography in Polish;
• a document in the form of a certificate confirming the absence of criminal records and serious offenses;

  

  certificate of good conduct

• a certificate from the place of work to prove financial solvency as a guarantee of timely payment of fees and sufficient not to apply to the Polish government for social assistance. Securities, bank deposits, etc. can also be considered income;
• a copy of your passport or any other identification document. The copy must be notarized;
• personal birth certificate. It is allowed to provide a copy certified in the notary's office;
• photographs in the amount of 4 pieces.

All documents are annexed to the application and are submitted to the local Polish municipality (Urząd miasta). The migration service department is obliged to accept the collected materials if they are drawn up in the prescribed form. It is allowed to submit a petition to Polish political representations and Polish embassies in the territory of your country.

Translation of documents into Polish

The collected package of documents must be translated into the state language by a certified translator in an accredited bureau.

You can submit them for consideration in person or by mail. When choosing the second method, all papers must be certified by a notary, and postage must be paid separately. The cost of shipping will depend on the place of departure.

Urząd Miasta, Tarnobrzeg

Conditions and methods of registration

Most often, citizens of Ukraine and Russia are interested in the question of how to obtain Polish citizenship. For them, citizenship opens doors to Europe and the United States.

For all foreign citizens, regardless of country of origin, the acquisition of indigenous property is possible under the following conditions:

• sufficient knowledge of the oral and written state language of the republic;
• knowledge and respect for the laws, history, and values ​​of the country;
• having a regular source of income;
• availability of a permanent place of residence, confirmed by documents (tenancy agreement, certificate of real estate ownership).

There are a number of programs and ways to obtain Polish citizenship:

• by right of origin;
• migration program for family reunification;
• business support program;
• non-blood relationship (marriage);
• naturalization.

By birth

Citizens of Poland are recognized as minor foreigners, both of whose parents are subjects of the republic. If one of the parents is a resident of another country, then his legally certified consent is required to grant the child indigenous status.

By origin (repatriation)

Foreigners with Polish roots can become subjects of Poland. Repatriation is possible if there are documents confirming that there were Poles in the family (at least the third generation).

Documents proving the kinship and belonging of ancestors to the Poles undergo a thorough check for the authenticity and reliability of the facts. The procedure can take 3 years. Upon confirmation that the foreigner has Polish blood flowing in his veins, he receives a visa giving the right to obtain a Pole card (Karta Polaka).

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Through marriage

When marrying a Polish citizen, a resident of another country can apply for an internal passport. You can register the relationship at the registry office or undergo a wedding ceremony, with the exception of Muslim spouses - they do not have the right to get married in a mosque.

To obtain citizenship, you must have been married for at least 3 years and at least two years (continuously) on the basis of a settlement permit.

Note! It is possible to obtain citizenship based on the registration of a marriage only if it is recognized as genuine. In order to make sure that the legalized relationship is not a fiction, the family is monitored by an inspector for all three years.

Naturalization

The method is suitable for persons who do not have family ties with Poles or special powers. The terms and conditions of naturalization depend on the grounds. In any case, a foreigner must apply for Schengen category D and live in permanent residence status in Poland for at least three years.

Admission to university and work

Foreign students, upon completion of their studies at higher educational institutions, find work easier than other visitors. After employment, “newly minted” specialists can undergo the naturalization procedure. This option is perfect for young Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Russians who want to leave their homeland forever and settle in Europe.

Business and investment

Immigration to the republic on the basis of opening a business in the country is the most acceptable option for the majority of Russians and citizens of neighboring Slavic states. It will take no more than 2 weeks to open a company. The cost of legal entrepreneurial activity from scratch will be 1,500 euros.

Presidential decision

The President is the head of state who, among other things, can decide to grant a foreign citizen a Polish passport. The basis may be the merits and achievements of a resident of another country, which may be useful for the republic (for example, athletes, scientists). The time spent in the country, the availability of a stable income, rented or own housing are not taken into account when making a decision.

Restoration of citizenship

In 2012, a law on the restoration of Polish citizenship came into force in the republic. On its basis, a citizen who lost his indigenous status before January 1, 1999 has the right to restore it. The foreigner must provide documents to obtain citizenship, and in the application indicate the reason for the loss of Polish indigenous status. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for reviewing the application and making a decision.

Passing a mandatory test for language proficiency and integration into society

All applicants, with the exception of minors, must pass a special test or so-called exam.

You must register at the testing center in advance. Knowledge of the language at level B1, including the correct use of lexical structure of speech, grammar, syntax, allows you to apply for the right to become a citizen of Poland. The percentage of correct answers to additional questions must be at least 60%.

The text has a written part and an oral one.

Testing is carried out on knowledge of:

• Polish language;
• main aspects of legislation;
• local customs and cultural foundations.

Certificate confirming your level of Polish language proficiency

Each person tested must explain how willing he is to observe and honor the traditions of the country and the rules of society. Integration into society implies the skills of reciting the Polish anthem, the willingness to name the names of members of the country's government. It is necessary to communicate the main provisions of the Constitution and basic legislation.

In each individual case, additional documents may be required.

The texts are carried out by specialists from accredited centers, who issue appropriate state-issued certificates after successful completion. The final results last from 4 to 6 weeks.

Cost of the procedure

You will be required to pay the Polish state fee or notary fees when submitting the completed package of documents to the Consulate. The stamp duty for making a decision on citizenship is 219 zlotys or about 3,500 Russian rubles. It should be borne in mind that it may differ in Polish representations of different countries.

When sending documents from your country, you should take into account that you will have to pay extra for both forwarding and processing of correspondence.

The cost of obtaining citizenship from intermediaries can be about 1,900 euros (€).

The results of consideration of the application are received in writing in the form of an official letter by mail.

Duration of consideration of the application

The package of documents should be reviewed no more than 1 month, and in cases requiring detailed study, no more than 2 months. Processing within 1 day is also possible if there are valid reasons.

The period for consideration of an application when applying to Polish representative offices outside Poland may increase to 6 months or 1 year.

Time and cost of consideration of the application

An application for a Pole's Card is processed within 4 to 6 weeks. The service is provided free of charge. An application for a repatriation visa can be processed for up to 3 years. Stamp duty will cost the applicant 50-60€. The Polish language exam required to apply for the Pole Card will require another 150-180 €, but the price may vary depending on the applicant’s city of residence.

Attention! A repatriation visa and a Pole's Card are issued at the Consulate or Embassy of Poland.

Restoration of citizenship

The new edition of the Law “On Citizenship” introduced a new concept into Polish jurisprudence – restoration of citizenship.

Since 2012, persons who previously had Polish citizenship and lost it before 1999 have the right to apply to acquire it again.

Citizenship can be restored based on birth records

A foreigner must:

• form an application indicating personal and contact information, explaining the circumstances of the loss of Polish citizenship and the desire to restore it.
• provide photocopies of passport pages as an attachment to the application or another form of identification and several photographs, no more than 4.

The applicant must prove that he was previously a citizen of Poland.

The entire package of documents must be translated into Polish by a certified person and submitted to the migration department.

Each application is considered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on an individual basis. The decision date is the date of citizenship acquisition. Restoration of citizenship occurs only by decision of government authorities and does not guarantee a positive outcome in all cases.

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Refusal to restore may be reviewed if an appropriate application is submitted within 14 calendar days from the date of the verdict.

Persons who were forcibly deprived of citizenship in the past cannot use this method.

Meeting room of the Polish parliament

Documents required for acquiring Polish citizenship

In order to obtain Polish citizenship, you must also prepare a certain package of documents. This package includes:

• Foreign passport and a copy of all pages;
• Applications for a request to obtain Polish citizenship must indicate the basis for obtaining;
• A copy of the policy card (if available);
• Birth certificate;
• Write an autobiography;
• Marriage certificate, if a foreign citizen is a member of it;
• Parents' birth certificate;
• Diploma of education;
• Certificate of no criminal record;
• A medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases;
• Photo card, glossy 3.5*4.5 – 8 pieces;
• A certificate from the place of employment, confirming that the foreigner is officially employed and has a stable income;
• Birth certificate of children, as well as their photo;
• Documents confirming the children’s education, namely certificates, diplomas, etc.;
• If the last name has been changed, you must provide a document confirming this change.

Renunciation of citizenship

The Polish Constitution prohibits deprivation of citizenship. The resident has the right to refuse it only on a voluntary basis.

Polish citizenship is not revoked in several cases:

• if the applicant, after refusal, will not be a citizen of any country;
• if the applicant is undergoing military service in Poland.

In all other situations, you need to submit a petition addressed to the president, explaining the reasons for your decision to renounce citizenship.

Reasons for registration

Depending on age, gender, financial situation, pedigree, Russians can choose the most attractive (fast) option for obtaining a Polish passport.

By right of birth

Minors (under 18 years of age) are recognized as Polish citizens if any of the following conditions are met:

• Any of the parents (at least one) has a Polish passport (the principle of jus sanguinis). You also need to be born on this earth.
• The child came into this world on the territory of Poland, but nothing is known about his father and mother, either they are stateless persons, or their citizenship has not been established (the principle of the right of soil).
• The child was adopted before the age of 16 by a Polish family.

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Through marriage

Marriage to a Polish man does not automatically grant citizenship. You must not only properly register your marriage at the registry office or in the church (both will issue an official certificate), but also live together for at least 3 years.

There is an additional condition - you must be in the country continuously for the last 2 years on the basis of a residence permit. Only then can the foreigner submit an application for citizenship to the Voivodeship Office for Foreigners.

Naturalization

Since 2012, changes have occurred in Polish migration legislation that have significantly expanded the list of persons who can apply for a Polish passport. The procedure for the naturalization of foreigners who have been legally residing within the country for a long time has been determined. The first thing that is recommended for a foreigner planning to move permanently to Poland is to apply for a long-term visa category D.

Read how to apply for a Polish national visa here. Then you can move in, choose a place to live, rent or buy real estate. The Voivodeship Office for Foreigners of the local district issues a residence permit, with which you must live without problems with the law for at least 5 years. Then they apply for a permanent residence permit. With a document for permanent residence, you need to live in the country continuously for another 3 years. In total, after 8 years of stay in Poland, you can apply for citizenship.

Citizenship by “roots” (origin)

Of paramount importance to local authorities. If a person can document that he belongs to the Polish nation (there is a Polish ancestor, for example, mother, father, grandfather or grandmother, great-grandfather and great-grandmother together), then he will be given permanent residence, and subsequently will be assigned citizenship by “roots” in a simplified, accelerated manner procedure. If a minor is found in any of the districts of the country, there is no information about his relatives, and the search has led to nothing, then the child will automatically be issued a Polish passport.

Pole's card

If a foreigner has Polish roots in his pedigree, he has the right to apply for a Pole card (and subsequently a permanent residence card). But you need to submit documents outside Poland at the consulate at your place of residence.

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The owner of a Pole card receives the following benefits:

• A multiple visa is issued free of charge without providing a contract with an employer, an invitation from relatives, etc.
• You can freely find a job without having to obtain a permit.
• You are allowed to open your own business on equal terms with the Poles.
• Free emergency medical care.
• Discounts on museum admission and much more.

The main thing upon receipt is to present documents proving your Polish roots, such as a birth certificate. Additionally, you will need to pass an exam on knowledge of the state language and a test for integration into society, and thereby confirm that traditions, the Polish language are cultivated in the family, and “Polishness is being established.” An applicant for a Pole card must recognize himself as a Pole; this will be documented by signing a declaration of belonging to the Polish nation, which the consul will offer to sign without fail. But this is only if you successfully pass the interview - every year it becomes more and more difficult to pass, given the growing influx of applicants.

At the time of issuing a Pole card, the applicant must not have permanent residence.

If you have Polish relatives living in Poland, this will greatly facilitate the process. Recently, Pole card holders have been able to apply for citizenship under an accelerated scheme in one year.

Based on business

Naturalization can be accelerated when the applicant has unlimited funds. Opening your own turnkey business is a popular service in the country; it will cost about 1,500 euros, and registration will take only 2 weeks.

There will be an opportunity to earn income for a comfortable existence, and it will also shorten the duration of obtaining citizenship (simplified procedure). If an ordinary foreigner has to live on this land for 8 years, then 5 will be enough for a businessman, since he will receive a residence permit immediately after registering a company, permanent residence after 4 years, and a passport after another year.

Repatriation

The state is interested in the return to their homeland of Poles living in other countries of the world. If the applicant can prove the presence of roots in Poland before 1939, then he will be able to obtain citizenship by repatriation.

A standard visa is issued specifically for this purpose. You can cross the border with it and begin the repatriation procedure within 30 days. The time required for obtaining citizenship is reduced several times. In total it takes about 2 years, instead of 8 for naturalization.

Possibility of dual citizenship, including for immigrants from Russia and Ukraine

Based on the norms of legislation, Article No. 6 of the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” dated May 31, 2002 indicates that any Russian has the right to dual citizenship. However, when accepting citizenship of another country, Russian citizenship will take precedence, and a legal thematic agreement with Russia must be concluded with the government of the foreign state. In this case, a person who is granted the status of a foreign citizen is required to register with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Poland is on the list of countries where obtaining a second citizenship is allowed

Polish legislation also provides for the possibility of second citizenship , so it is not necessary for a person immigrating to Poland to renounce their native one.

The main reasons for refusal to obtain Polish citizenship

Applications for Pole status can be refused on general grounds.

Refusal to grant Polish citizenship to a person is inevitable if:

• violation by a person of the public interests of the Polish government;
• if the person took part in illegal actions;
• errors in documents;
• discrepancies between the stated information and the actual information.

If the reasons for refusal are obvious, the person, based on the corresponding application, will be refunded the previously paid state duty in full.

The refusal is not subject to appeal. The presidential administration has no obligation to provide the reason for the refusal, but if it is indicated, the shortcomings must be eliminated. No earlier than a year later, a repeat application is allowed.

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Dual citizenship in Poland

In accordance with the Law, the Republic of Poland does not exclude the possibility of its citizens obtaining passports from any other countries. However, in internal relations between the country and its citizen, the Republic of Poland does not recognize any other citizenship of its citizens: bipatrids have the same rights and obligations as Poles only with a Polish passport.

Great news for citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus - to obtain a Polish passport they will not have to renounce their previous citizenship.

On the other hand, it may be contrary to the laws of the country of origin. For example, in Belarus, multiple citizenship is provided for by law. But in Ukraine, bipatrism is prohibited, which, however, does not stop Ukrainians: they apply for Polish passports no less often than Belarusians. In the Russian Federation there are no problems with this either.

Price

Registration costs consist of state fees (PLN 219) as well as overhead costs. The applicant must present not only the original documents, but also their copies translated in an accredited bureau, duly certified. In addition, you must pay for testing for knowledge of the Polish language and for integration into society.

A state-issued certificate confirming successful completion of tests is also paid.

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If the applicant uses the services of lawyers and intermediary organizations to help emigrants successfully navigate bureaucratic procedures, the costs increase by the amount of their fee.