How to Become a Polish Citizen? A Guide to Pathways to Citizenship (as of July 2025)

Dreaming of Polish citizenship? Wondering what steps to take and what conditions to meet? Understanding the procedures can be challenging, which is why we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide, including the latest legal changes effective from July 2025. Remember, this is general information – it’s always advisable to consult with a lawyer specializing in migration law.

In Poland, there are two main paths to obtaining citizenship: through recognition (decision of the Voivode) and granting (decision of the President of the Republic of Poland). Let’s take a closer look at them.

1. Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Recognition (Voivode’s Decision) – The Most Common Path

This path is the most frequently chosen and requires meeting specific, clearly defined conditions. Key here is the required period of legal and uninterrupted stay in Poland.

Required periods of stay and additional conditions:

• Minimum 3 years of uninterrupted stay in Poland directly before submitting the application, based on:
  • permanent residence permit,
  • EU long-term resident permit,
  • right of permanent residence (for EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens).Additionally, you must meet the following conditions:
  • Possession of a stable and regular source of income.
  • Possession of a legal title to occupy residential premises.
  • Knowledge of the Polish language confirmed by an official certificate at B1 level (or higher), a certificate of completion of a school in Poland (primary, junior high, high school, or higher education) or a certificate of completion of a school abroad with Polish as the language of instruction.
• Minimum 2 years of uninterrupted stay in Poland directly before submitting the application, based on:
  • permanent residence permit,
  • EU long-term resident permit,
  • right of permanent residence.In addition to the above conditions (stable income, premises, B1 language), you must meet one of the following additional conditions:
  • being in a marriage with a Polish citizen for at least 3 years, OR
  • having no citizenship (stateless person).
• Minimum 2 years of uninterrupted stay in Poland directly before submitting the application, based on:
  • permanent residence permit obtained in connection with having refugee status granted in Poland.Additionally, knowledge of the Polish language (B1 or higher) is required.
• Minimum 1 year of uninterrupted stay in Poland directly before submitting the application, based on:
  • permanent residence permit obtained in connection with Polish origin or a valid Polish Card.Additionally, knowledge of the Polish language (B1 or higher) is required.

What is “uninterrupted stay”?

Stay is considered uninterrupted if no single break in it was longer than 6 months, and all breaks combined did not exceed 10 months within the periods forming the basis for recognition as a Polish citizen. An exception applies to trips due to professional duties of the foreigner outside the territory of the Republic of Poland, or accompanying by a spouse or minor child, provided that the stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland was uninterrupted for at least 5 years.

2. Granting of Polish Citizenship (Decision of the President of the Republic of Poland) – Discretionary Path

This path is significantly less formal in terms of meeting specific requirements, but at the same time, it is more unpredictable. The President of the Republic of Poland may grant Polish citizenship to a foreigner without any statutory requirements regarding the period of stay in Poland, Polish language proficiency, possession of sources of income, or legal title to premises.

This is a discretionary decision. This means that the President may, but is not obliged to, grant citizenship, even if the applicant meets all criteria. The President’s decision is usually dictated by a “significant interest of the state” or a “significant interest of the applicant.” Typically, applications are considered in situations where the applicant has special merits for Poland (e.g., in science, culture, sport, economy) or in exceptional life circumstances.

Processing time: Proceedings in the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland are usually lengthy and can take from several months to several years.

Summary: Which path is for you?

Important note:

Regulations regarding citizenship may change. It is always recommended to check the most current information directly on the websites of Voivodeship Offices, the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA), or the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland. Consulting with a lawyer specializing in foreigners’ law is also invaluable support in this process.

If you are looking for professional help and support in the process of applying for Polish citizenship, the experts from Laut are at your disposal. Thanks to their experience and knowledge of current regulations, you can be sure that your case will be handled efficiently and effectively. Contact Laut today to take advantage of comprehensive services in this area and increase your chances of success!