What are the costs of applying for Polish citizenship? How long does this process take?

Many people around the world undoubtedly dream of having Polish citizenship. Poland is a country with an interesting history or culture as well as having beautiful landscapes. For those who wish to experience life in Poland or strengthen ties with the country, obtaining citizenship is therefore a life goal. However, the process is neither cheap nor quick. Aspects related to the acquisition of Polish citizenship and its possible loss are regulated by the Act of 2 April 2009 on Polish citizenship. What does it contain and what opportunities does it present to us? Let us find out…

What types of citizenship do we have and what are the options for obtaining it?

Poland offers several different types of citizenship, including citizenship by descent or naturalisation. The cost and time required to obtain citizenship can therefore vary depending on the path chosen. However, it is worth remembering at the outset that in the case of citizenship via presidential grant the President of the Republic of Poland is in no way obliged to set a specific deadline for processing applications. As a result, the duration of the process of obtaining Polish citizenship is usually indefinite.

Citizenship by descent

Polish citizenship by descent is one of the most common ways of obtaining a Polish passport. If we have Polish ancestors, we may also be entitled to Polish citizenship. The process is unfortunately often complicated and time-consuming, but the costs are usually lower than for other paths.

However, we often have to be determined to find all the necessary documents confirming that our ancestors held Polish citizenship, did not lose it and passed it to all their descendants all the way to the applicant. Then we will also have to wait for the final decision. Indeed, the process of obtaining citizenship by descent can take from several months to even several years, depending on the complexity of our case. We also have to take into account the time needed to collect all the necessary documents and carry out genealogical research, which we mentioned before.

The costs associated with obtaining citizenship by descent may include fees for translation and authentication of documents, costs associated with administrative fees associated with processing that application and vital records registration at the Polish Civil Registry Office.

Naturalisation

Naturalisation is the process of obtaining Polish citizenship by persons who neither have Polish ancestry nor are married to a Polish citizen. It is usually the most expensive and longest of all pathways and requires residency in Poland and meeting other requirements.

Costs associated with naturalisation include, for example, application processing fees,, administrative fees. In addition, we have to pass a test on the Polish language and knowledge of Poland, which involves additional costs related to the preparation for these exams.

Finally, naturalisation is a process that can take many years. You have to meet many requirements and the whole process involves many stages. The first and at the same time the longest of these is certainly the period that we have to spend continuously in Poland – this is 3 years. We must also have a permanent source of legal income.

Procedure for obtaining Polish citizenship

The procedure for obtaining Polish citizenship is nothing more than a process during which foreigners residing in Poland on certain permits may apply for Polish citizenship. In order to fulfill the criteria, they must first fulfill a number of conditions, which include:

•     Integration into Polish society – Foreigners should demonstrate that they have been legally residing in Poland for a long period of time (minimum 3 years) and have successfully integrated into the local community.
•     Knowledge of the Polish language – It is also necessary to be fluent in Polish at least B1 level or to have relevant certificates from a school in Poland.
•     Provision of housing and sources of income – Foreigners must demonstrate that they have a stable source of income and the right to live in a dwelling.
•     Respect for Polish law – It is important that the persons concerned respect the Polish legal order and do not constitute a threat to state defense or security.

The Polish Citizenship Act (Article 30, Act 1) defines various categories of foreigners who may apply for Polish citizenship. These include:

•     A foreigner residing in Poland for at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a residence permit for a long-term resident of the European Communities or a permanent residence permit, who has a stable source of income and a legal title to reside in residential premises.
•     A foreigner residing in Poland for at least 2 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a residence permit for a long-term resident of the European Communities or the right of permanent residence, who has been married for at least 3 years to a Polish citizen or has no other citizenship.
•     A foreigner who is a refugee in Poland and resides here on the basis of a permanent residence permit obtained in connection with the granting of refugee status in Poland.
•     A minor foreigner, one of whose parents is a Polish citizen, residing in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a residence permit for a long-term resident of the European Communities or a permanent residence permit, and the other parent has agreed to be recognised as a Polish citizen.
•     A minor foreigner who has been restored Polish citizenship by at least one of his/her parents, if he/she resides in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a residence permit for a long-term resident of the European Communities or the right of permanent residence, and the other parent has agreed to recognise him/her as a Polish citizen.
•     A foreigner who has resided in Poland for at least one year on the basis of a permanent residence permit obtained in connection with Polish ancestry or the possession of the Card of the Pole.

If you would like to find out even more about the costs and waiting times for a Polish passport, please visit https://fivetoeurope.com/faqs/time-and-cost-of-polish-citizenship-by-descent-application/, where you will find lots of interesting information and advice.