Applying for Polish citizenship is a complex legal process that requires careful preparation and submission of appropriate documentation. Whether you’re applying through descent, naturalization, or repatriation, the success of your application largely depends on presenting the correct and complete set of documents. This guide outlines the most important documents needed to support your case, depending on the legal pathway you are pursuing.
1. Proof of Polish Origin or Ancestry
For applicants claiming citizenship by descent (confirmation of Polish citizenship), the cornerstone of your application is the documentation proving your Polish ancestry. Typically, this includes:
- Birth certificates of Polish ancestors
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Polish passports or identity documents (e.g., dowód osobisty)
- Military records from the Polish army
- Employment or residence documents from Poland
- Polish citizenship certificates (świadectwo obywatelstwa)
It’s crucial that these documents show uninterrupted Polish citizenship, as any loss of citizenship due to emigration or naturalization abroad may affect your claim.
2. Civil Status Documents
All applicants must provide their own up-to-date civil status records. These documents must be original or certified copies and, if issued outside of Poland, translated into Polish by a sworn translator:
- Your birth certificate (long-form version)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if your spouse is deceased or you’re divorced)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applying for their citizenship as well)
These documents must be legalized (apostilled) if issued in a country not party to an agreement with Poland regarding document recognition.
3. Valid Identity and Residence Documents
You’ll need to prove your current identity and legal status. This typically includes:
- A valid passport
- Proof of legal residence in Poland (if applying via naturalization or repatriation), such as:
- Karta pobytu (residence card)
- EU registration certificate (for EU nationals)
- Decision on long-term EU resident status
If you’re applying from abroad, proof of legal stay in your country of residence may be required.
4. Proof of Language Proficiency
Since 2018, applicants applying for Polish citizenship through naturalization (uznanie za obywatela polskiego) must prove they have at least B1-level knowledge of Polish. Acceptable proof includes:
- State certificate of Polish as a foreign language (certyfikat państwowy)
- School diploma from a Polish-language institution
- University degree obtained in Poland in Polish
If you’re applying by descent (confirmation of citizenship), this requirement does not apply.
5. Proof of Income and Accommodation
For those applying through naturalization, you must show that you are financially stable and have suitable housing. Required documents include:
- Employment contract or business registration (if self-employed)
- Tax declarations from recent years (PIT)
- Bank statements
- Rental agreement or property ownership documents
This helps the authorities assess your integration into Polish society and your ability to support yourself and your family.
6. Criminal Record Certificate
Applicants must provide a certificate of no criminal record from their country of citizenship and residence. In Poland, the authorities will check your record with the National Criminal Register (Krajowy Rejestr Karny). If applying from abroad:
- The certificate must be recent (usually not older than 6 months)
- It must be legalized (apostille or consular confirmation)
- A sworn Polish translation is required
7. Application Forms and Declarations
Depending on your case, you’ll need to fill out specific forms, such as:
- Application for confirmation of Polish citizenship
- Application for granting Polish citizenship by the President
- Application for recognition as a Polish citizen by the Voivode
Additionally, you may be required to submit:
- Declaration of allegiance to the Republic of Poland (for naturalization)
- Consent of parents or legal guardians (for minors)
These forms must be signed in the presence of an official or notarized.
8. Photographs and Fees
Most applications require:
- Recent passport-sized photos (typically 4)
- Proof of fee payment (amount varies depending on the application type)
Ensure the photos meet Polish biometric standards. Photos are not required if applying for Polish citizenship by descent.
Summary
The documents required for Polish citizenship vary depending on your legal basis for applying. Here’s a simplified overview:
| Application Type | Key Documents |
| Citizenship by descent | Polish ancestor records, your civil status documents |
| Citizenship by naturalization | Proof of legal stay, income, housing, B1 language certificate, criminal record, tax returns |
| Citizenship by repatriation | Proof of Polish roots, repatriation permit, integration plan |
| Minor’s citizenship application | Birth certificate, parental consent, parent’s Polish citizenship proof |
Final Tips
- Check current requirements: Always verify with the local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) or Polish consulate, as requirements may change.
- Use a certified translator: All foreign documents must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator.
- Organize your documents: Submit all materials in the proper order with copies attached where required.
- Consult a legal expert: For complex cases, working with a lawyer or certified advisor can prevent errors and speed up your application.
Polish citizenship opens the door to full rights within the EU, including work, study, and residence in any member state. Preparing a complete and compliant document package is a crucial step toward that goal.
