By Residence Angels
Relocation Company in Poland

Polish Citizenship by Naturalization: What You Need to Know?

Reading time: 8 minutes

If you’ve been living in Poland for several years and want to become a full member of Polish society, you may be asking:
“Does Poland allow naturalization?”
The answer is yes — although the process is selective and requires long-term commitment.

This article explains how Polish citizenship by naturalization works, who can apply, and what to expect at each stage of the process.

🧾 What Is Naturalization?

In most EU countries, naturalization is the legal process through which a foreigner acquires citizenship after meeting certain residency, integration, and legal criteria.
Unlike citizenship by descent (based on ancestry), naturalization is not automatic and is usually granted by the discretion of the state.

Does Poland Allow Naturalization?

Yes. Polish citizenship can be granted by the President of the Republic of Poland to a foreigner who:

Has lived legally in Poland for several years
Is integrated into Polish society
Is not a threat to public order or national security

This process is regulated by the Polish Citizenship Act and handled by the President’s Chancellery and the Voivodeship Offices.

🇵🇱 How Naturalization Works in Poland

There are two main legal paths to naturalization in Poland:

Citizenship Granted by the President (Discretionary Grant)

You may apply regardless of residence time or legal status
No formal requirement for length of stay, income, or language
However, this path is rare and highly discretionary
Application is made via the Voivode or Polish Consulate, then passed to the President’s Office
Chances are always 50/50

📌 Best for: exceptional cases, long-term undocumented residents, or humanitarian cases

Citizenship by Recognition (Uznanie za obywatela RP)

Citizenship by Birthright for Jews of Polish Descent

This is the structured and common path to naturalization in Poland. You must meet strict eligibility criteria, including:

🗓 Minimum Continuous Stay: 1-2 years with a Permanent Residence or 3 years with EU long-term residence permit, plus stable income and housing
Or 2 years for spouses of Polish citizens
Or 10 years for long-term residents in general

🗣 Language Requirement:

You must pass the B1 level Polish language exam, certified by the Polish State Commission

🧾 Required Documents:

Residence permit card
Polish language certificate
Proof of income and accommodation
Civil status documents (birth, marriage, etc.)
Clean criminal record certificate

Polish Citizenship Naturalization Procedure: Step-by-Step

Check eligibility — residence, language, income
Gather documents — both Polish and foreign records, all translated
Submit application to the Voivode in your region
Wait for decision — 3 to 12 months, depending on complexity
If rejected, you may appeal to the Minister of the Interior

⚖️ Important Considerations

Poland allows dual citizenship, but only recognizes Polish citizenship while on its territory

You don’t have to renounce your original citizenship, but must enter/exit Poland using your Polish passport

Your children under 18 may acquire citizenship automatically with you

📩 Need assistance with the Polish naturalization process?
We help applicants prepare documents, pass the B1 exam, and navigate every legal stage — from Voivode to passport in hand.