By Residence Angels
Relocation Company in Poland

🇵🇱 Polish Citizenship by Presidential Grant – The Ultimate Guide

Reading time: 7 minutes

The President of the Republic of Poland can grant Polish citizenship to any foreigner – regardless of their stay in Poland, language skills, income, or legal status. This process, known as nadanie obywatelstwa, is highly discretionary and acts more like a lottery than a standardized procedure.

Who Can Apply?

Everyone. Whether you've lived in Poland for 10 years or never stepped foot here, the law treats you the same. You don’t need:

A B1 Polish language certificate
Proof of income or residence
Polish roots

However, this route is most often used when other legal pathways (like descent or naturalization) are unavailable.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

Official application form (from the 2012 Presidential regulation)
Authenticated copy of all passport pages
Authenticated copy of residence card or EU registration
Original Polish civil status documents (birth, marriage – translated and transcribed)
Income proof and housing documentation in Poland (CEIDG printouts, PITs, lease agreement, etc.)
Info on parents or ancestors if relevant
Past Polish citizenship proof if applicable
One recent biometric photo (4.5x3.5 cm, strict format)
Spouse’s ID copy if married
Authenticated copy of residence permit decision

👶 For Children Included in the ApplicationYou must also attach:

Polish birth certificate
Passport/residence card of the child
Written consent from both parents
Consent of the child (if 16+)
Additional documents (e.g., school certificates)

📍 Where and How to Apply

If you're in Poland — apply at your local voivodeship office (Urząd Wojewódzki).
If you're abroad — apply through the Polish consulate.

All documents must be submitted as originals or notarized copies (by a Polish notary or consul only — lawyers and translators cannot do this!).

💸 Costs and Processing

Application fee: approx. 1600 PLN
No formal processing timeline — decisions take 6 to 18 months
No appeal process — the President’s decision is final

🔍 Is This the Best Path for You?

If you’re not eligible for citizenship by descent, marriage, or naturalization, the Presidential route might be your only option. But keep in mind: this is not a right — it’s a favor. Having strong contributions to Polish society or culture may help, but it’s never guaranteed.