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How to Obtain Polish Citizenship

Obtaining Polish citizenship is a crucial step for foreigners who wish to permanently secure their legal and social status in the Republic of Poland. Citizenship grants access to all the rights and privileges of Polish nationals, including the ability to work freely, conduct business without restrictions, participate in elections, as well as the right to unlimited residence and protection from the Polish state. For many, it is not only a legal process but also a symbolic act — a confirmation of integration into Polish society and recognition of strong ties with the country.

As of 2025, the procedure for acquiring Polish citizenship has undergone significant changes, making it essential to understand the new rules, required documents, application process, and related costs. Depending on an individual’s situation — long-term residence, family circumstances, professional achievements, or contributions to the country’s economy — the process may vary in both legal basis and duration.

That is why future applicants should familiarize themselves with the current requirements in advance, prepare a complete document package, and assess all legal, financial, and procedural aspects of the process. Proper preparation greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome and helps avoid delays or refusals.

Who Can Apply for Polish Citizenship

The right to apply for citizenship is granted to foreigners who:

• reside in Poland based on a residence card (temporary or permanent) for a specified number of years;
• have stable ties with Poland — family, employment, business, or education;
• speak the Polish language (mandatory for the voivode-based procedure);
• comply with Polish law and have no issues with state authorities.

Each case is unique, so it is important to assess your eligibility beforehand to minimize the risk of rejection.

Changes Effective in 2025

Starting July 1, 2025, the processing times for citizenship applications have been updated.

• Through the Voivode: minimum processing time — 6 months + additional verification by authorities (Police, Border Guard, Tax Office), which may take another 1–2 months.
• Through the President of Poland: no official deadlines, but in practice, the process usually takes from 1 to 1.5 years. In exceptional cases (e.g., if the applicant is of special importance to Poland), the period may be shortened to one year.

Citizenship Fees in 2025

All administrative fees are regulated by Polish law.

How to Write the Application and Statement of Justification

When applying for citizenship, it is important to prepare a well-structured justification letter:

• describe your path of integration into Polish society;
• explain why you are eligible and deserving of Polish citizenship;
• highlight your contribution to Poland — work, taxes, family, or social engagement.

A well-prepared uzasadnienie (justification) significantly increases your chances of a positive decision.

Supporting Documents You Can Include

In addition to the standard set of documents, you may include extra materials that demonstrate your connection to Poland:

• employment and tax payment confirmations;
• diplomas and certificates of completed courses;
• property ownership or business documents in Poland;
• letters of recommendation from employers or community organizations.

The more comprehensively you demonstrate your integration, the higher your likelihood of approval.

How to Apply in Wrocław

1. Obtain a queue ticket at the Dolnośląski Urząd Wojewódzki — the voivode in Wrocław is responsible for accepting citizenship applications.
2. Prepare your application package: the application form, uzasadnienie (justification), passport, residence card, proof of income, marital status documents, and a criminal record certificate.
3. Pay the administrative fee and attach the receipt to your file.
4. Submit the application in person at the Urząd Wojewódzki (Wrocław, pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1).
5. Wait for processing — the duration depends on whether the application is submitted through the voivode or the President.

Unique Feature of Applying Through the President

When submitting an application for citizenship through the President of Poland, a specific rule applies:

All documents submitted via the voivode on behalf of the President must be notarized. The Urząd Wojewódzki itself does not provide certification services. This makes the process more complex and expensive.

For this reason, most applicants seek assistance from specialized legal firms that prepare and notarize the entire documentation package.

Why You Should Obtain Polish Citizenship

Holding a Polish passport provides numerous benefits for foreigners:

• freedom to live and work in Poland without restrictions;
• the right to freely move and reside across the European Union;
• access to Polish social programs and healthcare;
• simplified conditions for business and investment;
• protection from the Polish government abroad.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• the need to renounce your current citizenship (if dual citizenship is not permitted in your home country);
• a lengthy and complex application process;
• the requirement to document and prove your connection to Poland.

Processing Times

• Through the Voivode: 6–8 months (including verification by authorities).
• Through the President of Poland: 1–1.5 years.

The Polish citizenship procedure in 2025 has become more structured yet remains complex and requires professional preparation. It is difficult to complete it independently, which is why many foreigners choose to work with legal experts who guide them through every stage — from consultation to notarization and final submission.