Knowledge of Polish language only with a B1 certificate
Changes in Legislation for Foreigners in 2025
Planned Tightening of Requirements for Proving Knowledge of Polish: Upcoming Changes in the Procedure for Obtaining the Long-Term Resident Card and Polish Citizenship
In light of the announced changes in legislation regarding the process of obtaining permission to stay in Poland as a long-term EU resident, it is important to pay attention to the draft law aimed at addressing systemic violations in Poland’s visa policy. One of the key reforms will be the modification of the procedure for confirming proficiency in the Polish language.
In particular, the new legislative act includes adjustments to a number of existing laws, including provisions regarding the recognition of foreigners as Polish citizens. The draft law contains transitional provisions (Article 30) outlining how old and new regulations will be applied.
Transitional Period for Current Applications
For applications for long-term EU resident status submitted before June 30, 2025, and where a final decision has not yet been made, the old requirements will continue to apply. This means that within such procedures, current documents proving knowledge of Polish can still be used, including diplomas and certificates from schools.
New Requirements Starting July 1, 2025
From July 1, 2025, a new procedure will come into effect: documents certifying the completion of Polish post-secondary institutions (szkoła policealna), as well as schools abroad with instruction in Polish, issued before this date, will be recognized as proof of language proficiency — but only for cases initiated between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Changes After June 30, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, confirmation of proficiency in the Polish language when applying for a long-term EU resident card will require an official language certificate at least at the B1 level, issued by an accredited organization. Documents certifying the completion of a szkoła policealna or other schools with Polish language instruction will no longer be accepted for these purposes.
Changes in the Procedure for Recognition as a Polish Citizen
The draft law also provides for similar changes in the procedure for recognizing a foreigner as a Polish citizen. Specifically, it includes the addition of a new provision (point 2a in Article 30 of the Citizenship Act), excluding the possibility of confirming knowledge of Polish with a certificate of completion from a szkoła policealna.
As with residency, a transitional period will apply. In cases initiated before June 30, 2025, and not finalized with a decision, the certificate will be accepted. For applications submitted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, the certificate can also be used. However, starting July 1, 2026, language proficiency must be confirmed exclusively by a certificate at the B1 level or higher.
Purpose of the Reform
The main goal of the legislative change is to prevent cases where foreigners obtain official documents without actually knowing the language. Tightening the requirements is aimed at ensuring that individuals seeking long-term residence or citizenship genuinely possess the necessary level of proficiency in Polish, which, in turn, facilitates deeper integration and prevents abuses in the field of residence legalization.
Practical Aspects
According to our practice, despite the changes not yet being in effect, authorities have already started requesting additional confirmation regarding language proficiency and the nature of education in szkoły policealne. This could indicate the formation of a new, more demanding administrative practice, even before the law officially comes into force.