Polish citizenship: how it can be obtained

Introduction

Polish citizenship is governed by the Polish Citizenship Act. It provides an EU passport, voting rights and the full right to work and live throughout the Union. HLBC does not handle citizenship cases, but many people ask about the rules, so we have collected them here.

How it works

• recognition as a Polish citizen by the voivode: for people who have lived in Poland for several years on the basis of permanent residence or EU resident status, have a stable income and a legal title to their home and know Polish (certificate at level B1 or higher); shorter periods apply, among others, to spouses of Polish citizens and holders of the Pole’s Card
• conferral of citizenship by the President of the Republic of Poland: no fixed conditions, on an application filed through a consul or voivode; the decision does not require a statement of reasons
• confirmation of citizenship: for people whose ancestors were Polish citizens and did not lose that citizenship
• as a rule Poland does not require you to renounce another citizenship
• the required periods of residence and conditions are sometimes changed, so the current text of the act must be checked before applying

Why it matters and what is important

Citizenship is a lifelong decision with tax and family consequences. With residence and work matters, which usually precede it, we help as part of our Work and residence service; for citizenship matters we refer you to specialised law firms.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Legal status as of 17 October 2026.