1. What is Recognition as a Polish Citizen?

Recognition as a Polish citizen is a legal process by which an individual, usually a foreign national or stateless person, is acknowledged as a Polish citizen based on specific criteria.

2. Who Can Apply for Recognition as a Polish Citizen?

Polish law allows individuals to apply for recognition as Polish citizens under several conditions, including:

• People of Polish Descent: Individuals who can prove that their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Polish citizens and maintained their Polish nationality through legal means.
• Long-Term Residents (permanent residency or long term EU residency):Foreigners who have resided in Poland for an extended period, typically under a permanent residence permit or long-term EU residence permit, and who meet other legal requirements.
• Stateless Persons or Refugees: Those who are stateless or refugees and have established long-term residence in Poland.

Below are the specific categories that might be eligible:

• A minor whose parents hold or are recognized as Polish citizens.
• Individuals legally residing in Poland for at least 2 or 3 years with a permanent residence permit if they are married to a Polish citizen.
• Individuals who have resided in Poland for at least 10 years under certain conditions.
• Foreigners recognized as stateless or with refugee status who have resided in Poland for a certain period.

3. Conditions for Recognition as Polish Citizen

To be recognized as a Polish citizen, you must meet certain conditions, such as for example:

• Continuous Residence: You must have continuously resided in Poland for a specified period, which can vary from 2 to 10 years, depending on your specific situation (e.g., marriage to a Polish citizen, holding refugee status, etc.).
• Stable Source of Income: You must demonstrate that you have a stable and legal source of income to support yourself in Poland.
• Knowledge of the Polish Language: You will be required to prove that you have at least a basic knowledge of the Polish language, typically through an official certificate of language proficiency.

4. Application Process for Recognition as a Polish Citizen

The application process involves several steps, and it’s crucial to follow them closely to ensure that your application is successful. Here's a breakdown of the process:

a) Where to Apply

Applications for recognition as a Polish citizen are submitted to the Voivode (Wojewoda) of the region where you are currently residing. If you are living abroad, you may be able to apply through a Polish consulate.

b) Required Documents

The following documents are typically required when applying for recognition as a Polish citizen:

1. Completed application form (available at the Voivode's office or online)
2. Valid passport or another identity document
3. Birth certificate
4. Proof of legal residence in Poland (e.g., residence permit, registration)
5. Proof of Polish ancestry (if applicable)
6. Certificate of proficiency in the Polish language (level B1 or higher)
7. Proof of income (employment contract, tax returns, etc.)
8. Proof of marriage to a Polish citizen (if applicable)

It’s important to provide originals and certified translations of any documents that are not in Polish.

c) Fees

The application process involves administrative fee (219 PLN), which must be paid at the time of submission. 

5. Processing Time and Decision

After submitting your application, it can take usually 3-6 or more months for the Voivode to review and make a decision. In some cases, the process might take longer, especially if additional documents or verifications are needed. Once a decision is made, you will be informed in writing.

6. Appealing a Negative Decision

If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration within 14 days of receiving the negative decision. Additional supporting documents may strengthen your appeal.

7. Rights of Polish Citizens

Once recognized as a Polish citizen, you are entitled to several benefits, including:

• EU Citizenship: As a Polish citizen, you automatically become a citizen of the European Union, granting you the right to live, work, and travel freely within the EU.
• Access to Social Services: Polish citizens have access to public healthcare, education, and other social services available in Poland.
• Voting Rights: You will gain the right to vote in Polish elections and participate in the country’s democratic process.
• Passports and Travel: You will be eligible for a Polish passport, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide.

In addition, your close family members may be eligible for Polish residence permits or, in some cases, Polish citizenship themselves.

8. Dual Citizenship

Poland allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Polish citizenship alongside another nationality. However, Polish law recognizes Polish citizens solely as Polish citizens in the eyes of the state, even if they hold citizenship in another country.