Polish citizenship through the Pole's Card
The Pole's Card → permanent residence → EU citizenship.
- People of Polish origin or with ties to Polish culture, with a declaration of belonging to the Polish nation
For the Pole's Card itself a basic level is enough (an oral interview with the consul or the voivode about the language and the traditions). For final recognition as a Polish citizen a certified B1 certificate from an accredited state board is required (or a Polish school leaving certificate issued in Polish) — a separate, higher bar that is often confused with the requirement for the card itself.
Once permanent residence has been granted on the basis of the Pole's Card, citizenship can be applied for after 1 year of lawful residence in Poland, and the voivode's decision on recognition takes about 2 months. The main source of delay is the queue for the Pole's Card interview at the consulate, which in some countries stretches to 1-2+ years.
Who it suits
- People of Polish origin or with ties to Polish culture, with a declaration of belonging to the Polish nation
- Ethnic Poles
What the service includes
| The Pole's Card | |
| Permanent residence | |
| Citizenship | |
| Language courses— billed separately |
Official terms
Categories of applicants
Karta Polaka is available to particular categories of people, depending on citizenship, origin and knowledge of the language.
By citizenship
- Citizens of the Republic of Belarus
- Citizens of Ukraine
- Citizens of the Russian Federation
By origin
- One parent or one grandparent of Polish nationality
- Two great-grandparents of Polish nationality
- Active member of a Polish organisation for the last 3 years
Mandatory conditions
- Knowledge of Polish as a native language
- Declaration of belonging to the Polish nation
- A valid identity document
When this programme will not suit you
You are a citizen of another country (not Belarus, Ukraine or Russia)
A visa, a residence permit or naturalisation through the general procedures
You already hold Polish citizenship
The card ceases to be valid once citizenship is granted
Documents to gather
Originals and translations of the documents are required to apply.
- Completed application form in Polish
- Photograph measuring 35×45 mm (no more than 6 months old)
- Valid identity document (passport)
- Documents confirming the Polish origin of ancestors (birth, marriage and death certificates)
- Sworn translation of all documents into Polish
- Where required: a certificate from a Polish organisation confirming 3 years of activity
How the process runs
The application is examined at the level of the regional authority.
- 1
Prepare and submit the documents
up to 2 monthsThe applicant gathers the documents, has them translated by a sworn translator and submits them to the territorial authority (the voivodeship office). All documents must be properly drawn up and translated.
- 2
Examination by the voivode
2 monthsThe voivode of the regional authority decides whether to grant or refuse the card within two months of the complete package of documents being submitted.
- 3
Receive the card
depends on the decisionIf the decision is positive the card is issued to the applicant. If it is refused, the reasons are given.
Who you can bring with you
Family members can obtain Karta Polaka individually, depending on their own origin and on meeting the requirements.
Minor children
Spouse
Parents, grandparents
Renewal and the grace period
The card can be renewed during the period from six months to three months before it expires. The applicant files a new application with the territorial voivodeship authority together with updated documents.
Documents and programme requirements
- 1Documents proving Polish ancestry
- 2Knowledge of Polish