Polish citizenship by origin is a procedure by which persons who had Polish ancestors receive a passport of the country. This method is quite popular, because it allows foreigners to use all the advantages of a Polish passport. Find out who can apply for Polish citizenship by origin and what the procedure for obtaining a permit is

Polish citizenship by origin enables foreigners who had Polish ancestors to apply for restoration of ties with the country and to enjoy the benefits provided by a Polish passport.

How to get Polish citizenship by birth in 2024? We tell.

Who can get Polish citizenship "by origin"?

Obtaining a Polish passport by origin is based on the principle of "jus sanguinis" or "right of blood". That is, you can get a Polish passport if you come from a Polish ancestor. In particular, you may qualify if your parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was born in Poland or lived in Poland after January 1920 and never lost their Polish citizenship. This applies to persons of Polish-Jewish origin.

How to confirm Polish origin?

To prove his Polish origin, a foreigner must prepare a number of documents that would confirm his relationship with a Polish citizen:

- Birth certificates of the applicant and his Polish ancestor.

- Marriage certificates of the applicant's parents, grandparents (if available).

- Polish passports or documents certifying the identity of a Polish ancestor (if available).

- Legalized and translated documents (if they are not written in Polish or English).

- Proof of Polish origin (for example, old family records or documents).

Steps to obtain Polish citizenship by origin

- Confirm Polish roots

To be eligible for citizenship by descent, you must be a relative of a Polish citizen and not have any renunciation or legal deprivation of Polish citizenship.

- Research and collect the necessary documents

Carefully study the list of necessary documents and collect them. These include birth certificates, marriage records and proof of Polish origin.

- Legalization and translation of documents

If your documents are not in Polish or English, contact certified authorities to have them translated and legalized for official use.

- Submit an application

Complete the application form by providing all the required information and supporting documents as per the instructions.

- Pay application fees and administrative costs

Make sure you pay all applicable fees and administrative charges.

- Wait for the application to be processed

Wait for your application to be processed as the authorities review it, verifying the authenticity of the documents and confirming compliance with the requirements.

- Attend a visa interview

Attend any interviews or meetings scheduled by the relevant authorities upon request.

- Get proof of citizenship

Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of citizenship by origin, which gives you the rights and privileges of a Polish citizen.

- Get a Polish passport and identity card

Apply for a Polish passport and identity card to confirm your official citizenship status.

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What problems can expats face when obtaining Polish citizenship by birth?

If the applicant does not have the above-mentioned documents or evidence confirming the relevant circumstances, it may be necessary to research state and church archives.

In the process of confirming Polish citizenship, the applicant and his attorney must actively participate and independently provide evidence of the necessary details. Polish authorities, such as an administrative authority (voivodship), can only support an applicant when they do not have access to specific documents.

The citizenship regulations in force in Poland since 1920 have been very restrictive regarding the possibility for Poles to have dual citizenship, worded in such a way as to exclude such cases.

- When was it possible to lose Polish citizenship?

It was possible to lose Polish citizenship without notice, for example:

1. Having obtained the citizenship of another country.

2. Entry into military service in a foreign country without the consent of the Polish government.

3. Acceptance of a public position in a foreign country without the consent of the Polish government.

Advantages of Polish citizenship

As a Polish citizen, you receive a variety of benefits that improve your mobility, opportunities and security within the European Union and beyond:

- Benefits of EU membership

As an EU citizen, you have the right to travel, live and retire in any EU member state without the need for additional visas or permits. This also applies to non-EU Schengen countries. Your Polish passport is not just a travel document; it's the key to a wide range of privileges across Europe.

- Freedom of movement

Live and travel without restrictions in the EU.

- Voting rights

Participate fully in political processes at the local and EU level.

- Rights and privileges

After obtaining Polish citizenship, you get a full set of social benefits: health care (access to public health care throughout the EU), social security (take advantage of social and financial security programs),

These benefits not only apply to you, but also to your family, ensuring safety and peace of mind.

- Training and job opportunities

Your EU citizenship opens the way to significant educational and professional advantages. Attend universities within the EU, often at EU rates which are usually lower than for non-EU students. Scholarships - the right to various scholarships and grants financed by the EU.

- The right to work

You can work in any EU country without a work permit.

We will remind you! Students in Poland have the right to apply for a residence card. However, from 2025, the criteria for obtaining a residence permit will be changed. We talked about the procedure for issuing a residence card for foreign students in Poland earlier.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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