Naturalisation process – the scope of our assistance
The broad range of services offered to our clients going through the naturalisation process includes:
-filing applications for Polish citizenship and collecting documents required during the naturalisation process;
-representing our clients in the course of the procedure, from filing an application to obtaining a certificate of naturalisation;
-filing applications for Polish citizenship for minor children on behalf of their parents;
-providing legal advice concerning Polish citizenship.
How to acquire Polish citizenship?
The procedure for acquiring Polish citizenship has been defined in the Act on Polish Citizenship of 2 April 2009. Pursuant to the Act, there are two alternative ways of acquiring Polish citizenship:
In the first case, Polish citizenship is granted to a foreign national by the President of the Republic of Poland. This is known as the ‘presidential track’. The citizenship is conferred under a presidential decree and the President has his full discretion in adopting such decision, without being limited with any constraints that may be laid down in legal acts.
In the second case, Polish citizenship is granted by a competent Voivode, depending on the place of residence of a foreigner.
When can a foreign national acquire Polish citizenship?
Polish citizenship may be granted to foreign nationals who fulfil at least one of the conditions defined in the Act.
Pursuant to Art. 30 of the Act on Polish Citizenship, a foreign national may obtain Polish citizenship in the following seven cases.
Polish citizenship may be acquired by an individual who has been staying within the territory of the Republic of Poland continuously for at least 3 years based on a permanent residence permit, long-term resident’s EU residence permit or right of permanent residence, disposes of a stable and regular source of income and a legal title to the occupied legal premises.
Polish citizenship may be acquired by an individual who has been staying within the territory of the Republic of Poland continuously for at least 2 years based on a permanent residence permit, long-term resident’s EU residence permit or right of permanent residence, has been married to a Polish national for at least 3 years, or is a stateless person.
Polish citizenship may be acquired by an individual who has been staying within the territory of the Republic of Poland continuously for at least 2 years based on a permanent residence permit issued as a result of having the refugee’s status in Poland.
Polish citizenship may be acquired by a minor child of a Polish citizen, or who resides in the Republic of Poland based on a permanent residence permit, long-term resident’s EU residence permit or right of permanent residence, provided that the other parent has consented to such naturalisation.
Polish citizenship may be acquired by a minor child of a parent whose citizenship has been restored, provided that the minor stays in the Republic of Poland based on a permanent residence permit, long-term resident’s EU residence permit or right of permanent residence and the other parent has consented to such naturalisation.
Polish citizenship may also be acquired by an individual who has been staying in the Republic of Poland continuously and legally for at least 10 years and is a holder of a permanent residence permit, long-term resident’s EU residence permit or right of permanent residence, and disposes of a stable and regular source of income and a legal title to the occupied legal premises.
Polish citizenship may be acquired by an individual who has been staying in Republic of Poland for at least 1 year based on a permanent residence permit awarded to persons of Polish origin or holders of a Polish Charter.
All applicants are also required to pass a Polish language exam (B-level), except for minors remaining under parental custody and graduates of Polish schools domestically or abroad.
The template for an application for Polish citizenship has been prescribed in Polish President’s Regulation of 7 August 2012 on a template form in the case of an application of Polish citizenship, requirements concerning photographs and template forms in the case of certificates of naturalisation and refusal (Journal of Laws of 2012 item 927).
Confirmation of Polish citizenship
We have vast and varied experience in proceedings concerning confirmation of Polish citizenship in the case of individuals who have emigrated from Poland and their relatives. Our lawyers represent the interested parties in such proceedings Voivodship Authorities, and help them to collect all the necessary documentation.