Polish Citizenship by Descent is a process by which Polish citizenship can be acquired by descent from a Polish parent, even if the person was born outside of Poland. A Polish citizen who was born outside of Poland can pass on Polish citizenship to their child, provided that certain conditions are met.
In order to qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent, the applicant must have at least one Polish parent or grandparent and must be able to prove their Polish ancestry. The Polish government has strict requirements for proof of ancestry, and the applicant must submit all required documentation in order to be considered for Polish Citizenship by Descent.
If granted Polish Citizenship by Descent, the applicant will be required to take a pledge of allegiance to the Polish Constitution and will be issued a Polish passport.
How To Apply For Polish Citizenship By Descent
Below are steps on how to apply for Polish Citizenship by Descent.
1. Check if You’re Eligible
The first step in applying for Polish citizenship by descent is to check if you’re actually eligible. You’re eligible if one of your parents or grandparents was a Polish citizen at the time of their birth. Additionally, you must be able to prove your relationship to that ancestor and that they were never stripped of their Polish citizenship.
2. Gather the Required Documents
Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible for Polish citizenship by descent, you’ll need to gather the required documents. These include your birth certificate, your ancestor’s birth certificate, your ancestor’s marriage certificate (if applicable), and proof of your ancestor’s Polish citizenship. If you don’t have all of these documents, don’t worry – the Polish government may be able to help you obtain them.
3. Fill Out the Application Form
The next step is to fill out the application form. This can be done online or by mail. If you choose to do it online, you’ll need to create an account on the website of the Ministry of Interior and Administration. Once you have an account, you can begin filling out the application form.
4. Submit the Application Form
Once you’ve completed the application form, it’s time to submit it – along with all of the required documents – to the appropriate office. If you live in Poland, this will be the Voivodeship Office; if you live outside of Poland, it will be the nearest Polish consulate or embassy.
5. Pay the Fee
There is a fee associated with applying for Polish citizenship by descent, which must be paid when you submit your application form and supporting documents. The current fee can be found here.
6. Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, all you can do is wait for a decision to be made. The process can take several months – or even longer – so try not to get too anxious! Once a decision has been made, you will be notified by mail.
7. Take the Oath of Citizenship (if Required)
If your application is approved and you meet all of the requirements, you may be required to take an oath of citizenship before being granted Polish citizenship by descent. This oath can be taken at a Voivodeship Office or at a Polish consulate or embassy; if you live outside of Poland, it may also be possible to take the oath via mail or electronically.
8. Receive Your Certificate of Citizenship (if Required)
If you are granted Polish citizenship by descent, you may also receive a certificate of citizenship from the appropriate office; however, this is not always required. If you do receive such a certificate, it will serve as official proof of your new status as a Polish citizen.
Benefits Of Polish Citizenship By Descent
Once your application is approved and your become a citizen of Poland, below are some amazing benefits you will enjoy!
1. You Can Live And Work In Any EU Country
As a Polish citizen, you have the right to live and work in any country within the European Union. This is thanks to the freedom of movement rights that are granted to all EU citizens. So, if you have Polish ancestry and are looking for a new place to call home, you can do so without having to obtain a work visa.
2. You Can Study In Any EU Country
In addition to being able to live and work in any EU country, as a Polish citizen, you also have the right to study in any EU country. This means that you can take advantage of the lower tuition rates that are typically charged to EU citizens. Additionally, you may also be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid that is reserved for EU citizens.
3. You Have Access To Universal Health Care
As a Polish citizen, you have the right to access universal health care. This means that you can receive free or low-cost medical care from public hospitals and clinics. Additionally, you may also be eligible for discounts on private health insurance premiums.
4. You Can Vote In European Elections
As a Polish citizen, you have the right to vote in European Parliament elections. This is an important way to have your voice heard on issues that affect all of Europe. Additionally, voting in European Parliament elections gives you the opportunity to help shape the future of the European Union.
5. You Can Apply For A European Passport
As a Polish citizen, you can apply for a European Union passport. This passport will allow you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their mutual borders. Having a Schengen visa also makes it easier to obtain visas for other countries outside of the Schengen Area.
6. You Can Receive Free Or Reduced-Cost Education
As a Polish citizen, your children can receive free or reduced-cost education at public schools in Poland. Additionally, your children may also be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid that is reserved for Polish citizens.
7. You Can Start Your Own Business
As a Polish citizen, you have the right to start your own business in Poland. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and joint-stock companies. Additionally, as a Polish citizen, you are also entitled to certain tax breaks and subsidies that are available to businesses operating in Poland.
Documents Required For Polish Citizenship By Descent Application
As stated above, once you have confirmed that you are eligible, you will need to gather your documents for application. Below are some of the required documents for the application.
1. Proof Of Polish Ancestry
To apply for Polish citizenship by descent, you will need to provide proof of your Polish ancestry. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate. If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to provide other documentation that proves your Polish ancestry.
2. Proof Of Current Citizenship
You will also need to provide proof of your current citizenship. This can be in the form of a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
3. Proof Of Identity
You will need to provide proof of your identity when you apply for Polish citizenship by descent. This can be in the form of a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
4. Photographs
You will need to submit two recent photographs with your application for Polish citizenship by descent. The photographs must be passport-style and must be taken within the last six months.
5. Application Fee
There is an application fee for Polish citizenship by descent. The current fee can be found here
6. Birth Certificate
If you were born outside of Poland, you will need to submit a certified copy of your birth certificate with your application for Polish citizenship by descent. The birth certificate must be issued by the country where you were born and must be translated into Polish by an authorized translator.
7. Marriage Certificate
If you are married, you will need to submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate with your application for Polish citizenship by descent. The marriage certificate must be issued by the country where you were married and must be translated into Polish by an authorized translator.
8. Death Certificate
If you are widowed, you will need to submit a certified copy of your late spouse’s death certificate with your application for Polish citizenship by descent. The death certificate must be issued by the country where your spouse died and must be translated into Polish by an authorized translator.
9. Documents Proving Relationship To Ancestor
If you are applying for Polish citizenship by descent through an ancestor other than a parent, you will need to provide documents that prove your relationship to that ancestor. These documents can include birth certificates, marriage certificates, or death certificates. If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to provide other documentation that proves your relationship to the ancestor in question.
Cost Of Applying For Polish Citizenship By Descent
The cost of applying for Polish Citizenship by Descent can vary depending on the country in which the applicant lives, but it is typically around $800 USD. Despite the cost, Polish Citizenship by Descent is an invaluable way to connect with one’s Polish heritage and obtain Polish citizenship.
To get a very accurate information about the total cost, head unto the Polish Official Website.
Processing Time For A Polish Citizenship By Descent Application
Polish Citizenship by Descent applications are processed in the order in which they are received. The Polish government does not set a specific processing time for these applications, as each case is unique. However, applicants can expect to receive a decision on their application within six to twelve months.
In some cases, additional documentation may be required, which can delay the process. Additionally, if an applicant’s ancestors were born in Polish territory that is now part of another country (such as Belarus or Ukraine), additional research may be necessary. As a result, it is important to be patient and allow adequate time for the application to be processed.
Can You Still Get Polish Citizenship By Descent If Your Parents Or Grandparents Are No Longer Alive?
Polish citizenship by descent can be obtained if either your Polish parent or Polish grandparent was alive on or after 1 January 1922. If they were not, you are not eligible to obtain Polish citizenship by descent. If they were alive on or after that date, you may be eligible if you meet the other requirements for Polish citizenship by descent.
For example, you must have been born after 1 January 1950, and you must not have lost your Polish citizenship before. You will also need to provide proof of your Polish parent or grandparent’s Polish citizenship, as well as proof of their relationship to you. If you are able to meet all the requirements, you can apply for Polish citizenship by descent.
