How to Move to Poland for Permanent Residence. Immigration Options, Necessary Documents, and How to Obtain a Residence Card

Poland has become an attractive destination for immigration. The main inflow consists of citizens from third countries — as of January 1, 2024, around 700,000 foreign nationals resided in Poland, accounting for approximately 1.9% of the country’s total population.

Foreigners show a strong interest in Poland’s labor market as well. Each year, about one million foreign workers are employed in Poland, representing 6.8% of all employed persons nationwide.

In this article, we will explore how to move to Poland for permanent residence and what legal pathways are provided under Polish law.

Why People Choose Poland

Over the past decade (since 2015), Poland has transformed from a transit territory on the way to Western Europe into a major independent migration hub in the region. The primary driver for relocation remains the economy. It ranks among the top five strongest EU countries.

Advantages of moving to Poland:

• Transparent legalization system. The procedures for obtaining a temporary residence card (karta czasowego pobytu), permanent residence card (karta stałego pobytu), and citizenship are clearly regulated by law (Ustawa o cudzoziemcach, Ustawa o obywatelstwie polskim). Timeframes and eligibility criteria are defined in advance, and decisions by immigration authorities can be appealed.
• Opportunity for long-term integration. Poland’s immigration model is based on gradual naturalization from a work visa to temporary residence, then to permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.
• European standards. The Polish public healthcare system (NFZ) operates according to EU standards and provides free basic medical care for holders of residence permits, permanent residence, and citizens.

Disadvantages of relocation to Poland:

• Bureaucracy. Although the legalization process is formally transparent, it can be slow. Obtaining a temporary or permanent residence card typically takes 6–12 months, and in voivodeships with a high migration load, it may extend to up to 18 months.
• Language barrier. Despite the growing presence of English-speaking companies in Poland, proficiency in the Polish language remains a key factor for successful integration into local society.

Immigration Options in Poland

The first step toward relocating to Poland is understanding the country’s immigration mechanisms to obtain a temporary residence card in Poland (TRC). The state offers several main legalization pathways: employment-based, educational, family reunification, entrepreneurial, and repatriation. Below, we examine each in detail.

Employment Immigration

Poland remains one of the largest centers of labor migration within the European Union. The process begins with obtaining either a work permit (zezwolenie na pracę) or a declaration of employment (oświadczenie o powierzeniu pracy cudzoziemcowi) from a local employer.

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Applicant requirements:

• Documents for relocation to Poland. A signed employment contract or a written job offer from a Polish employer, a valid passport, and proof of medical insurance.
• Minimum income. The applicant’s salary must not be lower than the average wage in the region of employment.
• Clean criminal record. Applicants must have no prior convictions.

If the applicant is already in Poland, wishes to change employers, extend their work permit, or apply for a residence card (temporary stay permit) without leaving the country, they must also provide proof of legal stay, such as a valid Type D visa, visa-free entry, or temporary residence permit in Poland (karta pobytu czasowego).

Student Immigration to Poland

The Study in Poland program attracts approximately 100,000 international students to Polish higher education institutions each year.

Applicant requirements:

• Letter of admission from an accredited Polish university.
• Proof of financial means of at least €800—1000 per month to cover living expenses.
• Tuition payment (ranging from €2,000 to €4,000 per year) or documentation confirming a scholarship.
• Health insurance, either coverage under the NFZ (National Health Fund) or private insurance worth at least €30,000.
• Passport, a valid visa, photographs, and a Polish residence card application (wniosek o kartę pobytu).
• Clean criminal record.

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Before moving to Poland, students should note that they are allowed to combine studies with legal employment. Moreover, after graduation, it is possible to switch from a student residence permit to a work-based residence permit, facilitating long-term integration.

Family Immigration

While family relocation as a group is not directly permitted, family-based immigration allows a foreigner who is already legally residing in Poland to invite a spouse and children. Parents may join them under specific circumstances.

Family immigration TRC of Poland requirements:

• Proof of family relationship (spouse, child, or parent under exceptional conditions).
• Official documents confirming kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
• Sufficient income of the sponsor — at least €190 per month per family member.
• Proof of housing and medical insurance coverage.
• Clean criminal record.
• Submission of the application to the Voivodeship Office before the expiry of the current legal stay.

Family immigration allows relatives to live and work in Poland on the same terms as residents. However, the main challenges lie in the lengthy verification process and strict requirements for proving income sufficiency and the authenticity of marriage documentation.

Business Immigration

Business immigration to Poland is open to entrepreneurs and self-employed foreigners. Applicants can register either as a sole proprietor (jednoosobowa działalność gospodarcza) or as a limited liability company (spółka z o.o.).

Documents required for TRC in Poland through business immigration:

• Business registration in the CEIDG or KRS registry.
• Proof of economic activity showing an annual income not lower than twelve times the minimum wage (in 2025, approximately €12,200 per year).
• Availability of an office, clients, and tax declarations.
• Regular contributions to ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution).
• Health insurance and a clean criminal record.
• In certain cases, the applicant must also create jobs for Polish citizens.

Business immigration is considered one of the more reliable paths to long-term residence, as the state actively supports foreign entrepreneurs contributing to the national economy.

Immigration Based on Polish Ancestry / Repatriation

Repatriation to Poland is available for descendants of Polish citizens who emigrated to other countries before or during World War II. This mechanism operates through the Polish Card (Karta Polaka).

Applicant requirements for emigrating to Poland:

• Documented proof of Polish ancestry, such as archival records, vital certificates, or church documents.
• Knowledge of the Polish language and evidence of cultural ties with Poland.
• For repatriation, origin from one of the former USSR countries and an intention to settle in Poland are required.
• Health insurance and a clean criminal record.

This path offers the fastest transition from foreign status to permanent residence in Poland and citizenship. Holders of the Polish Card are entitled to a free national visa with work and study rights, and may apply for citizenship after only two years of residence.

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Residence Permit in Poland (Karta Pobytu)

The Karta Pobytu (residence card) is the primary document for foreigners planning to live and work in Poland long-term. It replaces a visa and officially confirms the holder’s resident status, allowing legal residence for one to three years with the possibility of renewal. This Polish residence permit grants the right to work, study, conduct business, and travel freely within the Schengen Area.

Applications are submitted in person at the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence. During the appointment, biometric data are collected, and a passport stamp is issued to confirm that the procedure has been initiated.

Decisions are typically made within three to eight months, though in heavily populated regions such as Warsaw and Kraków, processing may take up to ten months. Once approved, the card is produced centrally and must be collected in person by the applicant.

It is important to note that applications cannot be submitted from outside Poland. The process must begin after legal entry into the country.

Required documents for a Karta Pobytu:

• Valid international passport.
• Four recent photographs.
• Completed Poland residence permit application form.
• Health insurance policy.
• Document confirming the legal basis for stay, such as an employment contract, a university admission letter, a marriage certificate, or business registration documents.
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement or income certificate).
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or owner’s written consent).

All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated by a certified translator before submission. Errors at this stage are among the most common reasons for application rejection.
Despite the formal transparency of the process, in practice, delays and refusals occur frequently. The most typical reasons include incomplete or outdated documentation, inaccurate address information, insufficient income, or invalid insurance. Supporting documents issued more than three months before the application date.

The bureaucratic workload remains high, as any change of employer, university, or address requires notification of the Voivode.

A residence card not tied to employment also exists, but it is not a separate document type. Rather, it results from obtaining a permit on other legal grounds, such as study, family reunification, humanitarian reasons, or business activity, all of which grant free access to the labor market.

Permanent Residence in Poland (Karta Stałego Pobytu)

The Karta Stałego Pobytu (Polish permanent residence card) confirms a foreigner’s permanent resident status in Poland and grants nearly the same rights as Polish citizenship, excluding voting and diplomatic privileges. The permit is issued for an indefinite period and serves as a direct pathway to citizenship. A foreigner can obtain permanent residence (PR) in Poland only under specific legal grounds, described below.

Polish Origin

A foreigner of Polish descent who intends to settle permanently in Poland has the right to apply for a permanent residence card. The main criterion is having at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent of Polish nationality or citizenship.

To qualify, the applicant must also demonstrate a connection to Polish culture by showing knowledge of the Polish language, traditions, and history.

Poland permanent residence requirements to documentary evidence:

• Birth or marriage certificates of ancestors containing the entry «narodowość polska» (Polish nationality).
• Archival records from Polish civil or church registers.
• Documents issued by Polish institutions before 1939.
• A certificate of Polish origin issued by a Polish consul.

During the administrative procedure, Polish authorities verify the authenticity of submitted documents and issue a final decision on the recognition of Polish origin. While language certification is not formally required, proficiency in Polish is usually assessed during the interview as part of the verification process.

Possession of the Polish Card (Karta Polaka)

The Polish Card (Karta Polaka) grants its holder the right to apply directly for permanent residence (PR) immediately after entering Poland with the intention of settling permanently. To initiate the process, the applicant must submit a valid Polish Card (both original and a copy) together with a written declaration of intent to reside permanently in Poland. This is one of the most expedited legal bases for obtaining a Karta Stałego Pobytu, as it confirms documented Polish ancestry and cultural affiliation verified in advance by the Polish consulate.

Marriage to a Polish Citizen

A spouse of a Polish citizen may apply for permanent residence if the marriage has lasted at least three years at the time of application. Within this period, the foreign spouse must have legally and continuously resided in Poland for at least two years on the basis of a temporary residence permit issued for family reunification.

Required documents for immigration to Poland through marriage:

• Marriage certificate, translated by a certified Polish government-approved translator.
• Joint residence registration (zameldowanie).
• Proof of cohabitation, such as a rental agreement or utility bills in both spouses’ names.
• Income and health insurance certificate.
• Polish spouse’s passport and PESEL number.

This pathway is among the most common routes to permanent residence for non-EU nationals, yet it undergoes strict scrutiny by Voivodeship authorities to prevent fictitious marriages. Couples may be required to attend an interview or submit additional proof of genuine family life.

Child of a Polish Citizen or a Permanent Resident

The Polish government grants permanent residence (Karta Stałego Pobytu) to a child of a foreigner who already holds permanent residence or EU long-term resident status. The key requirement is that the child was born in Poland and is under the direct custody of the parent who holds resident status.

Poland PR required documents:

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Proof of the parents’ citizenship or residence status.
• Documents confirming legal custody.

The legal guardian must submit the application on behalf of the child. After review, immigration authorities issue a permanent residence card with indefinite validity, granting the same rights as for any other PR holder.

Refugees and Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection

Foreigners who have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection may apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous stay in Poland under that status.
Refugees in Poland residence permit requirements:

• Decision granting refugee or subsidiary protection status.
• Proof of registered address.
• Proof of income and valid health insurance.

Applicants should be aware that leaving Poland for more than six consecutive months interrupts the five-year residency period. Upon return, the residency count restarts, delaying eligibility for PR.

Victims of Human Trafficking

Permanent residence may also be granted to an individual officially recognized as a victim of human trafficking. The applicant must have resided in Poland for at least one year on the basis of a special temporary Poland residence permit card issued during the course of a criminal investigation.

Additional eligibility criteria include:

• Active cooperation with law enforcement authorities in the ongoing investigation.
• Credible fear for personal safety in case of return to the country of origin.

This humanitarian pathway is designed to ensure long-term protection and integration for victims of trafficking, preventing re-victimization and guaranteeing access to the Polish labor market, healthcare, and social support programs.

Citizens of the United Kingdom

British citizens may obtain Polish residence cards for foreigners if they have legally and continuously resided in Poland for at least five years before the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU on 31 December 2020.

After this date, UK nationals may apply for permanent residence (Karta Stałego Pobytu) provided that they demonstrate ongoing economic activity in Poland, such as employment or business operations.

Required documents:

• Passport and proof of legal residence before 2021.
• Evidence of employment or self-employment.
• Health insurance and proof of address in Poland.

This legal framework was established under the provisions protecting UK citizens’ rights after Brexit, ensuring continuity of stay for those integrated into the Polish economy and society prior to 2021.

Permanent Residence without Polish Ancestry

A Karta Stałego Pobytu without roots is a form of permanent residence permit in Poland granted to foreigners who lack Polish ancestry, family connections, or a Polish Card (Karta Polaka). It is regarded as the most complex pathway to permanent status, requiring strict compliance with residence duration, proof of stable income, and evidence of integration into Polish society. The final decision is made individually by the Voivode.

Eligible categories:

• Refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection after five years of continuous residence in Poland.
• Foreigners with humanitarian stay permits after five years of residence.
• Foreign workers with a combined residence and work permit (jednozezwolenie na pobyt i pracę) after four years of uninterrupted legal stay, provided they have a stable, regular income and valid health insurance.

Typical applicants in practice:

• Foreign employees working in Poland under employment contracts (umowa o pracę) or entrepreneurs paying taxes and ZUS contributions for at least four consecutive years.
• Holders of residence cards with work authorization who have not changed their legal status or left the country for more than six consecutive months.
• Graduates of Polish universities who remained in Poland on a work-based residence permit for at least four years.
• Citizens of Eastern European countries legally employed in Poland without long-term absences.

Permanent residence in Poland for foreigners is intended for individuals demonstrating deep economic and social integration, as the authorities evaluate not only legal compliance but also language proficiency, financial stability, and community participation.

Polish Language Exam

For most applicants, obtaining a Karta Stałego Pobytu requires passing a Polish language proficiency exam. The exam is administered by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language (Państwowa Komisja Poświadczania Znajomości Języka Polskiego jako Obcego). A B1-level certificate is required to confirm sufficient language skills.

Exemptions from the exam include:

• Holders of the Polish Card (Karta Polaka).
• Persons of Polish origin.
• Minor dependents of the main applicants.

Language proficiency remains one of the key indicators of integration and significantly strengthens an applicant’s case for obtaining permanent residence or later applying for citizenship.

Polish Citizenship

Polish citizenship represents the highest legal status available to a foreign national in Poland. It grants the full scope of constitutional rights, including voting rights, diplomatic protection, access to public service, and the privilege of holding a European Union passport.

The process is governed by the Polish Citizenship Act — Ustawa z dnia 2 kwietnia 2009 r. o obywatelstwie polskim (Dz.U. 2009 nr 64 poz. 512 z późn. zm.) — and the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, particularly Articles 34–36.

According to these legal instruments, there are four principal pathways to acquiring Polish citizenship, along with several additional, exceptional procedures. Each path is regulated by a separate section of the Act and follows its own administrative process and evidentiary requirements.

Citizenship of Poland by Birth (Ius Sanguinis)

Poland adheres exclusively to the principle of ius sanguinis (the right of blood). This means that a child’s citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents, not by the place of birth.

Polish citizenship by descent is automatically granted to:

• A child with at least one Polish parent, regardless of the country of birth.
• A child found within the territory of Poland whose parents remain unknown.
• A child adopted by Polish citizens before the age of 16, with citizenship acquired automatically on the date of adoption.

Required documentation:

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Proof of Polish citizenship of the parents, such as a passport, PESEL number, or certificate of citizenship (zaświadczenie o obywatelstwie).

Citizenship is granted automatically upon registration of birth in the Polish civil registry and does not require a separate application.

Recognition as a Polish Citizen (Uznanie za Obywatela Polskiego)

Citizenship by recognition through the Voivode (Wojewoda) is the most common administrative procedure for foreigners who have been living in Poland on a long-term or permanent basis. The Voivode issues the decision if the applicant meets one of the legally defined sets of conditions.

Eligible categories and requirements:

Category	Minimum Period of Residence	Additional Requirements
Foreigner with permanent residence or EU long-term resident status	3 years	Stable income, proof of housing, B1-level Polish language certificate, and no criminal record.
Spouse of a Polish citizen	2 years (marriage duration ≥ 3 years)	Continuous cohabitation, income, and housing.
Foreigner with 10 years of legal residence	10 years	Stable income and housing.
Holder of a Polish Card (Karta Polaka)	1 year (with permanent residence)	Income and housing; language exam not required.
Stateless person (apatrid)	2 years (with permanent residence)	Income and housing.
Minor children of Polish citizens	—	Citizenship is recognized automatically upon parents’ consent.

Polish citizenship requirements for documents across all categories:

• Application form (wniosek o uznanie za obywatela polskiego).
• Permanent residence card (Karta Stałego Pobytu) or EU long-term resident card.
• Polish language certificate (level B1) issued by the State Certification Commission.
• Income documentation (PIT declarations or employer-issued income certificates).
• Proof of housing (rental agreement or property ownership document).
• Certificate of no criminal record from the Polish authorities.
• Two photographs (35×45 mm).
• Receipt of payment for the administrative fee.

Granting of Citizenship by the President of Poland (Nadanie Obywatelstwa Polskiego)

The President of the Republic of Poland has the discretionary authority to grant Polish citizenship to any foreign national, regardless of their length of residence, income level, legal status, or language proficiency. Such decisions are made independently of the immigration authorities and cannot be appealed under any circumstances.

Who can obtain Polish citizenship through the President:

• Foreigners with exceptional contributions to Poland in the fields of science, culture, sports, or national service.
• Residents who do not qualify under standard administrative naturalization programs.
• Individuals facing extraordinary humanitarian circumstances.
• Children of Polish citizens born abroad under complex legal or nationality situations.

The application, including a statement justifying the necessity of presidential intervention, may be submitted either through the Voivode’s office (Urząd Wojewódzki) corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence or directly to the Chancellery of the President of Poland (Kancelaria Prezydenta RP).

Required documentation:

• Passport, PESEL number, and residence card.
• Autobiography and motivation letter.
• Documents confirming achievements, income, and proof of housing.

The processing period typically ranges from six to twelve months, and the final decision is absolute and irrevocable. Citizenship becomes legally effective upon the President’s signature of the citizenship decree (akt nadania obywatelstwa).

In 2024, under presidential decrees, 2731 foreign nationals were granted Polish citizenship — including medical professionals, military personnel, and humanitarian workers who made notable contributions to Polish society and international cooperation.

Restoration of Polish Citizenship (Przywrócenie Obywatelstwa Polskiego)

The restoration of Polish citizenship applies to individuals who lost their Polish citizenship before 1 January 1999, typically through naturalization in another country under former legal provisions. This process allows descendants of Polish citizens to reclaim citizenship by demonstrating prior possession and involuntary loss of Polish nationality.

Required documentation:

• Old Polish passports, birth or marriage certificates, and archival records confirming previous citizenship.
• Documents proving the loss of citizenship (if available).
• Personal data and an autobiography outlining family and migration history.
• Statement of intent to settle permanently in Poland.

Applications are reviewed by the Minister of Interior and Administration (MSWiA), who verifies the authenticity of the documents and the historical grounds for restoration. Successful applicants regain Polish citizenship without the need for residency in Poland prior to submission, although the intent to settle is a formal requirement.

Citizenship by Repatriation (Uzyskanie Obywatelstwa przez Repatriację)

Polish citizenship may also be obtained automatically through repatriation. This pathway is available to descendants of pre-war Polish citizens who returned to Poland on the basis of a repatriation visa.

Main conditions:

• Documented proof of Polish ancestry from the former eastern voivodeships of pre-1939 Poland (e.g., Vilnius, Lviv, or Grodno regions).
• Prior issuance of a repatriation visa by Polish consular authorities.
• Formal declaration of intent to reside permanently in Poland.

Upon arrival in Poland, holders of a repatriation visa are automatically recognized as Polish citizens by operation of law, without the need for additional administrative procedures.

This mechanism continues to serve as a historical restitution tool, allowing descendants of displaced Polish families to re-establish legal and cultural ties with the Republic of Poland.

Citizenship Through Marriage

Foreign nationals may acquire Polish citizenship through marriage if they have been legally married to a Polish citizen for at least three years prior to the application date and have resided continuously in Poland for at least two years based on a permanent residence card (Karta Stałego Pobytu) or EU long-term resident status (Rezydent Długoterminowy UE).

The eligibility period is calculated from the date stated on the marriage certificate, and the marriage must be legally valid and genuine. If the authorities determine that the marriage was fictitious or entered into for immigration purposes, the applicant faces not only denial of the application but also potential financial penalties and deportation.

Required documentation for Polish citizenship by marriage:

• Application form (wniosek o uznanie za obywatela polskiego).
• Passport and PESEL number
• Permanent residence card or EU long-term residence card.
• Marriage certificate (akt małżeństwa).
• Proof of cohabitation (joint lease, utility bills, shared bank accounts).
• Polish language certificate (B1 level).
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Proof of income (PIT or employer statement).
• Proof of housing (rental or ownership document).
• Health insurance confirmation.
• Two photos (35×45 mm).
• Receipt of payment for the application fee.

The formal verification of the application package typically takes 2–4 weeks, after which the applicant is invited to an interview with the Voivode. During the interview, authorities assess language proficiency, the authenticity of the marriage, and the duration of residence.

If the decision is negative, the Voivode’s refusal can be appealed to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) within 14 days. In 2024, the MSWiA reportedly approved approximately 22% of appeals against Voivode rejections, demonstrating that the procedure remains a viable and effective pathway when properly documented.

Citizenship Through the Polish Card (Karta Polaka)

The Polish Card (Karta Polaka) certifies an individual’s affiliation with the Polish nation and cultural heritage. While it does not constitute a residence permit, it provides the right to expedited permanent residence and, subsequently, eligibility for citizenship.

Direct acquisition of citizenship through the Polish Card is not possible. However, a holder who has obtained a permanent residence card (Karta Stałego Pobytu) on the basis of the Polish Card and has resided in Poland for at least one year may be recognized as a Polish citizen.

Importantly, such applicants are exempt from the Polish language exam, since their language proficiency was verified during the issuance of the Polish Card.

This pathway is considered one of the most straightforward Poland PR process to full naturalization for individuals of documented Polish ancestry, combining cultural affiliation with a streamlined administrative process.

Citizenship by Naturalization (Permanent Resident / EU Long-Term Resident)

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national acquires Polish citizenship after a prolonged and lawful residence in the country, provided that the individual has demonstrated social, linguistic, and economic integration into Polish society.

Applicant requirements:

• Residence period. A minimum of 10 years of continuous legal residence in Poland is required. However, applicants who already hold a permanent residence card (Karta Stałego Pobytu) and can demonstrate full integration within the local community may apply after 3 years of residence.
• Legal status. Possession of a permanent residence card or an EU long-term residence permit is mandatory.
• Stable and documented income. The applicant must prove a regular source of income meeting at least the minimum threshold set by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy (MRPiPS). Currently, it is around €190 per adult and €140 per child, but in practice, Voivodeship authorities often raise this benchmark to approximately €280—€300 per adult to account for local living costs.
• Housing in Poland. Applicants must provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract, mortgage agreement, or utility bills.
• Health insurance. Either public (NFZ) or private medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid throughout the entire processing period.
• Polish language proficiency. Verified by an official B1-level certificate or higher, issued by the State Commission for Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language. Course attendance certificates, internal exams, or verbal statements are not accepted as proof.
• Lawful conduct. Applicants must have no criminal record and no outstanding tax liabilities in Poland.

Required documentation:

• Application form (wniosek o uznanie za obywatela polskiego).
• Passport and PESEL number.
• Permanent residence card or EU long-term resident card.
• Official Polish language certificate (B1 or higher).
• Income documentation (PIT forms or employer statements).
• Proof of housing (rental or ownership documents).
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Valid medical insurance policy.
• Two photos (35×45 mm).
• Receipt of payment for the administrative fee.

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship in Poland is permitted in Poland, but interpreted differently from most EU countries. In legal terms, only one civic status exists within the territory of the Republic of Poland — Polish citizenship.

This means that a person who simultaneously holds, for example, Polish and German citizenship is regarded exclusively as a citizen of Poland while in the country and cannot invoke the protection or rights of the other state.

In practice, this principle manifests itself in several ways. Polish citizens must enter and leave the country using a Polish passport; for the purpose of obtaining public documents, participating in elections, filing taxes, or taking part in judicial proceedings, they are always treated solely as Polish nationals. If a Polish citizen is detained or convicted in Poland, their second citizenship is irrelevant, and the consulate of the other country has no right to intervene or request access to them.

Dual citizenship may, however, constitute an obstacle to holding public positions connected with access to state secrets, military service, or work within security agencies. In such cases, the candidate is required either to renounce their foreign citizenship or obtain special authorization from the competent Polish authority.

The Polish Card (Karta Polaka)

As previously mentioned, the Polish Card (Karta Polaka) is an official document confirming a foreign national’s belonging to the Polish nation and cultural community. Its legal status is defined in Article 2 of the Act on the Polish Card (Ustawa o Karcie Polaka). According to the law, the Polish Card can be issued only to citizens of specific countries, namely:

• Ukraine.
• Belarus.
• Moldova.
• Russia.
• Kazakhstan.
• Armenia.
• Georgia.
• Azerbaijan.
• Tajikistan.
• Turkmenistan.
• Uzbekistan.
• Kyrgyzstan.
• Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (only for persons without EU citizenship status).

To obtain a Pole’s card, an applicant must prove affiliation with the Polish nation through ancestry, culture, or language. Specifically, eligibility applies if at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent is of Polish nationality, or if any ancestor held Polish citizenship in the past.

In exceptional cases, the Polish Card may be granted without Polish ancestry upon written endorsement by a recognized Polish diaspora organization (organizacja polonijna), confirming the applicant’s active participation in Polish community activities.

Required documents:

• Completed application form (wniosek o przyznanie Karty Polaka).
• Valid passport of the applicant’s country of residence.
• Documents confirming Polish origin (originals and copies).
• Proof of Polish language knowledge (evaluated orally during the interview).
• Photographs (3.5×4.5 cm).
• If applicable, a written recommendation from a Polish cultural organization.
• For minors, parental consent and copies of parents’ documents.

The key stage of obtaining the Polish Card is the interview, during which a consul or Voivode personally verifies the applicant’s Polish origin (based on documents and family history) and checks their knowledge of the Polish language. The official also evaluates the applicant’s familiarity with Polish culture, history, and traditions, as well as the sincerity of their intention to maintain ties with the Polish nation.