Poland plans to tighten requirements for obtaining citizenship: what may change already this year

The Polish government and the Presidential Chancellery are working on amendments to the Polish Citizenship Act. The changes concern the possible tightening of requirements for foreigners planning to obtain a Polish passport. Work on the new rules is planned to be completed by the end of the year.

How Polish citizenship is currently obtained

There are two main procedures:

1️. Presidential decision The President may grant citizenship at their own discretion. Such decisions:

• do not require justification;
• are not subject to appeal;
• are not governed by the Administrative Procedure Code. That is why this procedure is often used by individuals who do not meet standard requirements. In 2025, as of August 1, 5,470 applications were submitted to the Presidential Chancellery. Citizenship was granted to 999 persons and refused to 1,335 persons.

2️. Procedure through the voivode This is the more common way of obtaining citizenship. To submit an application, a foreigner must:

• reside in Poland for at least 3 years continuously;
• hold a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status;
• have a stable and regular source of income;
• have a legal right to housing;
• confirm knowledge of the Polish language at level B1 (state certificate). Exceptions:
• persons with refugee status may apply after 2 years;
• holders of the Pole’s Card - after 1 year.

Why the rules may change

The number of foreigners obtaining Polish citizenship is increasing every year.

• in 2023, 12,166 persons obtained citizenship;
• in 2024 - 16,647 persons.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, more than 99% of applicants obtain citizenship after at least eight years of residence in Poland. At the same time, the Polish government considers the current requirements to be among the least strict in Europe.

What changes are being discussed

Among the possible changes:

• extension of the residence period to 8 years (3 years temporary + 5 years permanent residence);
• introduction of a citizenship test (knowledge of the political system of Poland);
• requirement of tax residency in Poland;
• change of timelines for holders of the Pole’s Card - application after 3 years instead of 1 year.

Previously, there was also a proposal to extend the minimum residence period to 10 years, but it did not receive support in the Sejm.

What this means for Ukrainians in Poland

If the changes are adopted:

• the path to citizenship may become longer;
• additional requirements may appear;
• confirmation of legal residence and tax status will become more important.

For those who are already in the process of legalization or plan to apply soon, it is advisable to monitor legislative changes.

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