How Many Ukrainians Have Received Polish Citizenship in the Last 10 Years?

Despite the significant growth in the number of Ukrainians in Poland over the past decade — and especially since the start of the full-scale war — only a small fraction of them have obtained Polish citizenship.

Between 2015 and 2024, fewer than 40,000 Ukrainians received Polish citizenship. This was reported by Schengen News, citing a report by Nasz Wybir.

Low Naturalization Rate

In 2024, 16,300 positive decisions on citizenship were issued, of which experts estimate approximately half were granted to Ukrainians. The total number of Ukrainians who have received Polish citizenship over the past ten years stands at around 39,000. These figures reflect the low rate of naturalization of foreigners in Poland. In 2021, only 1.7% of foreigners with long-term residence permits obtained Polish citizenship — below the European Union average of 2.2%.

Requirements for Obtaining Citizenship

Although the citizenship procedure in Poland is not considered overly complex, it does present certain challenges for migrants. The main requirements include: ✅ Continuous residence in Poland for at least three years ✅ Polish language proficiency at a minimum B1 level ✅ Stable income ✅ Passing the language exam (held only four times a year)

Proposals to Tighten the Rules

Earlier this month, Poland's main opposition party, PiS, proposed stricter citizenship rules for foreigners residing in Poland. In particular, it proposes extending the required period of residence from three to ten years.

Additionally, as we reported earlier, in early May the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda signed the Act of 4 April 2025 «On Amending Certain Acts to Eliminate Inconsistencies in the Visa System of the Republic of Poland». Under the new law, a post-secondary school diploma can no longer be used as proof of Polish language proficiency. To apply for citizenship or an EU resident card, an official Polish language certificate at B1 level or higher is required. Those who obtain the document by 30 June 2025 will still be able to use it until mid-2026.

Based on materials from Schengen News