Obtaining Polish Citizenship in Poznań
Contents
Collaboration Process
01
Initial Free Consultation
1. During a personal meeting at our office, we assess your chances of obtaining the residence card; 2. We review your existing documents and suggest the best route for legalizing your stay in Poland.
02
Step-by-Step Action Plan
1. We sign a service agreement with you;
2. Provide a personalized checklist of necessary documents;
3. Provide a step-by-step plan from the beginning of our cooperation until obtaining residence.
03
Preparation of All Required Documents
1. We complete all necessary forms; 2. Coordinate with your employer (accountant) to prepare the submission package; 3. Reserve a date for the personal visit to the Urząd; 4. Prepare photocopies and notarized copies of the required documents.
04
Full Support Until Receiving the Residence Card
1. On the day of the visit to the Urząd, you will be accompanied by a personal specialist acting as your official representative (Pełnomocnik); 2. Throughout the case review process, we will maintain monthly contact with your employer (accountant) and request any additional documents needed (tax confirmations, contracts, etc.); 3. We monitor the status of your case daily, inform you of updates, and respond to any summons.
05
Bringing the Case to Completion
1. We accompany you on the day you receive your residence card; 2. We provide a generous discount on all our company’s services.
Basic
From 1000 zł
Only until the end of April!
(Including 23% VAT)
- Legal consultation
- Preparation of a checklist of required documents
- Document verification
- Completion of the citizenship application
- Scheduling a personal submission via INPOL
- Other services (by agreement)
Full
2700 zł
2500 zł
Only until the end of April!
(Including 23% VAT)
- Payment in 2 stages
- Legal consultation
- Preparation of a checklist of required documents
- Document verification
- Completion of the citizenship application
- Scheduling a personal submission
- Collection of documents
- Accompaniment during the personal submission
- Full control of your case
- Certification of civil status documents
- Drafting of ponaglenie (case acceleration request)
- Drafting of skarga to the Administrative Court
- Support on the day of receiving the decyzja (decision)
- Obtaining the ID card (dowód osobisty)
- Obtaining the Polish passport
- 20% discount on all SKILLDOCS company services
- Creation of a digital signature (Profil Zaufany)
- Creation of an electronic mailbox (E-Doręczenia)
List of Main Documents
Polish Citizenship
Polish citizenship is a full status of being a citizen of Poland, not just a “document in hand”: you gain the right to live and work without migration restrictions and enjoy the rights of a citizen in Poland and the EU. In Poznań, obtaining citizenship is most often carried out through one of two paths: via the voivode through the procedure of recognition as a Polish citizen, or via the President of Poland through a separate procedure for granting citizenship.
In the voivode route, the key question is how stable your connection with Poland already is: legality and continuity of residence, actual “settledness” in the country, stability of your life situation, and confirmation of Polish language proficiency at the required level. In the presidential procedure, the application is also submitted officially through the authorities, but the decision is made by the President, and the approach to consideration differs.
In both cases, it is important to choose the correct basis in advance and gather documents so that the package clearly reflects your history without gaps or inconsistencies. Obtaining Polish citizenship is the final stage of legalization, so the accuracy of evidence and correct formulations are critical.
What are the grounds for applying for Polish citizenship?
Below are the most common grounds usually used when preparing an application. The list helps quickly understand which category your case falls into and where it is logical to start gathering documents. If you are unsure which basis applies, it is better to determine the optimal option before submitting the application.
On the basis of permanent residence obtained through the Karta Polaka.
On the basis of permanent residence obtained through Polish origin (by roots).
On the basis of marriage to a Polish citizen.
Through repatriation.
On the basis of having permanent residence and living in Poland for more than 10 years.
For children — on the basis of a parent’s status (Polish citizenship).
Citizenship after refugee status.
Obtaining citizenship via the President of Poland.
Requirements for applying for Polish citizenship
In Poznań, cases are most often considered under the procedure of recognition of a foreigner as a Polish citizen via the voivode. This is the main option for those who already live legally in Poland and meet the criteria established by the Polish citizenship law. These applications assess the duration and basis of residence, income, housing, and fulfillment of formal requirements, including language.
Recognition as a Polish citizen via the voivode (uznanie za obywatela polskiego)
The voivode may recognize an applicant as a Polish citizen if one of the standard sets of conditions is met:
If you have continuously resided in Poland for at least 3 years on the basis of permanent residence, EU long-term resident status, or the right of permanent stay, and you have a stable regular income in Poland and a legal basis for housing.
If you have resided for at least 2 years on the basis of permanent residence/EU long-term resident/permanent stay and additionally meet one of the options: either you have been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years, or you have no citizenship (stateless person status).
If you have resided for at least 2 years on the basis of permanent residence obtained in connection with refugee status in Poland.
If you have continuous and legal residence for at least 10 years, as well as permanent residence/EU long-term resident/permanent stay, and additionally your income and housing rights are confirmed.
If you have resided for at least 1 year on the basis of permanent residence obtained due to Polish origin or through the Karta Polaka.
Separate rules for minors
For children, there are separate scenarios. For example, if the child has permanent residence/EU long-term resident/permanent stay, and one of the parents is a Polish citizen while the other parent (non-citizen) gives consent. There are also situations where one of the parents has had Polish citizenship restored, and the second parent gave consent for the child’s citizenship recognition.
Requirement for Polish language
In most cases, confirmation of knowledge of the Polish language at least at level B1 is required. Separate exceptions are provided by law for certain categories, most often related to cases involving minors.
When refusal may occur
Refusal is possible if the conditions of the chosen basis are not met, or if the competent authorities consider that granting citizenship creates risks for defense, state security, or public order.
Granting citizenship by the President of Poland
This is a separate procedure, where the final decision is made by the President. The law does not establish a “universal minimum period of residence” as a mandatory requirement specifically for this procedure, but the document package and checks still go through authorized authorities, and the decision is discretionary.
Restoration of Polish citizenship
This applies to those who once had Polish citizenship and later lost it. In such cases, the fact of loss and the legal grounds on which citizenship can be restored are evaluated.
Acquisition of citizenship by law
There are cases where citizenship arises by law — for example, by descent from parents who are Polish citizens or in connection with the family-legal status of a child. A different mechanism applies here, distinct from the recognition/presidential procedure.
Confirmation of existing citizenship
Sometimes a person does not need to “obtain” citizenship because it already exists legally. In that case, an application for confirmation is submitted, and the voivode issues a decision if the grounds exist.
Processing Time for Citizenship Applications
If you are applying for recognition as a Polish citizen via the voivode (uznanie za obywatela polskiego), the law sets a clear time guideline. The consideration of such a case should be completed within 6 months from the date the application is received by the authority that makes the decision.
If you are applying through the citizenship procedure via the President of Poland (nadanie obywatelstwa), there is no fixed legal deadline. Officially, it is stated that there is no norm establishing a specific deadline for reviewing such applications, so the actual duration depends on the circumstances and may vary from case to case.
List of Documents for Obtaining Polish Citizenship
Below is a list of documents typically prepared for recognition of a foreigner as a Polish citizen via the voivode (uznanie za obywatela polskiego) when applying in Poznań. The exact set depends on the basis and your residence history, but the logic is the same everywhere: application, personal documents, status confirmation (card of residence/permanent residence), USC records, and evidence of residence, income, and language.
Completed wniosek o uznanie za obywatela polskiego on the official form.
Copies of all passport pages (and all valid passports if you have more than one) or travel document; originals for verification. The passport must be valid, and the data in the passport and the residence card must match.
Copy of the residence card with the original presented for verification, or a document proving the right of permanent residence as an EU citizen; the information must be current.
Polish odpisy from USC:
odpis of birth certificate;
odpis of marriage certificate (if applicable).
It is important that the data in the records is consistent; in case of discrepancies, the entries are first standardized through USC.
Documents confirming your situation as an applicant, including:
Stable and regular income in Poland and right to housing (e.g., umowa najmu, umowa użyczenia, extract from notarial deed, odpis księgi wieczystej);
If necessary — documents on professional achievements/community activity, as well as confirmation of Polish citizenship of the spouse if applying through marriage.
Examples of documents to confirm income for the required period (chosen according to your recognition category):
ZUS certificate on contributions, payer, types of insurance, and periods with amounts;
PIT with UPO or certificate from urząd skarbowy on income, expenses, contributions, and tax;
Employment contracts (umowa o pracę / zlecenia / o dzieło), work certificates, and other documents confirming the right to work in Poland, if applicable to your case.
Documents confirming residence and stay in Poland for the required period (depending on the case: umowa o pracę, CEIDG printout, PIT with submission confirmation, ZUS certificates, etc.).
Documents about parents and ancestors if they were Polish citizens (when relevant to the basis).
Confirmations that the applicant previously had Polish citizenship, if applying for restoration or a separate scenario.
Current color photograph 4.5 × 3.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months, according to photo requirements.
Confirmation of knowledge of Polish at least B1 level or documents of school completion in Poland/abroad with Polish as the language of instruction.
If married to a Polish citizen — copy of their dowód osobisty or Polish passport.
Separate file/attachment analiza przerw w pobycie (analysis of residence gaps) — a document often omitted but directly related to the assessment of continuous residence.
If the application includes a minor child
Polish odpis of the child’s birth certificate from USC.
Consent of the second parent for recognition of the child as a citizen: issued by the voivode or consulate, or a notarized statement (depending on the situation).
If the child is 16+, additional consent from the child is required, issued by the voivode/consulate or notarized (depending on the applicable scenario).
Advantages of Polish Citizenship
Full status and no migration restrictions
Polish citizenship changes your legal status: you are no longer treated as a foreigner and are not dependent on residence permit renewals, “basis” checks, residence card decisions, or restrictions related to a specific migration category. Unlike stały pobyt, which grants long-term residence rights but still remains a form of foreigner legalization (with obligations to update the document and data), citizenship removes the migration framework itself.
Polish passport and more freedom to travel
With citizenship, you can obtain a Polish passport and enjoy consular protection of Poland abroad. In practice, this simplifies international travel and visa matters outside the EU. With statuses like residence permit/permanent residence, you travel with your national passport, and the residence card only confirms your right to live in Poland; with citizenship, the primary travel document is the Polish passport.
Full political rights
Only Polish citizens can participate in national elections and referendums and access positions and offices unavailable to foreigners. Neither a residence card nor permanent residence grants these rights — even after many years of living in the country.
Access to certain “restricted” fields and professions
In certain fields, citizenship expands opportunities — for example, employment in the public service, positions where citizenship is required, or regulated roles with additional restrictions for foreigners. With foreigner status (even with stały pobyt), such options are usually limited or require additional conditions.
More stable status for family and children
For the family of a Polish citizen, there is usually a clearer and more stable legal logic than for a foreigner’s family on residence/permanent residence. This is especially important for children: in some situations, they have more direct mechanisms for obtaining status and fewer risks related to dependence on a parent’s residence card.
Stability during long absences
Citizenship does not “expire” due to long absences, unlike the potential complications for a foreigner’s status in certain dual-residence scenarios. For those planning long trips, working abroad, or living in two jurisdictions, citizenship usually offers more freedom and fewer legal risks than any residence/permanent residence options.
Where to Submit Documents for Polish Citizenship in Poznań
If you are applying for recognition as a Polish citizen via the voivode (uznanie za obywatela polskiego), the application and supporting documents are submitted to the Wielkopolski Urząd Wojewódzki w Poznaniu (usually the citizenship affairs department).
If you choose the path through the President of Poland (nadanie obywatelstwa polskiego), this is formally a separate procedure, but the submission still goes through the authorized authorities: via the voivode (in Poznań — Wielkopolski Urząd Wojewódzki) or through a consul (if you are applying from outside Poland).
Fees for Applying for Polish Citizenship
For the procedure of recognition through the voivode, the state fee is 1000 zł for issuing the decision. If minor children are included in the application, a single payment is made — usually there is no separate fee “per child.”
For the procedure through the President of Poland, the state fee for accepting the application by the voivode is 1669 zł (rate effective from August 1, 2025). If the application includes children, the fee is also paid once.
Mail Submission and Basic Requirements
In the procedure via the President, submission is possible not only in person but also by mail. The key requirement: the signature on the application must be officially certified (usually by a notary). If sending the package by mail, copies of attachments must also be properly certified — usually in the same manner.
If the documents are not in Polish, the standard rule applies: an official translation is required, performed or certified by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły) or by a consul if international agreements exempt from translation. This requirement applies both for recognition via the voivode and for submission via the President.
For recognition via the voivode, the document Analiza przerw w pobycie is usually required — essentially a record of gaps in residence. It is often prepared separately from the main application and must be filled out carefully, as it directly affects the assessment of continuous residence for your category.
Appealing Decisions and Where It Is Possible
In the recognition procedure via the voivode, the usual administrative scheme applies. If you disagree with the voivode’s decision, an appeal can be submitted to the MSWiA within 14 days from the date of receiving the decision. If you disagree with the minister’s decision, a complaint can be filed in an administrative court within 30 days.
What to Do After Receiving Polish Citizenship
After receiving a positive decyzja on Polish citizenship, the next step is to register your citizen documents in Poznań through your urząd (usually at your place of registration/residence).
First, you apply for a dowód osobisty (ID card), and if necessary for travel — also a Polish passport. The application for a dowód is submitted at your gmina office; typically, you are asked to provide: the application form, the citizenship decision, a valid passport, your current residence card (if you still have one), and a photo.
If you need a passport, the set of required documents also includes proof of fee payment and civil status documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate — if applicable). Often, confirmation of the dowód application is also requested, as it simplifies data verification.
The processing time for documents usually takes up to 30 days.
Assistance in Obtaining Polish Citizenship in Poznań
We provide support for obtaining Polish citizenship in Poznań from the initial consultation to the final decision. In such cases, it’s not the “number of documents” that matters, but the logic of the entire story: the basis for your application, continuity of residence periods, proof of income, language proficiency, family situation, and civil status records. We assemble the package so that it reads as a coherent story without contradictions.
We work with two main paths: recognition as a Polish citizen via the voivode (uznanie za obywatela polskiego) and application through the President of Poland (nadanie obywatelstwa). We select the route suitable for your category and manage the process so that you don’t waste time on chaotic document collection.
We handle the case “turnkey” and coordinate the documents:
Conduct a legal consultation and determine the optimal basis for obtaining Polish citizenship in your situation.
Create a personalized checklist of documents and deadlines tailored to Poznań and your category.
Review the package before submission, identify weak points, and preemptively address missing confirmations.
Assist with civil status records, organize umiejscowienie if necessary, and standardize documents.
Prepare the citizenship application and the complete set of attachments.
Support the case during review: submission of additional documents, responses to requests, and monitoring the progress.
In case of delays, prepare ponaglenie; if necessary, proceed with skargę do Sądu Administracyjnego.
Accompany you at the stage of receiving the decision and explain the next steps after the decyzja.
Upon request, assist with creating a Profil Zaufany and e-Doręczenia, as well as obtaining a dowód osobisty and a Polish passport.
Obtaining Polish Citizenship in Poznań
SKILLDOCS supports the process of obtaining Polish citizenship in Poznań at every stage. We analyze your situation, choose the correct submission path (via the voivode or the presidential procedure), and assemble your document package so that it is complete: no gaps in residence periods, logical structure, and consistent wording.
Our goal is not just to “submit an application” but to carry the case through to a decision: create a clear step-by-step plan, keep the process under control, and ensure that your application appears convincing and meets all requirements regarding the basis, income, language, and civil status documents.
If you plan to obtain Polish citizenship in Poznań, leave an application on the SKILLDOCS website — we will suggest the optimal steps for your situation and take care of the full support.
Frequently Asked Questions
This usually takes about 6 months.
The Polish state does not object to you having dual citizenship.
Free Consultation
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