Poland citizenship by descent lets individuals with Polish heritage claim citizenship through ancestral ties, connecting you to a nation with a rich history and vibrant modern culture. 

This remarkable program allows you to reconnect with your Polish roots while gaining one of Europe's most valuable passports and full European Union citizenship rights. 

Whether your Polish ancestor emigrated generations ago or more recently, you may be eligible to reclaim your birthright and pass it on to future generations.

What Does "Poland Citizenship by Descent" Mean?

Poland citizenship by descent (also known as citizenship by origin or confirmation of Polish citizenship) refers to the legal principle that allows individuals with Polish ancestry to reclaim Polish citizenship based on their bloodline connection to a Polish ancestor. This is one of the most accessible pathways to EU citizenship for those with Polish heritage.

Poland's citizenship law operates on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship is transmitted automatically through family lineage. Unlike naturalization processes that require years of residency, citizenship by descent recognizes that Polish citizenship was passed down to you at birth, you simply need to confirm it.

Poland permits dual citizenship without any restrictions, meaning you can hold your Polish citizenship alongside other nationalities. When you successfully confirm your Polish citizenship by descent, you gain all the rights and privileges of any Polish citizen, including full EU citizenship.

As a Polish citizen, you gain all the rights and privileges of EU citizenship, including:

  • The right to live, work, study, and retire in Poland and throughout the EU and Switzerland at any time
  • Access to one of Europe's most powerful passports with visa-free travel to 185 destinations with 85% global reach
  • Full healthcare and education benefits across Europe
  • The ability to pass citizenship to your children and future generations

Historical Background and Context

Poland's history is marked by profound changes that significantly shaped its citizenship laws and created a vast Polish diaspora worldwide. Understanding this historical context is essential for grasping Polish citizenship by descent.

Key historical periods affecting Polish citizenship:

  • Partitions Era (1795-1918): Before World War I, Poland did not exist as an independent nation, having been partitioned between the Russian Empire, Prussia (later German Empire), and Austria-Hungary. During this period, ethnic Poles were subjects of these empires rather than citizens of Poland.
  • Reconstitution of Poland (1918-1920): After World War I, Poland regained independence in 1918. The 1920 Polish Citizenship Law established who would be recognized as Polish citizens, creating the foundation for modern Polish citizenship. This law is crucial for descent claims, as ancestors generally needed to have maintained citizenship after 1920.
  • World War II and Communist Era (1939-1989): Poland suffered devastating losses during World War II, with major population displacement and the Holocaust eliminating much of Poland's Jewish population. After the war, Poland's borders shifted significantly, and the country fell under Soviet influence. Many Poles emigrated during this period, settling primarily in Western Europe, North America, and Australia.
  • Post-Communist Transformation (1989-Present): Since 1989, Poland has transformed into a democratic nation and joined the European Union in 2004, making Polish citizenship equivalent to EU citizenship with all associated benefits.

Major emigration waves created Polish communities in:

  • United States: Major Polish-American populations in Chicago, New York, Detroit, and other cities
  • Canada: Significant communities in Toronto, Vancouver, and throughout Ontario
  • United Kingdom: Large Polish community, especially after EU accession
  • Germany: Substantial Polish population historically and currently
  • Australia: Notable Polish communities developed, particularly post-WWII
  • Argentina and Brazil: Significant Polish settlement in South America

Today, an estimated 20 million people of Polish descent live outside Poland—nearly half of Poland's current population of approximately 38 million.

Poland's citizenship law is governed by the Polish Nationality Act (most recently updated in 2012), which outlines the principles of Polish citizenship acquisition, loss, and confirmation. The law recognizes that Polish citizenship is typically transmitted automatically from parent to child, regardless of where the child is born.

Important principle: In Polish law, citizenship by descent is not something you "apply for" in the traditional sense. Rather, you are confirming citizenship you already possess by virtue of your ancestry. This is sometimes called "confirmation of Polish citizenship" rather than "acquisition."

Who Qualifies for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Polish citizenship by descent is available to those who can prove their lineage to Polish ancestors who maintained Polish citizenship. Eligibility extends across multiple generations, making it accessible even to great-grandchildren of Polish emigrants.

Eligible descendants include:

  • Children of Polish citizens
  • Grandchildren of Polish citizens
  • Great-grandchildren of Polish citizens
  • Potentially more distant descendants if the citizenship line was maintained

There is no strict generational limit in Polish law, unlike some other European countries. The key requirement is proving an unbroken chain of citizenship transmission from your Polish ancestor to you.

Conditions for Eligibility

Conditions for Your Polish Ancestor

You are eligible for Polish citizenship by descent if you can prove that at least one Polish ancestor:

  1. Was born in Poland (or one of the former Polish territories that are now part of other countries)
  2. Resided in Poland after 1920 (with some exceptions for those who were Polish citizens)
  3. Maintained their Polish citizenship until after 1920 and at the time of your birth

Understanding "Former Polish Territories"

Due to Poland's changing borders throughout history, your ancestor may have been born in territories that are now part of:

  • Ukraine (including Lviv/Lwów)
  • Belarus
  • Lithuania (including Vilnius/Wilno)
  • Russia (Kaliningrad/Königsberg area)
  • Parts of Germany (former Prussian territories)
  • Other neighboring countries

If your ancestor was born in these territories but was ethnically Polish and had Polish citizenship after 1920, you may still qualify.

The Citizenship Chain Requirement

The most critical aspect of Polish citizenship by descent is proving an unbroken chain of citizenship. Polish citizenship must have been transmitted through each generation.

Key principles:

Citizenship is transmitted automatically from parent to child at birth, regardless of where the child is born, as long as at least one parent was a Polish citizen at the time of the child's birth.

The chain cannot be broken: If any person in your direct lineage lost Polish citizenship before their child was born, the transmission stops at that point.

Example of a qualifying chain:

  • Your great-grandfather was born in Poland in 1900 ✓ (Polish citizen)
  • He emigrated to the United States in 1920 ✓ (still Polish citizen)
  • He had your grandfather in 1925 ✓ (Polish citizenship transmitted)
  • Your grandfather had your parent in 1955 ✓ (Polish citizenship transmitted)
  • Your parent had you in 1985 ✓ (Polish citizenship transmitted)
  • Result: You are a Polish citizen by descent

Example of a broken chain:

  • Your great-grandfather was born in Poland in 1900 ✓ (Polish citizen)
  • He emigrated to the United States in 1920
  • He naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1923 ✗ (may have lost Polish citizenship)
  • He had your grandfather in 1925 ✗ (citizenship may not have transmitted)
  • Result: The chain may be broken; eligibility depends on whether naturalization caused loss of Polish citizenship

Ways Polish Citizenship Could Be Lost

Given the various ways one can lose Polish citizenship historically, careful documentation is required. Your ancestor may have lost Polish citizenship if they:

  • Voluntarily acquired another citizenship before 1951 (Poland did not allow dual citizenship before this date)
  • Formally renounced Polish citizenship through official channels
  • Served in a foreign military without permission from Polish authorities (in some historical periods)
  • Failed to register with Polish authorities abroad in certain periods (rarely enforced)
  • Were formally stripped of citizenship by Polish authorities (political reasons during communist era)

Important: Many Polish emigrants never actually lost their citizenship, even if they acquired citizenship of their new country, especially if this occurred after 1951 when Poland began allowing dual citizenship in practice.

Special Considerations for Polish-Jewish Ancestry

Eligibility for Polish citizenship through descent is open to those with Polish-Jewish ancestry. Jewish Poles who emigrated before or after World War II, and their descendants, can claim Polish citizenship if they meet the standard requirements.

Important considerations:

  • Your ancestor being Jewish does NOT disqualify you, they simply need to have been Polish citizens
  • Many Jewish families lost documentation during the Holocaust, but alternative evidence may be acceptable
  • Poland recognizes the historical Jewish population as Polish citizens

The 1920 Cutoff

The requirement that your ancestor "resided in Poland after 1920" relates to the 1920 Polish Citizenship Law that established modern Polish citizenship. Ancestors who emigrated before 1920 may still qualify if they:

  • Were recognized as Polish citizens under the 1920 law
  • Maintained legal ties to Poland
  • Did not formally renounce citizenship
  • Can be documented as Polish through other means

This requirement has exceptions, and citizenship experts often successfully navigate cases involving pre-1920 emigration.

Required Documents

Confirming Polish citizenship requires extensive documentation proving both your identity and your unbroken connection to a Polish citizen ancestor. The exact documents needed vary by case, but generally include:

Your Personal Documents

Core identity documents:

  • Current passport
  • National ID card (if applicable)
  • Your original birth certificate (long-form showing both parents)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of current address

Polish Ancestor Documents

Essential documents proving your ancestor's Polish citizenship:

  • Birth certificate from Poland or former Polish territories
  • Marriage certificate (if married)
  • Polish passport or other Polish identity documents
  • Military service records (if applicable)
  • Residence records (zameldowanie) showing residence in Poland after 1920
  • Documents showing emigration from Poland
  • Evidence of Polish citizenship maintenance (Polish documents issued after emigration)

Connecting Generation Documents

For each generation between your Polish ancestor and you:

Birth Certificates:

  • Long-form birth certificates showing both parents' names
  • Must clearly establish the parent-child relationship
  • Original or certified copies required

Marriage Certificates:

  • For all marriages in your direct line
  • Includes divorce decrees if applicable
  • Helps verify name changes

Naturalization Records:

  • Records showing if/when ancestors naturalized in other countries
  • May need to prove naturalization did NOT cause loss of Polish citizenship
  • Certificate of non-existence if ancestor never naturalized

Death Certificates:

  • For deceased individuals in your lineage
  • Helps complete the family connection

Document Authentication

All foreign documents must be properly authenticated for use in Poland:

Apostille Requirements:

  • Documents from Hague Convention countries need an Apostille
  • The Apostille certifies the document's authenticity for international use
  • Must be obtained before submitting documents to Polish authorities

Translation Requirements:

  • All documents not in Polish must be translated by a sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły)
  • Translations must be done by translators certified in Poland or recognized by Polish authorities
  • Both original and certified translation must be submitted

Where to get Apostilles:

United States:

  • State documents: Secretary of State of the issuing state
  • Federal documents: U.S. Department of State
  • Processing: 1 day to several weeks
  • Cost: $5-30 per document

United Kingdom:

  • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
  • Online application available
  • Processing: 3-4 weeks
  • Cost: £30 per document

Canada:

  • Global Affairs Canada
  • Two-step process: notarization, then authentication
  • Processing: 10-20 business days
  • Cost: CAD $50 per document

Australia:

  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
  • Processing: 10-15 business days
  • Cost: AUD $80 per document

Polish Archival Documents

Many documents must be obtained directly from Polish archives and government offices:

Common sources:

  • Civil Registry Offices (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego) - Birth, marriage, death records
  • State Archives (Archiwa Państwowe) - Historical records
  • Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) - Records from communist era
  • Military archives - Service records
  • Town/city archives - Local historical records

Obtaining these documents often requires knowledge of Polish administrative procedures and may take several months.

The Application Process

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility

Before investing time and money, determine if you likely qualify:

Research your family tree:

  • Identify your Polish ancestor(s)
  • Verify they were born in Poland or Polish territories
  • Determine when they emigrated
  • Check if they resided in Poland after 1920

Identify potential citizenship breaks:

  • Research if ancestors naturalized in other countries
  • Determine dates of naturalization vs. dates of birth of next generation
  • Look for any documentation of citizenship renunciation

Gather preliminary evidence:

  • Family documents, photos, immigration papers
  • Begin building your case before formal application

Step 2: Gather Polish Documents

This is often the most challenging and time-consuming phase:

Identify document locations:

  • Determine which Polish town/city your ancestor was from
  • Identify relevant archives and registry offices
  • Research historical boundary changes

Request documents from Poland:

  • Contact appropriate Polish government offices
  • Submit formal requests (often must be in Polish)
  • Pay applicable fees
  • Wait for documents to be located and issued (can take months)

Common challenges:

  • Records destroyed during World War II
  • Records in archives rather than registry offices
  • Name spelling variations
  • Changed town names or borders

Step 3: Gather Foreign Documents

Obtain vital records:

  • Request birth, marriage, and death certificates for all generations
  • Ensure documents are long-form/certified copies
  • Order from vital records offices in relevant states/countries

Obtain naturalization records:

  • Request citizenship records from immigration authorities
  • In U.S.: File requests with USCIS, check National Archives
  • Prove whether ancestors naturalized and when
  • Obtain Certificate of Non-Existence if never naturalized

Step 4: Authenticate and Translate Documents

Get Apostilles:

  • Submit all foreign documents for apostille certification
  • Process through appropriate Secretary of State or equivalent
  • Keep originals and apostilled copies

Translate to Polish:

  • Have all non-Polish documents translated by sworn translators
  • Ensure translators are certified by Polish authorities or Polish consulates
  • Translation must be exact and complete

Compile your citizenship claim:

  • Organize all documents chronologically
  • Create family tree diagram showing lineage
  • Prepare written statement explaining your claim
  • Ensure all documents connect logically

Legal representation:

  • Many applicants work with Polish attorneys specializing in citizenship law
  • Attorney can review documents, identify gaps, and prepare submission
  • Legal expertise significantly increases success rate

Step 6: Submit Application

Where to apply:

  • Polish consulate in your country of residence
  • Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in Poland if you're residing there
  • Through legal representative in Poland

Application components:

  • Formal application for confirmation of Polish citizenship
  • Complete set of documents with apostilles and translations
  • Family tree and written explanation
  • Application fees

Submission methods:

  • In person at consulate (appointment usually required)
  • By mail to appropriate authority
  • Through attorney in Poland

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Processing timeline:

  • Standard processing: Approximately 8-10 months (according to CitizenX)
  • Complex cases may take longer
  • Simple, well-documented cases may be faster

During processing:

  • Authorities review all documents
  • May verify records with Polish archives
  • May request additional documentation or clarification
  • Attorney (if you have one) handles communications

Possible outcomes:

  • Confirmation of citizenship: You receive official decision confirming you are a Polish citizen
  • Request for additional documents: Authorities need more evidence
  • Denial: Citizenship cannot be confirmed (can appeal or resubmit with better documentation)

Step 8: Receive Citizenship Confirmation

Once approved:

  1. Decision issued: Official confirmation that you are a Polish citizen
  2. Obtain PESEL number: Polish national identification number
  3. Apply for Polish passport: Can now apply for Polish passport and ID card
  4. Register with authorities: If living abroad, can register with Polish consulate

How CitizenX Can Help

CitizenX streamlines the process of applying for Polish citizenship by descent, skillfully navigating intricate Polish legalities and verifying your heritage through consultations with different institutions and archives, right up to the moment you obtain your Polish passport.

What CitizenX Provides

Complete Eligibility Assessment Our team analyzes your Polish ancestry and determines whether you qualify for citizenship by descent, identifying potential challenges and the best strategy for your case.

Comprehensive Document Research We handle the complex process of obtaining Polish documents:

  • Research in Polish state archives and registry offices
  • Requests to Polish Urzędy Stanu Cywilnego (Civil Registry Offices)
  • Military archives and historical records
  • Foreign vital records and naturalization documents
  • Navigation of Polish administrative procedures

Verification of Citizenship Chain We meticulously verify that Polish citizenship was maintained through each generation:

  • Analysis of naturalization records
  • Review of historical citizenship laws
  • Verification that no citizenship breaks occurred
  • Expert assessment of complex cases

Full Document Authentication We manage all document preparation:

  • Obtaining apostilles on all foreign documents
  • Coordinating certified Polish translations by tłumacze przysięgli (sworn translators)
  • Ensuring all documents meet Polish legal requirements
  • Organizing your complete document package

Legal Representation CitizenX works with specialized Polish attorneys:

  • Legal analysis of your citizenship claim
  • Preparation of formal application and legal documentation
  • Representation before Polish authorities
  • Handling of all communications in Polish

Application Submission and Management We handle the entire submission process:

  • Filing with appropriate Polish consulate or Voivodeship Office
  • Managing all correspondence with Polish authorities
  • Responding to requests for additional information
  • Tracking application status

Post-Confirmation Services After citizenship confirmation:

  • Assistance obtaining PESEL number
  • Guidance on Polish passport application
  • Help with consular registration if living abroad
  • Information on using your new EU citizenship

CitizenX Pricing

Total Investment: $25,000

This comprehensive fee includes:

  • Complete eligibility assessment and case strategy
  • All Polish document retrieval from archives and registry offices
  • Foreign vital records and naturalization research
  • Apostille and sworn translation coordination
  • Legal representation and application preparation
  • Submission and management with Polish authorities
  • Support until your Polish passport is in your possession

CitizenX takes you from initial consultation all the way to holding your Polish passport, handling the complexities of Polish bureaucracy while you focus on your daily life.

Why Choose CitizenX

  • Expert Knowledge: Our team specializes in Polish citizenship law and has navigated the complexities of Polish archives and legal requirements for thousands of clients.
  • Polish Language Expertise: We handle all communications in Polish with archives, registry offices, and government authorities, no Polish language skills required from you.
  • Archive Research: We have established relationships with Polish archives across the country and know how to locate historical documents efficiently.
  • Time Savings: We handle months of archive research, document requests, and bureaucratic navigation, saving you hundreds of hours of work.
  • Higher Success Rate: With proper documentation, legal expertise, and understanding of Polish law, we maximize your chances of approval.
  • Stress-Free Process: From navigating destroyed WWII records to managing translations and legal filings, we remove the stress from the citizenship journey.
  • Proven Track Record: With 11,500+ citizens helped and counting, CitizenX has the experience to make your application successful.

Timeline and Costs

Realistic Timeline Breakdown

With CitizenX:

  • Eligibility assessment: 1-2 weeks
  • Document gathering (Poland and foreign): 4-6 months
  • Document authentication and translation: 1-2 months
  • Application preparation and submission: 1 month
  • Government processing: 8-10 months
  • Passport application after approval: 1-2 months
  • Total: 18-24 months (24-30 months for complex cases)

Government processing time: Approximately 8 months for citizenship confirmation

Cost Breakdown

DIY Route (if attempting independently):

  • Polish archival research trips: $2,000-5,000+
  • Polish document fees: $300-800
  • Foreign vital records: $300-800
  • Naturalization research: $200-500
  • Apostilles: $200-400
  • Sworn Polish translations: $1,000-2,000+
  • Polish legal consultation: $2,000-5,000+
  • Application fees: Variable
  • Passport: Approximately 140 PLN (€30/$35)
  • Total: $8,000-15,000+ (plus enormous time investment and lower success rate)

CitizenX Full Service:

  • Complete eligibility assessment
  • All Polish archive research and document retrieval
  • Foreign document research and retrieval
  • Apostille and sworn translation coordination
  • Legal representation and application preparation
  • Application management and submission
  • Post-confirmation passport assistance
  • Total: $25,000

9 Benefits of Polish Citizenship

1. European Union Citizenship

Polish citizenship automatically grants you European Union citizenship, providing:

Freedom of movement to live, work, study, and retire in Poland and any of the 27 EU member states plus Switzerland at any time without visas or permits.

Countries included: Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, and 16 others.

No sponsorship needed: Accept any job in any EU country without employer sponsorship or work permits.

Business freedom: Start a business anywhere in the EU with minimal restrictions and access to EU markets.

2. One of Europe's Most Powerful Passports

The Polish passport allows visa-free travel to 185 destinations with 85% global reach, ranking among the world's top passports.

Visa-free access includes:

  • All EU countries (27)
  • United States (ESTA, 90 days)
  • Canada (eTA, 6 months)
  • United Kingdom (6 months)
  • Japan (90 days)
  • Australia (eTA, 90 days)
  • New Zealand (90 days)
  • Most of South America
  • Most of Asia

3. Strong Economic Opportunities

Poland offers compelling economic benefits:

  • Third in Economic Freedom: Poland ranks third position on the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom by the Heritage Foundation
  • Growing economy: One of Europe's fastest-growing economies with low unemployment
  • Business-friendly: Attractive environment for entrepreneurs and investors
  • Access to over 70% of global GDP: Through visa-free travel and EU membership
  • Competitive costs: Lower cost of living than Western Europe while maintaining high quality

4. Education Benefits

As an EU citizen with Polish citizenship:

  • Low-cost Polish universities: Polish citizens pay reduced tuition at public universities
  • EU-wide education access: Pay local tuition rates throughout the EU (often free or minimal)
  • Quality institutions: Well-regarded universities in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and other cities
  • No international student quotas: Apply as a domestic student across Europe

Tuition examples:

  • Poland: Often free or €0-2,000/year for Polish citizens
  • Germany: Frequently free for undergraduate programs
  • France: €170-600/year at public universities

5. Healthcare Access

Polish National Health Service: As a resident of Poland, access to universal public healthcare coverage.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): When traveling in the EU, receive necessary healthcare at local prices.

Quality healthcare: Modern medical facilities in major Polish cities with well-trained medical professionals.

6. Cultural Connection and Heritage

Reconnect with your roots:

  • Meaningful connection to Polish culture, language, and traditions
  • Ability to live in ancestral homeland
  • Access to Polish cultural institutions and programs
  • Voting rights in Polish and EU elections (if resident)

Rich cultural heritage:

  • Historic cities like Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Vibrant arts, music, and culinary traditions

7. Property and Investment Opportunities

  • Buy property in Poland or any EU country without foreign restrictions
  • Access Polish real estate market (significantly more affordable than Western Europe)
  • EU business opportunities and funding programs
  • Pass Polish citizenship to your children and future generations

8. Dual Citizenship Without Restrictions

Poland fully recognizes and permits dual citizenship without any restrictions. You do NOT need to renounce any other citizenship when confirming Polish citizenship by descent.

Compatible with:

  • United States (U.S. recognizes dual citizenship)
  • Canada (Canada permits dual citizenship)
  • United Kingdom (UK allows dual citizenship)
  • Australia (Australia permits dual citizenship)
  • Most countries worldwide

Poland has allowed dual citizenship since practical implementation began in the 1950s, though it was formally codified more recently.

9. Passing Citizenship to Your Children

  • Automatic transmission: Any children you have are automatically Polish citizens at birth if you are a Polish citizen at the time of their birth, regardless of where they're born.
  • No registration required: Unlike some countries, Polish citizenship is automatic—no separate registration process needed for children born to Polish citizen parents.
  • Continuing the legacy: Your children can pass Polish citizenship to their children indefinitely, maintaining the family connection to Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply through any Polish ancestor?

Polish citizenship by descent has no strict generational limit. You can potentially claim through a great-grandparent or even more distant ancestor, as long as you can prove the unbroken chain of citizenship through each generation. The key is documenting that citizenship was transmitted from each generation to the next without any breaks.

What if my ancestor was born before Poland regained independence in 1918?

Your ancestor may still qualify if they were from Polish ethnic territories that became part of Poland after 1918 (like areas previously under Russian, Prussian, or Austro-Hungarian rule) and if they were recognized as Polish citizens under the 1920 Citizenship Law. The 1920 law established who would be considered Polish citizens when modern Poland was reconstituted.

What if my Polish ancestor naturalized in another country?

This is the most critical question. If your ancestor naturalized before 1951, they likely lost their Polish citizenship (Poland did not allow dual citizenship before this date). If they naturalized after 1951, they may have retained Polish citizenship as Poland began recognizing dual citizenship. You'll need to document the exact date of naturalization and compare it to the birth dates of the next generation to determine if the chain was broken.

What if records were destroyed during World War II?

Many Polish records were destroyed during WWII, particularly in Warsaw and other heavily bombed areas. If vital records are unavailable, alternative documents may include:

  • Church records (baptism, marriage)
  • School records
  • Military service records
  • Immigration documents showing birthplace
  • Holocaust memorial records (for Jewish families)
  • Testimony from relatives or community members

CitizenX has extensive experience navigating cases with destroyed records and knows which alternative documentation Polish authorities will accept.

Do I need to speak Polish?

No. There is no language requirement for citizenship by descent. Polish citizenship is your birthright regardless of whether you speak Polish. However, learning basic Polish can be helpful for connecting with your heritage and navigating life in Poland if you choose to live there.

Do I need to live in Poland?

No. You do not need to live in Poland to confirm citizenship by descent. The entire process can be completed from abroad. Once you become a citizen, you have the right to live in Poland, but no obligation to do so.

Can I claim through Polish-Jewish ancestry?

Yes. Polish citizenship by descent is fully available to those with Polish-Jewish ancestry. Your ancestor being Jewish does not disqualify you—they simply need to have been Polish citizens. Many Jewish Polish families lost documentation during the Holocaust, but CitizenX has experience working with alternative documentation and memorial records.

What about former Polish territories now in other countries?

If your ancestor was born in territories that were part of Poland historically but are now in Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, or other countries, you may still qualify if:

  • Your ancestor was ethnically Polish or recognized as a Polish citizen
  • They maintained Polish citizenship after 1920
  • You can document their Polish citizenship status

Can my spouse also become Polish?

Your spouse cannot claim citizenship through your Polish ancestry. However, spouses of Polish citizens have their own path through naturalization. After being married to a Polish citizen, residing in Poland for typically 3 years, and meeting other requirements (including Polish language proficiency), your spouse may apply for citizenship.

What about criminal records?

Criminal records are generally not a barrier to citizenship by descent, as this is a confirmation of existing citizenship rather than a discretionary grant. However, serious criminal convictions could potentially affect your ability to obtain a Polish passport or create complications.

Can I be denied?

If your application is properly documented and shows an unbroken citizenship chain, denial is unlikely. Common reasons for issues:

  • Cannot prove unbroken citizenship chain
  • Ancestor lost citizenship before next generation's birth
  • Insufficient documentation
  • Documentation errors or inconsistencies

If denied, you can appeal the decision or resubmit with additional documentation. Working with legal experts (like CitizenX) significantly increases success rates.

Do I need to pay Polish taxes?

No, not automatically. Poland, like most countries, taxes based on residence, not citizenship. You will owe Polish taxes only if:

  • You establish tax residence in Poland (typically 183+ days per year)
  • You earn income from Polish sources

Simply holding Polish citizenship while living abroad does NOT trigger Polish tax obligations.

U.S. citizens should note: The U.S. taxes based on citizenship, so you'll still need to file U.S. taxes regardless of your Polish citizenship. However, foreign earned income exclusions and tax treaties typically prevent double taxation.

What happens after I'm confirmed as a Polish citizen?

Once your Polish citizenship is confirmed:

  1. Official decision issued: You receive formal confirmation of Polish citizenship
  2. Obtain PESEL number: Apply for your Polish national identification number
  3. Apply for Polish ID card: Can apply for Dowód Osobisty (Polish ID card)
  4. Apply for Polish passport: Can apply for Polish passport immediately
  5. Register with consulate: If living abroad, can register with Polish consulate
  6. Full rights: You have all rights of Polish and EU citizenship
  7. Children's citizenship: Your children are now automatically Polish citizens

How long will the entire process take?

The complete timeline typically ranges from 18-30 months, depending on case complexity:

  • Document gathering and research: 4-8 months
  • Application preparation: 1-2 months
  • Government processing: 8-10 months (standard)
  • Passport application: 1-2 months

Complex cases involving extensive archive research or citizenship chain verification may take longer.

How much will this cost?

DIY approach: $8,000-15,000+ (research, documents, translations, legal fees) plus enormous time investment and lower success rate

CitizenX full service: $25,000 (complete eligibility assessment, all Polish and foreign document research and retrieval, authentication and translation coordination, legal representation, application management, and support until passport receipt)

What documents do I need to get started?

Initial documents:

  • Your passport and ID card
  • Your birth certificate
  • Proof of marital status
  • Any family documents about Polish ancestry (old photos, immigration papers, etc.)

For your application:

  • Polish ancestor's Polish documents (birth, marriage, residence records)
  • Birth certificates for each generation connecting you to your Polish ancestor
  • Marriage certificates for each marriage in your direct line
  • Death certificates for deceased ancestors
  • Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization
  • All documents apostilled and translated to Polish by sworn translators

Is the process really online/no presence required?

Yes. As CitizenX notes, this is a 100% online process with no presence required in Poland. The entire citizenship confirmation process can be completed from abroad through:

  • Document submission to Polish consulate in your country
  • Remote processing by Polish authorities
  • Communication through your legal representative

You do not need to travel to Poland for the citizenship confirmation process, though you may wish to visit Poland to collect your passport or experience your ancestral homeland.