Do you already hold a permanent residence permit in Poland and feel at home here? Congratulations, that’s a huge step towards full stabilization! For many individuals holding this status, obtaining Polish citizenship becomes the natural next goal. It grants the full rights and privileges available only to citizens. If you’re wondering how to navigate this path, this article is for you. We explain who exactly can apply for citizenship and under what conditions, given they already have a permanent residence card.
Introduction: from permanent residence to citizenship – A natural progression?
Holding a permanent residence permit is proof of strong ties with Poland and a significant level of integration. It grants the right to live indefinitely and work without additional permits. However, it is Polish citizenship that opens the door to the full spectrum of civil rights, including voting rights and the possibility of holding a Polish passport. For many permanent residence holders, applying for citizenship is the natural culmination of their journey in Poland.
Why apply for citizenship when you already have permanent residence?
Although permanent residence offers great stability, citizenship provides additional, significant benefits:
- Full political rights: The right to vote and run in national and European elections.
- Polish passport: One of the strongest passports globally, facilitating travel.
- European Union citizenship: Full right to move, settle, and work freely in other EU countries as an EU citizen.
- No need for card renewal (status-wise): While the permanent residence card needs renewal every 10 years, and a citizen’s ID card has a similar validity, the citizenship status itself is more permanent.
- A stronger sense of belonging: Formal confirmation of ties with Poland.
The recognition pathway: your key to citizenship based on permanent residence
For holders of a permanent residence permit, the main route to citizenship is recognition as a Polish citizen (uznanie za obywatela polskiego) by the Voivode. This procedure is based on meeting specific conditions set out in the Act on Polish Citizenship, particularly in Article 30, paragraph 1, point 7.
Do you meet the conditions? Check the list!
To be eligible to apply for recognition as a Polish citizen on this basis, you must meet all of the following conditions:
You Hold a Permanent Residence Permit – That’s the Basis
You must possess a valid permanent residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt stały) obtained under Polish national law.
3 Years of Continuous Residence on the “Permanent Card”
You must have resided in Poland legally and continuously for at least 3 years immediately prior to submitting the application, based specifically on the permanent residence permit you hold (or an EU long-term resident permit).
- Continuous residence: Means your departures from Poland during this 3-year period did not exceed 10 months in total, and no single departure was longer than 6 months (unless specific, justified circumstances occurred).
Polish Language at B1 – Don’t Forget the Certificate!
This is a very important requirement that some overlook! You must confirm your knowledge of the Polish language at at least the B1 level by presenting:
- A state certificate of proficiency in Polish as a foreign language, OR
- A diploma from graduating a school in Poland (primary, secondary, higher education with Polish as the language of instruction), OR
- A diploma from graduating a school abroad with Polish as the language of instruction. (There are few exceptions to this requirement).
Stable Life in Poland (Income, Housing)
You still need to demonstrate that you have:
- A stable and regular source of income in Poland.
- A legal title to the occupied residential premises (e.g., rental agreement, ownership).
Of course, your stay must not pose a threat to national security.
What does the citizenship application process look like?
Once you are sure you meet the conditions, you can proceed:
Application to the Voivode
The application for recognition as a Polish citizen is submitted to the Voivode competent for your place of residence.
Key Documents to Prepare NOW
Besides basic documents (application form, photos, passport, fee), you now need to gather evidence proving the new citizenship requirements:
- Copy of your valid permanent residence card.
- Documents confirming 3 years of continuous residence based on the permanent permit (e.g., certificates, address registration history).
- B1 Polish language certificate (or exemption document).
- Current documents confirming income source and housing.
- Birth certificate extract, marriage certificate extract (if applicable).
What to Expect Next (Interview, Waiting)
After submission, the office will verify the documents. You might be invited for an interview regarding your ties to Poland and knowledge about the country. The waiting time for a decision can range from several months to over a year.
Maria’s story: from marriage, through permanent residence, to citizenship
Maria married a Polish citizen and, after meeting the requirements (3 years of marriage, 2 years of residence on a temporary card due to marriage), obtained a permanent residence permit. She lived and worked in Poland continuously for the next 3.5 years based on this card. In the meantime, she passed the B1 Polish language exam. Having fulfilled the condition of 3 years of continuous residence on the permanent permit and other requirements, she applied for recognition as a Polish citizen. After her application was approved and she took the oath, she became a Polish citizen.
Summary: permanent residence is an important, but not final, stage
Holding a permanent residence card is already a significant step demonstrating your integration with Poland. If you meet the additional conditions, especially regarding the length of stay on this card and knowledge of the Polish language, you can apply for recognition as a citizen. This is the highest form of belonging to the Polish community.
Do you hold permanent residence and are considering applying for Polish citizenship? Want to ensure you meet all conditions, including continuous residence and language proficiency? We will help you prepare a complete application and support you throughout the entire procedure! Contact our law firm.
