In the face of dynamic changes and close Polish-Ukrainian relations, many citizens of Ukraine residing in Poland consider obtaining Polish citizenship. A Polish passport opens the door to full civil rights in Poland and the European Union. Although procedures are defined by general regulations concerning foreigners, it’s worth knowing the available paths and specific conditions that may apply to Ukrainian citizens, including those under temporary protection (UKR status).
Introduction: the path to polish citizenship for citizens of Ukraine
Obtaining Polish citizenship is an important decision and often a lengthy process. For citizens of Ukraine, just like for other foreigners, Polish law provides several main routes to acquire it. Choosing the appropriate path depends on individual circumstances, history of stay in Poland, family ties, and sometimes, having Polish roots. It should be noted that holding UKR status (temporary protection) itself does not directly lead to citizenship but can be an important stage towards regulating residence, which may enable applying for a Polish passport in the future.
Main ways to obtain citizenship – what to choose?
Citizens of Ukraine can primarily apply for Polish citizenship through:
Recognition as a Polish Citizen – The Most Common Path for Residents
This is an administrative procedure conducted by the Voivode, based on meeting specific statutory conditions. The most important ones include:
- Sufficiently long, legal, and continuous residence in Poland: The required period depends on the grounds (e.g., 3 years on permanent/EU LTR permit for a spouse of a Pole; other periods for those on permanent/EU LTR permits based on other titles – often min. 3 years; 10 years generally).
- Possession of a stable residence permit: It is crucial to hold a permanent residence permit or an EU long-term resident permit before applying for recognition as a citizen.
- Confirmed knowledge of the Polish language: An official certificate at the B1 level or an exempting document (e.g., Polish school diploma) is required.
- Stable source of income and legal title to accommodation.
- Not posing a security threat.
Granting by the President of Poland – An Individual Option
The President of Poland can grant citizenship to any foreigner upon their application. This is a discretionary path; there are no strict requirements regarding length of stay or language proficiency. Individual circumstances, special merits, important reasons are considered. This might be an option for those who do not meet the conditions for recognition but have strong ties to Poland or exceptional circumstances. However, the process is less predictable.
Confirmation of Citizenship (Descent) – If You Have Polish Roots
For many Ukrainians with Polish roots, this is a very important pathway. It is not acquisition but confirmation that the person already is a Polish citizen by law due to Polish ancestry (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents). It requires proving the ancestors’ Polish citizenship and its uninterrupted transmission according to historical regulations.
Restoration of Citizenship (For former citizens)
This applies to individuals who previously held Polish citizenship but lost it before January 1, 1999, under specific laws.
UKR status (temporary protection) and the path to citizenship
It’s important to understand the role of the UKR status:
- Temporary protection (UKR status) itself is NOT a basis for applying for Polish citizenship.
- However, it provides legal stay and access to the labor market, allowing one to build a residence and work history in Poland.
- Time spent under temporary protection may be counted (according to current regulations and interpretations – always verify!) towards the period required to obtain an EU long-term resident permit. Obtaining such a permit (or a permanent residence permit on other grounds) is often a necessary intermediate step before one can apply for recognition as a Polish citizen.
Necessary documents – prepare carefully
The list of documents depends on the chosen path. A valid passport, photos, completed application form, and fee are always needed. Additionally:
- For Recognition: Permanent/EU LTR card, B1 language certificate (or exemption doc), proof of income and accommodation, marriage certificate (if applicable), etc.
- For Confirmation: Applicant’s and Polish ancestors’ vital records (birth, marriage certificates), documents proving ancestors’ Polish citizenship (e.g., old Polish IDs, passports, certificates).
- For Granting: Any documents supporting the request (CV, proof of ties to Poland, achievements, recommendation letters).
All foreign-language documents must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator. Official documents from Ukraine usually require an Apostille clause.
The procedure in brief – Where to apply and what to expect?
- Applications for recognition and confirmation are submitted to the Voivode competent for the place of residence (or via Consul if residing abroad).
- Applications for granting by the President are submitted via the Voivode or Consul.
- Applications for restoration are submitted to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration (via Voivode or Consul).
- Waiting times vary, from several months to over a year, depending on the case type and office workload. An interview with the applicant may be conducted in some cases (e.g., for recognition).
Iryna’s story: from temporary protection to citizenship (a future plan)
Iryna came to Poland after February 2022 and obtained UKR status. She started working legally. After 3 years of continuous residence and work, she applied for and received a temporary residence and work permit. She diligently learned Polish. Assuming the regulations allow counting part of her stay under UKR towards the period required for an EU LTR permit, after a total of 5 years of legal residence, holding a stable job, insurance, and having passed the B1 exam, Iryna plans to apply for an EU long-term resident permit. Only after obtaining this status and fulfilling any additional residence requirements on this card might she be able to apply for recognition as a Polish citizen. This illustrates that the path from temporary protection to citizenship is multi-staged.
Summary: citizenship requires time and meeting conditions
Obtaining Polish citizenship as a Ukrainian citizen is a possible process but requires meeting specific legal conditions, patience, and careful preparation. Temporary protection status is important support but serves more as a starting point for further residence legalization, which may eventually lead to citizenship.
Are you a citizen of Ukraine thinking about obtaining Polish citizenship? Want to find out which path is most suitable for you and what exact conditions you must meet? Need help gathering documents, including archival ones concerning ancestors, or preparing for the language exam? Contact our law firm. We offer specialized legal assistance for Ukrainian citizens in residence and citizenship matters.
