Marrying a Polish citizen is, for many foreigners, a significant step not only in their personal lives but also on the path towards fuller integration into Polish society. Obtaining Polish citizenship often becomes a key goal. While marriage itself doesn’t automatically grant citizenship, it can significantly facilitate acquiring it through the process known as “recognition as a Polish citizen.” What conditions must be met, what does the procedure look like, and what can you expect?
Introduction: marriage as a path to citizenship – Is it really automatic?
It’s worth dispelling a common myth right away: marrying a Polish citizen does not mean automatically receiving Polish citizenship. However, it is one of the prerequisites that can enable a foreigner to apply for it through a simplified procedure – via recognition as a Polish citizen by the Voivode (regional governor). This is a different path than citizenship granted by the President of Poland, which is more discretionary. Here, we will focus on the recognition procedure.
Recognition as a polish citizen – Key requirements for spouses
For a Voivode to recognize a foreigner as a Polish citizen based on their marriage to a Pole, the following conditions must be met jointly:
Duration of Marriage and Residence in Poland
- The foreigner has been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years.
- The foreigner has been residing in Poland legally and continuously for at least 2 years immediately prior to submitting the application.
Stable Residence Status – A Necessary Condition
This two-year period of legal and continuous residence must be based on:
- A permanent residence permit (zezwolenie na pobyt stały) OR
- An EU long-term resident permit (zezwolenie na pobyt rezydenta długoterminowego Unii Europejskiej).
Note: A temporary residence permit, even if issued based on marriage, is generally not sufficient to directly apply for recognition as a citizen. One must first obtain one of the aforementioned higher-tier residence statuses (permanent or EU long-term resident).
Knowledge of the Polish Language – B1 Level
The foreigner must demonstrate knowledge of the Polish language confirmed by:
- An official certification of language proficiency at the B1 level, issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language, OR
- A school graduation certificate in Poland (e.g., primary school, secondary school, higher education with Polish as the language of instruction), OR
- A school graduation certificate from abroad with Polish as the language of instruction.
Other Important Conditions (Income, Security)
- Having a stable and regular source of income in Poland.
- Holding a legal title to the occupied residential premises (e.g., rental agreement, ownership deed).
- The foreigner must not pose a threat to national defense or security, or to public safety and order.
The application process – Step by step
If you meet the above conditions, you can start the application procedure.
Where to Submit the Application?
The application for recognition as a Polish citizen is submitted to the Voivode competent for the foreigner’s place of residence in Poland.
What Documents to Prepare?
The list of required documents is quite extensive and may vary slightly depending on the Voivodeship, but typically includes:
- Completed application form for recognition as a Polish citizen.
- Current biometric photographs.
- Abridged copy of the birth certificate (original + sworn translation if applicable).
- Abridged copy of the marriage certificate issued by a Polish Civil Registry Office (current).
- Copy of a valid foreign passport.
- Copy of the residence card (permanent or EU long-term resident).
- Document confirming knowledge of the Polish language (B1 certificate or relevant school diploma).
- Documents confirming a stable source of income (e.g., employment contract, salary certificate, tax return).
- Documents confirming legal title to the premises (e.g., rental agreement, ownership deed).
- Copy of the spouse’s Polish ID card or passport.
- Spouse’s declaration consenting to the processing of their personal data.
- Proof of payment of the application fee.
Always check the current list of documents on the website of the relevant Voivodeship Office!
What to expect after submitting the application?
After submitting a complete application, the administrative proceedings begin.
The Interview and Verification
The Voivode (or an authorized office employee) will likely conduct an interview with you. Questions may concern your life in Poland, your marriage, knowledge of the language, Polish culture and history, and your motivations for obtaining citizenship. Sometimes the spouse is also invited for the interview. The office will also request information about you from relevant services (Police, Internal Security Agency, Border Guard) regarding state security.
Waiting Time for the Decision
The proceedings for recognition as a Polish citizen can take from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the office’s workload. Be patient.
John’s story: the dream of a polish passport fulfilled
John, an American, married a Polish woman 5 years ago. He had been living in Poland for 4 years, initially on a temporary residence permit for a spouse. “I knew I wanted to stay here permanently and eventually apply for citizenship,” he shares. “First, I focused on getting permanent residence, which I managed after 3 years of marriage and residence. Simultaneously, I studied Polish intensively and passed the B1 exam. Only after having the permanent residence card and the language certificate did I apply for recognition as a citizen. The process took about 8 months; I had an interview at the office. When I received the positive decision, I felt immense joy and pride. It was the culmination of my journey.”
Summary: the path to citizenship requires preparation
Obtaining Polish citizenship through marriage via recognition is possible but requires meeting specific conditions regarding the length of marriage, stable residence in Poland (based on a permanent or EU long-term residence card), and knowledge of the Polish language. The process demands patience and careful preparation of documentation.
Have questions about the requirements or procedure? Want to check if you qualify to apply? Need help compiling documents or preparing for the interview? Contact our law firm. Our immigration specialists will help you navigate the process of applying for Polish citizenship.
