The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent - Steps 7 to 14: How Can I Get a Polish Passport?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step 7
What are the Fees for Your Services at PolandPassport.com?

Step 8
Are there Tax Consequences from Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 9
Can Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help Me with My Education?

Step 10
What are your most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 11
Can Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help My Family Legacy?

Step 12
What are Some Guidelines in Procuring the Documents that I need to Obtain Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 13
What are some Fun Facts about obtaining Polish citizenship?

Step 14
Who are the people behind PolandPassport.com?

See the other Steps of our Series:

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Step 1 and Step 2:  Getting Started

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6: Sorting Out the Details and Process

If you have any additional questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to reach out to us via email. We will evaluate your case individually and inform you of your chances of success. There is no obligation to proceed with our services and we only charge for successful outcomes. We will evaluate your personal situation at no cost and with the highest level of confidentiality.

We pride ourselves on being dedicated advocates for our clients and providing a concierge level of customer service. The journey to obtaining Polish citizenship through descent is made easier with the help of a partner like PolandPassport.com.

Neil S. Kaplan, CEO and Founder
PolandPassport.com
Los Angeles, Warsaw, Lodz
neilkaplan@polandpassport.com
January 2023

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Step 7: What are the Fees for Your Services at PolandPassport.com?

The cost of our services varies depending on the complexity of the case. We will conduct an assessment and provide a fixed, specific price that will not change. We also offer discounts for siblings, children, and other family members as it is more efficient for us to handle multiple cases from the same family at the same time.

As every situation is unique, we will evaluate your case individually and inform you of your chances of success at no cost. There is no obligation to proceed with our services.

Step 8: Are there Tax Consequences from Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent?

It is important to note that we are not tax attorneys and do not provide tax advice.

For specific information related to your circumstances, it is recommended to seek the guidance of a tax professional.

For U.S. citizens, there are usually no tax implications related to obtaining Polish citizenship unless you begin working in the EU.

Polish citizens living outside of Poland and not working in Poland are typically not required to pay Polish taxes.

To sum up the official statement from Poland, if Poland is not your primary residence (meaning your family does not reside here and you spend less than 183 days in the country in a calendar year), you do not have tax residency and therefore have no tax obligations. However, if you do earn income in Poland, you would be required to pay taxes on that income only.

Here is the citation from Polish law.

dana osoba fizyczna nie posiada w Polsce centrum interesów osobistych lub gospodarczych (ośrodka interesów życiowych) i

- przebywa na terytorium Polski nie więcej niż 183 dni w roku podatkowym (rozumianym jako rok kalendarzowy),

wówczas nie jest rezydentem i zapłaci w Polsce podatek wyłącznie od dochodów uzyskanych na terytorium Polski.Nie będzie natomiast zobowiązana do zapłacenia w Polsce podatku od dochodów zagranicznych.

Natomiast osoba nie posiadająca w Polsce swego ośrodka interesów osobistych ani gospodarczych i nie przebywająca w kraju więcej niż 183 dni w roku podatkowym, nie jest uznawana za polskiego rezydenta podatkowego i na terytorium Polski nie ciąży na niej żaden obowiązek podatkowy z tytułu dochodów uzyskanych w innych krajach.

Step 9: Can Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help Me with My Education?

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE:

For those with young children, planning to have children, or with grandchildren, obtaining Polish citizenship and an EU passport can open the door to free or low-cost education for future generations in Europe.

Benefits include:

• Free university education in a number of European countries.

• Subsidized tuition rates at prestigious universities.

• Access to scholarships exclusive to EU citizens.

• Lower tuition costs for medical and law schools at top-ranked universities.

• With Polish citizenship, you and your children will have the opportunity to study in Europe and pay the same tuition rates as EU citizens at European universities. Many universities in Europe offer free education to EU citizens.

Step 10: What are your most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Does it matter where I live?

No.

Is it possible to hold dual citizenship?

Many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Israel and New Zealand allow you to have dual or multiple citizenships.

Must I renounce my current citizenship?

It is generally the case that holding dual citizenship will not impact your current citizenship, however, it is important to verify this with your local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations.

Can I live and work in other EU countries?

Yes. Having a Polish passport is like having a passport to any EU country, allowing you to live and work anywhere in the EU.

What countries are in the EU?

Member countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden. Passports issued in those countries are EU passports.

What about security clearance in my home country?

We are not qualified to answer this question.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that confirms the authenticity of a document's signature, seal, or stamp, and verifies that the document is a true and accurate copy of the original. It is used to legalize a document for use in a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Convention of 1961. This convention established the apostille as a means of simplifying the legalization process for documents to be used in another country. Once an apostille is affixed to a document, it is considered legal and valid for use in any other country that is a member of the Hague Convention. The apostille is affixed by a designated government authority, such as a Secretary of State or a Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Does Poland have a requirement for military service or draft registration?

No.

Step 11: Can Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help My Family Legacy?

The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

Becoming a Polish citizen means passing on Polish citizenship to your children and their children, creating a gift that continues for generations. With Polish dual citizenship, you and your family have the freedom to live and work unrestricted in the European Union, without needing a work visa or sponsorship. Experience the benefits of European Citizenship for yourself and future generations.

Step 12: What are Some Guidelines in Procuring the Documents that I need to Obtain Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Creating a family tree is a great way to understand your family history and relationships. To start, write down your own name, birth date, place of birth, parents, and spouse's information (if married, including date and place of marriage, and names and birth dates of children). Then, continue with your parents, grandparents and so on.

There are several ways to create a family tree, including using software packages, online templates, a spreadsheet or even drawing it by hand. In addition to basic details, consider adding notes on education, profession and interesting stories. Old photos, letters, and records can also provide valuable information such as dates and names. Be sure to check envelopes and inscriptions on the backs of photos, as well as birth, marriage, death certificates, naturalization certificates, army registrations and travel documents.

Step 13: What are some Fun Facts about obtaining Polish citizenship?

1. In the most recent EU elections, over 2,000 EU citizens stood as candidates in the member state where they resided without having the nationality of that state.

2. Over 14 million EU citizens reside in another member state and have the ability to live, work or study anywhere in the EU through free movement.

3. Erasmus+ allows for over 4 million European students to have education or training experiences abroad in the next 5 years.

4. EU citizens have comprehensive passenger rights when travelling by air, rail, ship or bus, including compensation in certain circumstances of cancellation or delay.

5. EU citizens have extra protection when buying package holidays, including rights to cancellation without penalties and protection if a tour operator or airline goes bankrupt.

6. EU citizens can seek help from any EU member state's consulate or embassy when travelling to a non-EU country and their home country is not represented. EU member states are also obligated to help citizens of other member states leave a country in crisis situations.

7. The European Direct Contact Centre and Direct Information Centres are available to answer EU-related questions by email or phone, or in person.

8. EU citizens can vote and be a candidate in European Parliament elections in the EU country where they reside under the same conditions as the nationals of that country.

9. EU citizens can vote and be a candidate in national elections in the EU country where they reside under the same conditions as the nationals of that country.

10. In 14 member states, an EU citizen may become the mayor of the municipality where they reside without being a national of that country.

11. The website "Your Europe" provides practical information and rights for EU citizens when moving, living, studying, training, working, shopping or travelling abroad.

12. The EU emergency number 112 can be dialed free from any mobile or landline phone in the EU, with operators speaking a variety of languages to connect you to the appropriate emergency service.

Step 14: Who are the people behind PolandPassport.com?

Neil S. Kaplan, CEO and Founder of PolandPassport.com, is a reputable senior executive based in Los Angeles known for his honesty and hard work.

His professional background includes work at Bain and Company, the Los Angeles Times, Universal Studios and multiple startups.

With personal experience in successfully obtaining Polish citizenship for his family, including four of his children, Neil understands the process and its rewards.

His goal is to assist individuals of Polish descent from various countries in receiving Polish citizenship and an EU passport.

PolandPassport.com has a legal team based in Warsaw with experience in planning citizenship applications, researchers throughout Poland to locate necessary archival documents, attorneys to defend applications in Poland, and document specialists to assist in tracking down the documents needed to complete the ancestry link between the applicant and their Polish ancestor.

How much do you charge?

The cost of the process varies based on the complexity of each case. We provide individualized pricing for each client.

If you have a clear understanding of your family history and have access to supporting documentation, such as Polish passports, birth certificates, army records, and other historical documents, we can provide a comprehensive, non-binding quote for the process.

Why should I trust you with my information?

We have strict procedures in place to assure your personal information and documents are treated in confidence. We never share information with anyone unless expressly authorized by our clients. Our privacy policy is comprehensive.

Where are you located and what is your phone number and email address?

Our US Headquarters is in Torrance, California (near Los Angeles). We have a team of researchers and attorneys in Warsaw, Poland. Our phone number is +1 424 307 4079. Contact us at info@polandpassport.com

If you are not sure if you qualify for Poland citizenship by Descent, take our short quiz. We will evaluate for you free of charge. Your Polish passport may be closer than you think!

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See the other Steps of our Series:

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Step 1 and Step 2: Getting Started

Step 1
What are the Rewards and Plusses of Polish Citizenship?

Step 2
What are the Qualifications for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6: Sorting Out the Details and Process

Step 3
Polish Citizenship by Descent - How do I Apply?

Step 4
How Do I Get My Passport After Becoming a Citizen?

Step 5
What are My Options if I don’t Qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 6
How Does PolandPassport.com Help Me in Acquiring Polish Citizenship by Descent?

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent - Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6: Sorting Out the Details and Process

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Step 3
Polish Citizenship by Descent - How do I Apply?

Step 4 
How Do I Get My Passport After Becoming a Citizen?

Step 5
Are there other ways of gaining Poland Citizenship if you do not qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 6
How Does PolandPassport.com Help Me in Acquiring Polish Citizenship by Descent?

See the other Steps of our Series:

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Step 1 and Step 2:  Getting Started

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 7 to 14:  How Can I Get a Polish Passport?

For those questions that are not covered here, please send me an email.  We will assess your situation individually and will inform you of your chances of success. There is no obligation on your Step to proceed with any of our services.  We only charge our clients for successful outcomes and always will evaluate your personal situation without obligation or cost and with the utmost in confidentiality.

We are known as passionate advocates for our clients and we deliver ‘concierge’ level of customer care.  The quest for Poland citizenship by descent is easier when you can count on Partners like PolandPassport.com to help!

Neil S. Kaplan, CEO and Founder
PolandPassport.com
Los Angeles, Warsaw, Lodz
neilkaplan@polandpassport.com
January 2023

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Step 3: Polish Citizenship by Descent - How do I Apply?

In order to confirm Polish citizenship, you must provide evidence that your ancestor had Polish citizenship. Each applicant (or family) typically will need to do a search in the Polish archives. There are multiple archives. Some geographically based, others containing immigration records or military service records. Managing these archival searches are challenging if you live outside Poland and/or don’t speak Polish.

Foreign documents are NOT considered proof of citizenship. Only documents created originally in Poland are sufficient. This is a frequent area of misconception. For example, your US naturalization document that says you were from Poland has no legal standing in a Polish legal proceeding. (There are exceptions for areas such as Ukraine or Belarus in areas that used to be Poland.)

The majority of our clients need additional original documents from the Polish archives beyond what they have in order to prove their case. (We do this work as part of our service.)

All foreign documents (such as birth and marriage certificates) must be translated into Polish by a translator with special approval from the Polish government. This is another area of misconception as you need a translator on the official ‘list.’

It is required that you have a physical representative in Poland during this process.

The citizenship application must be then filled out in Polish and must prove provenance between your Polish ancestor and each and every person applying for citizenship by descent.

Typically, we defend the application before the Governor's Office in Warsaw which must pass the burden of proof that citizenship wasn't lost or renounced by any family member along the hereditary chain including the ancestor. There are multiple rules relating to loss of citizenship and they are complicated. Showing proof that an applicant never gave up their citizenship is often the longest part of the process - especially in larger countries (i.e., US and Canada) that have many geographically dispersed consulates.

A complex case will sometimes require meetings at the Governor's office and a variety of legal motions. The best course of action is to prepare a case thoroughly and precisely such that follow up questions are minimal. This area is often the source of long delays for incomplete or poorly prepared cases.

When all goes well, the applicant(s) receive a formal citizenship declaration which is a physical document issued by the Polish government.

After this decision is issued, our new citizen must apply for a Polish version of vital records to be issued by Polish Civil Records Office (i.e., a Polish birth certificate and marriage certificate). This part of the process is often overlooked and is critical. Mistakes in application or inconsistencies in these documents may lead to inability to obtain your passport and get you caught in an endless bureaucratic loop. Most often we see very specific spelling issues that cause rework.

You must note that you cannot apply for a Polish passport without Polish Civil records.

We talk to extremely frustrated people who actually have been declared citizens but cannot obtain passports. We have deep knowledge here.

At the end of the process, passport forms must be filled out in Polish, and you must appear in person at a consulate with an application fee (preferably in cash in your local currency) to order to your passport. This will take another couple of months to receive your passport.

Assisting our clients through this complex process is our superpower. PolandPassport.com is renowned for the impeccable quality of our legal work in Poland and our commitment to our clients.

How long does it take to obtain Polish citizenship by descent?

Obtaining confirmation of citizenship can take approximately a year, depending on the availability and completeness of the required documents. The process can take longer or shorter depending on the need for additional research or documentation. Due to the recent Brexit developments, the waiting period has increased considerably. It is important to be aware that the timeline for individual cases can vary greatly. Be cautious of any individual or organization that promises expedited processing.

Is it required to go to Poland to obtain Polish citizen by descent?

If you are eligible for Polish citizenship through descent, there is no need to fulfill a residency requirement nor will you be required to travel to Poland at any point during or after the process.

Can I do the work myself and not need help from you to help in obtaining Polish citizenship by descent?

It is possible to complete the process on your own by visiting your local consulate. However, the process can be difficult and time-consuming, as it involves navigating Polish laws, regulations, and bureaucracy.

For instance, there are many potential pitfalls and complications that can cause errors and delays. A large number of clients seek assistance from our firm after attempting to handle the process independently and facing challenges.

Step 4: How Can I Obtain My Passport After Becoming a Citizen?

A successful applicant will receive a formal citizenship declaration, which serves as physical proof of citizenship.

It is important to note that after citizenship is confirmed, the individual must apply for Polish vital records, such as a birth certificate and marriage certificate, from the Polish Civil Records Office. This step is often overlooked but is crucial as mistakes or inconsistencies in these documents can prevent the individual from obtaining a Polish passport. This is a necessary step in order to obtain a Polish passport and it is not possible to apply for a passport without having these documents.

We have encountered many instances where individuals have been declared citizens but have been unable to obtain a passport due to complexities in the process of obtaining these vital records. Our firm has extensive knowledge and expertise in this area to assist individuals in navigating the process.

To apply for a Polish passport, one must be a citizen of Poland, have their birth certificate registered in Poland, and possess a PESEL number (a Polish identification number similar to the US Social Security number). Once citizenship is confirmed, the individual can then fill out the passport application in Polish and submit it to a Polish consulate or embassy.

We help our clients through this process in a structured and detailed way.

Typically, obtaining a Polish passport requires two visits to a Polish consulate or embassy. The process begins with submitting the application in person, during which fingerprints are taken. The second visit is to pick up the issued passport. Some consulates offer the option of having the passport delivered via registered mail instead of having a second appointment, but this option may come with an additional fee. It is important to inquire if this option is available at your specific consulate.

Are there different types of Polish passports?

Polish passports are valid for a period of 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. They allow for expedited entry and exit at airports within the EU, making travel more convenient.

In case of an emergency, an individual can apply for a temporary Polish passport, which is valid for 12 months and can be issued by a local Polish consulate. In situations of urgency, the interim passport can be issued within a 24-hour time frame.

What is the process for applying for a Polish passport for my child?

Obtaining a Polish passport for a child also requires the child to go through the process of being declared a citizen. This is not a given and must be done separately.

Both parents must be present when submitting the passport application, unless there is a court order limiting one of the parent's authority. In case of complex situations, it is advisable to seek assistance from us.

How long does it take to get a Polish passport after obtaining Polish citizenship?

Typical processing time is around 2 months but can vary.

Step 5: Do I have options if I don’t Qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

If you do not qualify for Polish citizenship through descent, there is an alternative option known as "Granting," in which you can appeal directly to the President of Poland for an exemption. The President of Poland has the discretion to grant Polish citizenship to any foreigner.

The Granting procedure has minimal requirements, but it is necessary to provide a few documents. It's important to note that the application must be completed in Polish and all the accompanying documents, such as your birth certificate, must be translated or transcribed into Polish by an accredited translator. The chances of obtaining citizenship through the Granting process are difficult to predict as the President of Poland is not obliged to grant citizenship to anyone. A well-prepared and professionally done case has the highest likelihood of success.

PolandPassport.com handles some of these applications on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in learning more about this process, please contact us.

Step 6: Can PolandPassport.com Help in Acquiring Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Our company assists clients in acquiring Polish citizenship through descent and guides them through the process of getting their passports.

Tell me how the PolandPassport.com process works?

Here is an overview of the process:

We will evaluate your individual case and determine your eligibility for Polish citizenship. You are under no obligation to proceed with our services.

We will ask you to fill out a short qualification quiz on our website, providing us with basic information about yourself and your family. We will then use this information to assess your eligibility and the likelihood of success.

After our evaluation, we will send you an email with our assessment and an explanation of our services. We may also ask for additional information. Again, there is no obligation to proceed.

If you choose to proceed with our services, we will guide you through the complicated process and help make the process of obtaining Polish citizenship as smooth as possible.

Please note that about 90% of our clients need to provide additional, original documents from Polish archives in order to prove their eligibility for citizenship.

Do you only work with clients from outside the USA?

We have clients worldwide.

Is it possible for me to do this on my own?

When attempting to obtain Polish citizenship on your own, there are several challenges you may encounter. Around 20% of our clients are 'do-it-yourself' returnees.

One issue is the need for assistance from a Polish consulate or embassy and someone in Poland, as well as various fees throughout the process, which are included in our fees.

Another issue is that local consulates and embassies often send applications back to Poland for review through diplomatic mail, which can result in delays and uncertainty regarding the progress of the application.

Additionally, you may need to have a representative in Poland to receive correspondence in case the Governor's Office requests additional documents or clarification. This happens frequently and can cause prolonged delays.

Consulates and embassies can also have varying knowledge and experience with citizenship law, and incorrect or conflicting information may be provided.

Obtaining confirmation of citizenship is not sufficient to obtain a passport. You must also go through the process of transcribing your birth certificate in the Polish Civil Records office, which is included in our fees.

Timing can also be an issue in this process as it can take a long time for the document to reach Poland through the consulate, and if there are any doubts or questions, you would have to wait for the Civil Records office to contact your representative.

Our process is typically faster as we have a team in Warsaw that visits the Governor's office weekly, and our Los Angeles office is conveniently located near a consulate, which we visit multiple times each month.

Our team includes legal experts to plan your application, researchers to locate necessary archival documents, attorneys to defend your application in Poland, and document specialists to help track down the necessary documents to prove the ancestry link between you and your Polish ancestor. Many of these functions cannot be performed by consulates or embassies.

Do you think you might qualify for Poland citizenship by Descent? Take our quiz. We will evaluate for you free. Your Polish passport may be closer than you think!

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See the other Steps of our Series:

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Step 1 and Step 2: Getting Started

Step 1
What are the Rewards and Plusses of Polish Citizenship?

Step 2
What are the Qualifications for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 7 to 14:  How Can I Get a Polish Passport?

Step 7
What are the Fees for Your Services at PolandPassport.com?

Step 8
Are there Tax Consequences from Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 9
Can Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help Me with My Education?

Step 10
What are your most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 11
Can Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help My Family Legacy?

Step 12
What are Some Guidelines in Procuring the Documents that I need to Obtain Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 13
What are some Fun Facts about obtaining Polish citizenship?

Step 14
Who are the people behind PolandPassport.com?

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent - Step 1 and 2: Getting Started

Would you like to live, study and/or work in 26 European countries?

Would you like to send your kids and grandkids to European college or university for little or no cost?

How about a summer or full-time job for your kids in Europe?

How about never again waiting in a European passport queue?

Would you like visa free access to 128 countries including the USA?

If you have a Polish background, you may already be a Polish citizen and qualify for a Polish passport.

A Polish passport allows you to work, live, study or even retire and study in every country in the European Union. 

The process of confirming your Polish citizenship and obtaining a Polish passport is complicated.  Since 2016, PolandPassport.com has been helping our clients from all over the world confirm Polish citizenship and qualify for a Polish passport.  We are proud to help our clients in obtaining a citizenship confirmation that changes lives.

This is The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent which contains much of what you need to know to begin the process to acquire Polish citizenship by descent.

Do you qualify? Take our quiz. We will evaluate your case free of charge.
Get started →

If you qualify, helping you through this process is our job.  Almost 80% of our clients need additional original, documents from the Polish archives in addition to what they have.  We help find these documents to prove your case.

We at PolandPassport.com are known for impeccable legal work in Poland and our commitment to our clients who are from all over the world. 

For questions not covered here, contact us. We will assess your situation for free and predict your chances of succeeding. There is never obligation to proceed with our services. We only charge our clients for successful outcomes.  Of course, we proceed with the utmost in confidentiality.

Neil Kaplan, CEO and Founder
PolandPassport.com
Los Angeles Warsaw Lodz
neilkaplan@polandpassport.com
January 2023

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Table of Contents

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Step 1 and Step 2:  Getting Started

Step 1
What are the Rewards and Plusses of Polish Citizenship?

Step 2
What are the Qualifications for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

See the other Steps of our Series:

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6: Sorting Out the Details and Process

Step 3
Polish Citizenship by Descent - How do I Apply?

Step 4
How Do I Get My Passport After Becoming a Citizen?

Step 5
What are My Options if I don’t Qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 6
How Does PolandPassport.com Help Me in Acquiring Polish Citizenship by Descent?

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 7 to 14:  How Can I Get a Polish Passport?

Step 7
What are the Fees for Your Services at PolandPassport.com?

Step 8
Are there Tax Consequences from Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 9
Can Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help Me with My Education?

Step 10
What are your most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 11
Can Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help My Family Legacy?

Step 12
What are Some Guidelines in Procuring the Documents that I need to Obtain Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 13
What are some Fun Facts about obtaining Polish citizenship?

Step 14
Who are the people behind PolandPassport.com?

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Step 1: What are the Rewards and Plusses of Polish Citizenship?

Your Polish passport is your entry into the European Union. You will work, live, retire and study anywhere in the European Union with no limitations.

Ten advantages in obtaining Polish citizenship by descent:

1. Give citizenship to your kids and their children.

2. Work and residential rights in EVERY EU country.

3. Visa free access to 128 countries including the US.

4. Low cost (often free) college education for you, your children and grandchildren.

5. Working for companies doing business in the EU will see your Polish passport as a significant advantage.

6. Qualify for jobs ineligible for non-EU citizens.

7. Purchase property in EVERY EU country.

8. Gain access to affordable (or even free) healthcare.

9. Social benefits for EU citizens include social security, healthcare, unemployment, pension and retirement benefits.

10. Financing and investment incentives typically available for startup businesses.

Are there Financial Plusses in obtaining Polish citizenship by descent?

You will have access to banking, mortgages, and investment incentives reserved for EU citizens.

How about international banking?  

As an EU citizen you’ll have access to financial institutions in many countries including Switzerland and Monaco.

Can I purchase property?

You can freely buy property in all 27 EU member states. This is very difficult for foreigners.

Step 2: What are the Qualifications for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

You already know that EU citizenship allows you to reside, study, own property and gain employment in all European Union countries.

If you gain Polish citizenship, you are a citizen of the EU.

With Polish ancestry, you can apply to have your Polish citizenship confirmed, provided you meet eligibility rules.  You then apply for your Polish passport.

Confirmation of Polish citizenship occurs after the Polish government issues a Citizenship decision on your behalf.  Those not born in Poland typically needs to check their Polish citizenship status (whether or not they still hold Polish citizenship).

How do I know if I qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

While the rules can be quite complex, here is a simplified summary. There are other use cases but this method is most common.

First, you need to have at least one Polish ancestor. They need to have been born in Poland (or an area that used to be defined as Poland) and lived there after 1920. You will need to prove, at a minimum, that your ancestor was a Polish citizen after 1920.

Proving citizenship provenance of your Polish ancestor is done in a variety of ways – most frequently through finding original, Polish documents related to birth, marriage, voting records or a significant number of alternative methods.  Many of our clients start by having at least some of these documents:  old passports, birth records, marriage records and Polish army documents.  Our research team are quite familiar with archives in dozens of cities and towns. They get to work to ‘fill in the gaps.’  About 80% of our clients need some additional, original documents from the Polish archives beyond what they have in order to prove their case.

There are twists, turns and complications in Polish citizenship law and there are many ways that you can be disqualified including service in a foreign military, holding public office outside of Poland, adoption and many others.

As just a single example, you will need to provide evidence that your ancestor did not lose citizenship by holding public office. For example, if she was a teacher, or public official, or any number of jobs that may be publicly funded outside of Poland- this could possibly disqualify your ancestor.  This is one of many exceptions.

You must prove an unbroken ‘chain’ to your Polish citizen ancestor.  Building this unbroken chain with original, Polish documents is your key to proving your citizenship.  

Helping our clients through this complex process is what we do.

If you have Polish ancestors but if you are not sure if you qualify: Take our quiz about your background.  We will evaluate for you free of charge: https://www.polandpassport.com/take-the-citizenship-quiz

If you do qualify, helping our clients through this complex process is our reason for being. We are well known for the impeccable quality of our legal work in Poland and our ‘concierge’ customer care.  We have clients in over a dozen countries.

Is there a limit of generations that I can ‘look back’ to qualify for Polish citizenship?

No.  Any direct line can qualify as long as there are records confirming citizenship after 1920.

Is having a Polish birth certificate from a grandparent enough to prove Polish citizenship?

No. This is a frequent area of misunderstanding.  Just being born in Poland or having a Polish birth certificate alone does not prove citizenship. US law, for example, is very different.  If you do have that birth certificate, though, it is an excellent start, so hold onto that Polish birth certificate. It will certainly help.

My spouse is Polish, can I qualify for Polish citizenship?

No. Polish citizenship is not acquired through marriage. You can reside in very EU country with your spouse with the same rights. Your children, however, will typically qualify subject to some important exceptions.

If I apply for Polish citizenship, can my children or grandchildren apply for Polish citizenship as well?

If your children (or grandchildren) are minors under 18, their applications can be submitted for all members of the family concurrently.   Each application must be completed and will be resolved based on the decision of the direct ancestor.

That means that a single mistake in any one of the applications will affect all the other applications and typically will cause all of them to be rejected.

Applying for all family members concurrently makes the process faster and more efficient but requires a lot of experience and precision.

Please note that it’s generally ok to ‘skip’ a generation.  For example, if you qualify from a grandparent, your father does NOT need to apply for himself.

Subsequent to gaining citizenship, every person will need to individually apply for passports.

There are complications for children subject to these circumstances:

Adoption: Adopted children in many cases cannot claim a right to Polish citizenship through descent.  Those cases have to be individually evaluated.  We specialize in this type of evaluation.

Children born out of wedlock: Rules regarding citizenship for children whose parents never married are extremely complicated and are beyond the scope of this document. 

If you fall into either of these cases, there may be more options available to you: Please contact us at info@polandpassport.com and we will professionally evaluate your details.

Can other family members apply with me for Polish citizenship? Can I use the same application?

Every living family member in a direct line between you and your Polish ancestor are likely eligible.

Are you are married or have dependents?  Your spouse can get a residence permit to live with you and likely qualifies for work permits as well in another EU jurisdiction. You and your children are eligible for citizenship.

Applying with siblings or cousins is often an efficient idea. You only need one set of ‘original’ documents.

Do I need to speak Polish to become a citizen?

Thankfully, no. It is not necessary to speak Polish to claim Polish citizenship.  There is no requirement to speak Polish, however, if you decide to prepare a citizenship application on your own without help - you will need a very advanced level of Polish, as the whole legal process is carried out in Polish.

Are there any residency requirements to become a Polish citizen?

No. A citizen by ancestry has no residency requirement.

Can I apply for Polish citizenship by myself in English?

Applications must be submitted solely in Polish. Official documents, application forms, statements and archival records must be translated into Polish by a translator with special accreditation by the Polish government.  It’s easy to go down the wrong path here and it can be a real source of frustration.

If you are not sure if you qualify for Polish citizenship by Descent, take our quiz. All evaluations are free of charge.

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See the other Steps of our Series:

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6: Sorting Out the Details and Process

Step 3
Polish Citizenship by Descent - How do I Apply?

Step 4
How Do I Get My Passport After Becoming a Citizen?

Step 5
What are My Options if I don’t Qualify for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 6
How Does PolandPassport.com Help Me in Acquiring Polish Citizenship by Descent?

The 2023 Roadmap to Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent
Steps 7 to 14:  How Can I Get a Polish Passport?

Step 7
What are the Fees for Your Services at PolandPassport.com?

Step 8
Are there Tax Consequences from Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 9
Can Gaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help Me with My Education?

Step 10
What are your most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 11
Can Obtaining Polish Citizenship by Descent Help My Family Legacy?

Step 12
What are Some Guidelines in Procuring the Documents that I need to Obtain Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Step 13
What are some Fun Facts about obtaining Polish citizenship?

Step 14
Who are the people behind PolandPassport.com?