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 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
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
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!
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?
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?
