How to get Polish citizenship for a Ukrainian

How a Ukrainian Can Obtain Polish Citizenship

Obtaining Polish citizenship for Ukrainians can be a crucial step towards securing a stable future and new opportunities. There are several main pathways to obtain Polish citizenship, depending on personal circumstances and available documents:

• Citizenship by Descent (Repatriation): 
  Polish citizenship by descent can be obtained if a person has Polish ancestry. This means the applicant has Polish roots, for example, if their great-grandfather or grandmother were Polish. Documents proving Polish ancestry are required to confirm this fact.
• Pole's Card: 
  Obtaining Polish citizenship with a Pole's Card is a common route. The Pole's Card is issued to individuals who can prove their Polish descent and the preservation of Polish traditions. After receiving the Pole's Card, one can apply for Polish citizenship through the President of Poland.
• Permanent Residence: 
  If you have a permanent residence card or a residence card, after a certain period of living in Poland (usually 3-5 years), you can apply for Polish citizenship.
• Marriage to a Polish Citizen: 
  Polish citizenship through marriage can be obtained if you have been married to a Polish citizen for at least three years and have held a residence card for at least two years.
• Investments: 
  Polish citizenship by investment can be granted to individuals who have made significant investments in the Polish economy.

Application for Recognition as a Polish Citizen:

1. Completed in Polish on the official form.
2. Passport and other identification documents.
3. Documents proving Polish ancestry (for repatriation).
4. Pole's Card (if applicable).
5. Documents proving permanent residence in Poland.
6. Marriage certificate (for citizenship through marriage).
7. Investment proof (if applying for citizenship by investment).

Аdditional dokuments

• Biometric Photo: A color photograph measuring 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, taken within the last six months against a uniform light background. The photo must clearly show the eyes and face, without headgear or dark glasses. The gaze should be directed straight ahead, with open eyes and a closed mouth.
• Copies of All Pages of a Valid Document Confirming Identity and Citizenship: Foreign passport, travel document, or another EU document.
• Copy of Permanent Residence Card (or document confirming the right to permanent residence of an EU citizen).
• Copies of other passports or Naturalization Certificates (if multiple citizenships exist).
• Copy of permanent residence permit in Poland (or long-term EU resident status).
• Original current excerpt from the Birth Certificate issued by the Polish Civil Registry Office.
• Original current family status document not older than three months, issued by the Polish Civil Registry Office, such as a Marriage Certificate or Death Certificate of one spouse.

Copy of a Document Confirming Citizenship of a Spouse (if foreign):

Copies of Birth Certificates of Children: Together with their foreign or Polish documents proving their identity.

Certificate from the Population Registration Authority: Registration of residence and assignment of a PESEL number.

Timeframe for Reviewing a Polish Citizenship Application. The process of reviewing documents for obtaining Polish citizenship can take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the government authorities. On average, the processing time is between 6 to 12 months. However, in some cases, especially if additional documents or verifications are required, this timeframe may be extended.

Official Confirmation of Polish Language Proficiency:

1. Certificate of school completion in Poland.
2. Certificate of school completion abroad with instruction in Polish.
3. Certificate (at least level B1) issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Polish as a Foreign Language.

Biography

• Record of Dates of Entry and Exit from Poland (places of stay abroad during the periods specified in Article 30, Section 1 of the Polish Citizenship Act).
• Documents Proving Professional Achievements (e.g., academic degree, academic or professional title, political and social activities).
• Documents Confirming Previous Polish Citizenship (if there was Polish citizenship in the past).

Documents Proving Stable and Regular Source of Income in Poland:

1. Employment certificate.
2. Employment contract.
3. Income certificate from copyright works.
4. Pension documents or disability confirmation.
5. PIT from the previous year.
6. Certificate from the district office on owning a land farm, indicating its size in hectares.

Documents Proving the Legal Status of Occupied Housing:

1. Property deed for a house or apartment.
2. Copy of the lease, rent, or allocation of part of the housing contract.
3. Foreigner with Minor Child.
4. Photograph of the minor meeting the requirements mentioned above.
5. Original or copy of the Birth Certificate of the minor issued by the Polish Civil Registry Office.
6. Copy of the document confirming the identity and citizenship of the minor: foreign passport, travel document, or another document confirming the identity of an EU citizen.
7. Copy of the minor's permanent residence card.

Consent Acknowledgment Recorded by the Local Voivode or Polish Consul:

1. From one parent residing in Poland or abroad on the basis of a visa or visa-free regime.
2. Document confirming the recognition by another voivode or consul if consent was given elsewhere.
3. Consent of a Minor Foreigner Aged 16 or Over for Recognition as a Polish Citizen.
4. Recorded under protocol by the relevant local voivode or Polish consul if the minor resides abroad or is on a visa or visa-free basis.
5. Document confirming recognition by another voivode or consul.

Payment Confirmation for Issuance of a Decision on Recognition as a Polish Citizen

• Cost of Obtaining Polish Citizenship. The cost of obtaining Polish citizenship may include state fees for document processing and certain permits. The exact cost can be obtained from the relevant government authorities.
• Procedure for Applying for Polish Citizenship. The procedure for applying for Polish citizenship includes several key steps, each requiring careful execution and thorough preparation. 
• Here is a detailed description of each step.

Preparation and Gathering of Required Documents:

Before submitting the application, all necessary documents must be prepared. This may include:

1. Application for recognition as a Polish citizen, completed in Polish on the official form.
2. Biometric photo meeting the established requirements.
3. Copies of all pages of a valid document confirming identity and citizenship.
4. Copy of the Permanent Residence Card or document confirming the right to permanent residence of an EU citizen.
5. Proof of stable and regular source of income.
6. Documents confirming the legal status of occupied housing.
7. Other documents specified in the legislation or individually required for your situation.

Submission of the Application to the Relevant Authority:

After gathering all the documents, the application must be submitted to the relevant authority, usually the voivodeship office. The submission process may include:

1. Personal visit to the office.
2. Submission of documents through an authorized representative.
3. Sending documents by mail, if allowed.

Receiving the Decision on Granting Citizenship:

After the application has been reviewed, you will receive an official decision on the granting (or refusal) of citizenship. This decision will be sent by mail or delivered personally at the office. If the decision is positive, you will need to:

1. Obtain a certificate of Polish citizenship.
2. Possibly attend a ceremony of taking an oath of allegiance to Poland (depending on the requirements of the law).

Important Recommendations

1. Prepare all documents in advance and carefully check them for compliance with the requirements.
2. Consider the possibility of delays in the application processing and plan your actions accordingly.
3. In case of doubts or difficulties, consult legal specialists or the relevant government authorities.