New language requirements for foreigners from July 1,2025! Post-secondary school certificates will no longer be sufficient

Starting from July 1, 2025, post-secondary school certificates will no longer be recognized as proof of Polish language proficiency in applications for long-term EU resident status or Polish citizenship. A transition period runs until June 30, 2026.

Post-secondary school certificates will no longer be accepted as proof of Polish language proficiency

The Office for Foreigners has announced upcoming changes concerning how foreign nationals may demonstrate proficiency in the Polish language when applying for long-term EU residence permits or Polish citizenship.

According to the amended legislation, effective July 1, 2025, certificates of graduation from post-secondary schools conducted in Polish will no longer be accepted as proof of language knowledge.

From this date onward, foreign nationals will only be able to confirm their Polish language proficiency by presenting one of the following:

1. A Polish language certificate at a minimum B1 level issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language, or
2. A diploma of higher education obtained in a program taught in the Polish language.

Transitional period – key dates

A transitional period will be in effect until June 30, 2026. During this time, post-secondary school certificates will remain valid only if both of the following conditions are met:

• The application for long-term EU residence or citizenship is submitted by June 30, 2025, and
• The certificate was issued before June 30, 2025.

After June 30, 2026, post-secondary certificates will no longer be accepted under any circumstances, regardless of when the school was completed.

Recommendation for foreigners

Foreigners planning to apply for long-term EU residence or Polish citizenship and relying solely on a post-secondary school certificate are advised to initiate proceedings before July 1, 2025. Alternatively, they should consider taking the official state exam to obtain a recognized language certificate.

For detailed information and legal assistance, please contact us at: [email protected].