Polish Citizenship – Key Amendments to the Regulations

Work is ongoing on amendments to the regulations governing the acquisition of Polish citizenship. Both the planned and already effective amendments concern not only the costs of the relevant proceedings, but also the conditions that must be met by foreign nationals applying for citizenship. These changes form part of a broader direction of immigration law reform in Poland.

Higher Fees in Proceedings Relating to Polish Citizenship

One of the changes most keenly felt by applicants is the introduction of new administrative fee rates.

As of August 1, 2025, increased fees apply, inter alia, to:

• recognition as a Polish citizen;
• confirmation of the possession or loss of Polish citizenship;
• examination of an application for the granting of Polish citizenship by the President of the Republic of Poland;
• granting consent to the renunciation of Polish citizenship.

These changes are of a general nature and apply to all applications submitted after the entry into force of the new regulations.

A New Approach to the Conditions for Acquiring Citizenship

The proposed amendments to the Polish Citizenship Act provide for a tightening and further specification of the criteria on the basis of which authorities will assess applications submitted by foreign nationals.

In particular, the proposed changes point to:

• an extension of the minimum period of residence in Poland,
• increased importance of tax residence as an element confirming a durable connection with the state,
• the requirement to demonstrate the actual center of vital interests within the territory of the Republic of Poland.

The purpose of these changes is to link citizenship not only to formal residence, but also to the applicant’s actual functioning within the Polish legal and social framework.

Citizenship Test and Integration Requirement

The draft amendments also introduce the concept of a citizenship test, intended to verify the degree of a foreign national’s integration with the Polish state.

The test is to cover, inter alia:

• proficiency in the Polish language,
• basic knowledge of Polish history and culture,
• knowledge of the constitutional system of the Republic of Poland.

This solution is intended to emphasize that Polish citizenship entails not only rights, but also a certain level of familiarity with the country’s legal, social, and cultural realities.

Polish Citizenship in the Context of Changes in Immigration Law

The amendments to the regulations governing Polish citizenship form part of broader immigration law reforms, which include, inter alia, rules on residence, the legalization of employment, and the long-term settlement of foreign nationals in Poland.

The direction of these changes points to the growing importance of stable, lawful residence and integration into the Polish legal system as the basis for applying for citizenship.

Do You Need Support in Polish Citizenship Proceedings?

In practice, it remains crucial to correctly determine whether the statutory requirements are met, to properly prepare the required documentation, and to assess procedural risks. Please contact us to discuss how the new regulations may affect your situation and to consider the possible next steps.