Polish citizenship by descent
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Updated: 09.09.2024
Obtaining Polish citizenship by descent is legally referred to as “Confirmation of Citizenship”. This process acknowledges that a person with Polish ancestry is, in fact, a Polish citizen.
However, formal confirmation is required to register the citizenship and issue a passport.
How to obtain Polish citizenship by descent?
To acquire (confirm) Polish descent citizenship, you must demonstrate that you have ancestors who held Polish citizenship and that no events occurred during their lifetimes or yours that resulted in the loss of this citizenship.
Who may obtain Polish citizenship by descent?
You may obtain Polish citizenship by descent if you direct lineage from a Polish ancestor. Specifically, you may qualify if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was born in Poland or lived in Poland after January 1920 and did not lose their Polish citizenship at any point. This includes individuals of Polish-Jewish ancestry.
Obtaining Polish citizenship by ancestry – Quick Facts
| Key Fact | Details |
| Legal Term | Confirmation of Citizenship |
| Acknowledgment | Recognizes that a person with Polish ancestry is a Polish citizen, requiring formal confirmation to register citizenship and issue a passport. |
| Eligibility | Direct lineage from a Polish ancestor (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent). Ancestor born in Poland or lived in Poland after January 1920. No loss of Polish citizenship during their or the applicant’s lifetime. |
| Required Documents | Polish ID cards or passports, Civil status records (including foreign-issued), Extracts from church books, Military books, Certificates from archives, and more |
| Challenges | Lack of documents may require research in state and church archives. Active participation needed by the applicant and their attorney. Strict regulations on dual citizenship. |
| Possible Causes for Loss of Citizenship | Acquiring citizenship of another country, Entering foreign military service without Polish Government consent, Accepting a public office in a foreign country without consent. |
| Application Submission (in Poland) | Submit to the voivode responsible for the applicant’s current or last place of residence in Poland; if none, submit to the Masovian Voivode. |
| Application Submission (outside Poland) | Submit through the Polish consul in the applicant’s place of residence. |
| Processing Time | Approximately one year |
| Appeal Process | Appeal to the Minister of Interior and Administration within 14 days of receiving an unfavorable decision. |
| Steps and Requirements | 1. Document Collection: Gather original documentation, translate foreign documents into Polish by a sworn translator or consul. 2. Submission: Submit documents to the appropriate voivode or consul. 3. Processing Time: Typically one year. 4. Appeal Process: Appeal within 14 days if denied. 5. Final Steps: Transcribe civil acts into Polish civil registry books, necessary for obtaining a Polish passport. |
Steps and Requirements
1. Document Collection: Gather original documentation, translate foreign documents into Polish by a sworn translator or consul.
2. Submission: Submit documents to the appropriate voivode or consul.
3. Processing Time: Typically one year.
4. Appeal Process: Appeal within 14 days if denied.
5. Final Steps: Transcribe civil acts into Polish civil registry books, necessary for obtaining Polish passports.
Documents required to prove Polish citizenship by descent
To apply for confirmation of Polish citizenship, various documents can be submitted, including:
- Polish ID cards or passports
- Civil status records, including those issued by foreign countries
- Extracts from church books
- Military books
- Certificates from archives, and more
Challenges in obtaining Polish citizenship by ancestry
If the applicant does not possess above documents or proves confirming the relevant circumstances, it might be necessary to research state and church archives.
During the proceedings for confirmation of Polish citizenship, the applicant and its attorney must actively participate and independently provide evidence of the necessary details. Polish authorities such as, the administrative body (voivode) may support the applicant only when they do not have access to specific documents.
The citizenship regulations in force in Poland since 1920 have been very restrictive regarding the possibility for Poles to hold dual citizenship, formulated to exclude such cases.
It was possible to lost Polish citizenship without being informed, for example, by:
- Acquiring citizenship of another country
- Entering military service in a foreign country without the consent of the Polish Government
- Accepting a public office in a foreign country without the consent of the Polish Government
Procedure for Confirmation of Polish Citizenship Based on Ancestry
To confirm Polish citizenship based on ancestry, an application must be submitted to the voivode responsible for the applicant’s current or last place of residence in Polish territories. If the applicant or their ancestors do not have a place of residence in Poland, the application should be submitted to the Masovian Voivode.
For individuals residing outside of Poland, the application can be submitted through the Polish consul in their place of residence. Typically, the decision on the application is issued within approximately one year. If the voivode’s decision is unfavorable, an appeal can be lodged with the Minister of Interior and Administration.
Detailed Steps and Requirements
- Document Collection: Applicants must gather and provide substantial original documentation to support their claim, such as polish birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of Polish citizenship status or residency of family members. All foreign documents must be translated into Polish language by a sworn translator or a Polish consul.
- Submission: The application and supporting documents should be submitted to the appropriate voivode or through the Polish consulate if the applicant resides abroad.
- Processing Time: The processing of the application usually takes about one year. This includes the verification of documents and the establishment of the applicant’s lineage and eligibility.
- Appeal Process: If the application is denied, the applicant can appeal to the Minister of Interior and Administration within 14 days of receiving the decision.
- Final Steps: After confirmation, the applicant’s civil acts (e.g., birth, marriage) must be transcribed into Polish civil registry books. This is necessary to obtain a Polish passport, which can be done at a Polish consulate.These steps ensure that the applicant has a thorough and verified claim to Polish citizenship based on ancestry, aligning with the regulations and historical requirements set forth by Polish law.
Citizenship by descent – Jewish Community
One of the most important dates in terms of confirming Polish citizenship is January 31, 1920. It is the date when the provisions of the Polish Citizenship Act came into force – the first Polish act granting Polish citizenship. The citizenship was granted by operation of law to practically all residents of the territories that fell to the newly established Polish State as a result of World War I.
The Polish citizenship was granted to all those settled in the territory of the Polish State, regardless of gender, age, religion and nationality. Among the residents of the territory of the young state was also a Jewish community, numbering over 3 million Jews at that time, which was one of the largest diasporas in the world.
Growing anti-Semitism throughout Europe often forced Jewish families to emigrate from Europe to other countries, e.g. the USA, Canada, Latin America etc.. Leaving their homes, sometimes without any documents, Jewish immigrants did not even realize that they had Polish citizenship, because they acquired it automatically, under the provisions of the Act, and not as a result of the citizenship acquisition procedure.
In a situation where these Jews did not obtain foreign citizenship, did not start military service or did not accept a public office abroad by January 19, 1951 (i.e. when the next Act on Polish citizenship came into force) – they retained their Polish citizenship and also transferred this citizenship to their descendants in accordance with the so-called law of blood (Ius sanguinis).
In relation to descendants of Polish Jews, there are no exceptions to the procedure for confirming Polish citizenship – the rules are the same for all nationalities. First of all, the applicant has to present the voivode with documents confirming that:
- the applicant’s ancestors held Polish citizenship,
- there are no circumstances indicating that they have lost their citizenship, and
- that Polish citizenship has been transferred to their descendants in the direct line.
In the case of persons currently residing outside Poland, the application can be submitted through the Polish consul at the place of residence or using the services of a proxy, preferably an attorney or legal adviser – directly to the voivode competent for the last place of residence of the applicant’s ancestors, and if this place is unknown – to the Mazovian Voivode.
A decision on the application is usually issued within about a year.
FAQ: Polish Citizenship by Descent
What is Polish citizenship by descent?
Polish citizenship by descent, known as “Confirmation of Citizenship,” acknowledges that a person with Polish ancestry is a Polish citizen. Formal confirmation is required to register citizenship and issue a Polish passport.
How can I acquire Polish citizenship by descent?
You must prove that your Polish ancestors held Polish citizenship and that no events caused the loss of this citizenship during their lifetimes.
Who is eligible for Polish citizenship by descent?
You are eligible if you have Polish roots and direct lineage from a Polish ancestor (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) born in Poland or who lived in Poland after January 1920 and did not lose their Polish citizenship.
What documents are required?
Required documents include Polish ID cards or passports, civil status records, extracts from church books, military books, and certificates from archives.
What are the challenges?
Challenges include lack of documents, requiring research in state and church archives, and strict regulations on dual citizenship.
How do I submit my application?
Submit your application to the voivode responsible for your current or last place of residence in Poland, or through the Polish consul if you are outside Poland.
How long does the process take?
The processing time is approximately one year.
What can I do if my application is denied?
You can appeal to the Minister of Interior and Administration within 14 days.
Why consider acquiring Polish citizenship by descent?
Acquiring Polish citizenship allows you to obtain a Polish passport, enjoy visa-free access to EU countries, and connect with your Polish heritage.
My great-grandfather was a Jew and lived in Warsaw on January 31, 1920 and shortly afterwards emigrated to the USA. He was not of Polish nationality and was not a Catholic. Did he have Polish citizenship?
Yes, he obtained Polish citizenship based on Polish Citizenship Act of January 20, 1920. Settling on the territory of Poland at that time meant acquiring citizenship regardless of nationality, age, gender or religion. The acquisition of citizenship was contingent on residence in the then territory of Poland, regardless of nationality, age, gender or religion.
My great-grandparents were Jews and emigrated to Canada in 1918. Before that, they had been permanently resident in Łódź. Did they acquire Polish citizenship?
Although great-grandparents did not permanently reside in Poland on January 31, 1920, they could acquire citizenship based on the provisions of international agreements, such as the Little Treaty of Versailles, which granted Polish citizenship to, among others, people born in the territory that was assigned to the newly established Polish State after World War I, of parents who were permanently resident there, even if these people themselves did not have permanent residence there at the time the Treaty came into force.
My Jewish great-grandfather was born in Poznań in 1901 and lived in Poland the entire time. Before the war, in 1938, he emigrated to Great Britain. After the outbreak of the war, he joined the Polish Corps formed by the British government. Did my great-grandfather lose Polish citizenship due to his service in a foreign army?
According to the generally accepted position of Polish judiciary, participation in a foreign army on the side of the Allies during World War II did not result in the loss of Polish citizenship.
For further information, please refer to our comprehensive guide to Polish immigration law and the process of obtaining Polish citizenship. If you have specific questions or need personalized assistance, feel free to contact our specialist.
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