Updated: 04.07.2025
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 (a Polish citizen). Specifically, you may qualify if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was born in Poland before 31st of January (even if they migrated before Poladn regained its independence) or lived in Poland after January 1920 and did not lose their Polish citizenship at any point. This includes individuals of Polish-Jewish ancestry.
Children of Polish citizens would inherit their parents’ Polish citizenship, even if those children were born abroad or had just one parent with Polish citizenship. Inheriting Polish citizenship was possible even if parents gained their Polish citizenship after migrating from Poland. It was however required that the parents were Polish citizens when the child was born.
From 1920 to 1951 children inherited their Polish citizenship from their fathers, if the child was born to a married couple, or from their mother, if the child was born outside of marriage.
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 (for men liable for active military service – as long as special permit from the Ministry of Military Services was given), Entering foreign military service without Polish Government consent, Accepting a public office in a foreign country. |
| 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 evidence confirming the relevant circumstances, it might be necessary to research state and church archives. Another thing to remember is that due to territorial changes that Poland underwent in the 20th century, the documents and evidence might be stored in archives and authoritiesof several countries, including Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Germany and more.For men liable for military service acquiring citizenship of another country was possible only with a
permit from the Ministry of Military Affairs. If no such permit was given, that man would still be
considered a Polish citizen despite gaining a foreign citizenship.
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 from 1920 to 1951 have been very restrictive regarding the possibility for Poles to hold dual citizenship, formulated to exclude such cases.
It was possible to loose 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.
For men liable for military service acquiring citizenship of another country was possible only with a permit from the Ministry of Military Affairs. If no such permit was given, that man would still be considered a Polish citizen despite gaining a foreign citizenship.
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 (e.g. they lived in territories that are not
currently part of 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 or directly to a voivode, for example via a proxy operating in Poland. 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 before January 1920 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. If you reside outside of Poland you can also submit the application directly to the voivode via a proxy operating in 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.
My grandparents were Polish citizens, who became naturalized American citizens. Did they loose their Polish citizenship?
From 1920 to 1951 acquiring a foreign citizenship meant loosing Polish citizenship. The exception to that were men liable for active military service – they needed a special permit from Ministry of Military Affairs to get a foreign citizenship. If a man did not get such a permit, Polish state would still consider him to be a Polish citizen. That man would loose his Polish citizenship only after he was no longer liable for active military service (usually – until he turned 50). Situation in which a man was still a Polish citizen despite acquiring a foreign citizenship is called „a military paradox”.
My grandfather was born in 1919 in Poland, he became a naturalized American citizen in 1938, was he a Polish citizen?
The grandfather became a Polish citizen in 1920 when the Act of 1920 came into force. He could not loose his Polish citizenship when he was naturalized due to the military paradox (see question No. 13). In 1951 a new act on Polish citizenship came into force, which did not link acquisition of a foreign citizenship with loosing Polish citizenship. Given that until that new act came into force the grandfather did not turn 50, he never lost his Polish citizenship.
My grandfather was born in Lublin, Poland in 1908, he migrated with his parents in 1917 to the US. Did my grandfather become a Polish citizen?
Yes, he acquired his Polish citizenship on the basis of the Act of 1920. If he did not loose his Polish citizenship, he could pass it down to his descendants.
My great-grandparents were born before 1920 in the US, their parents migrated from Poland. Did my great-grandparents become Polish citizens?
Unfortunately, people born abroad (outside of Poland) before 1920, even if they were born to Polish parents, did not automatically become Polish citizens. That means, that there could be instanced in which Polish immigrants, who were born in Poland before 1920, did become Polish citizens, however their children, born abroad and before 1920, never acquired their Polish citizenship.
Was it possible for a person born abroad (outside of Poland) and before 1920 to become a Polish citizen?
It was possible – a citizen of another country with Polish ancestry, if he or she returned to Poland and motioned to be recognised as a Polish citizen, they and their descendants would become Polish citizens as long as they could provide evidence of their Polish ancestry.
I was born in 1962 in Canada, only one of my parents was a Polish citizen. Is it possible to confirm my citizenship?
For people born after 1951 it is enough to have one parent with Polish citizenship to become a Polish citizen by birth. That parent can be either a mother or a father, it does not matter. That rule of inheriting Polish citizenship through one parent has not changed to this day.
My great-grandfather was born in Poland in 1880. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1915. Was he a Polish citizen?
Unfortunately no, only people who did not have a foreign citizenship when the Act of 1920 came into force acquired Polish citizenship. In this context „foreign citizneship” means citizenship of countries other then Poland, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia.
My grandparents were Polish citizens who were forced to accept Soviet citizenship during the war. Is it possible for me to confirm my Polish citizenship?
Generally speaking, Polish courts usually state that mandatory granting of the Soviet citizenship could not result in loosing Polish citizenship – one would loose Polish citizenship only if one willingly accepted a foreign citizenship. It might be possible to confirm Polish citizenship of a descendants of people forced to accept Polish citizenship, with some exceptions (see question 21).
My grandparents were Polish citizens, they lived in the part of Poland that was annexed by the USSR during WWII, they were granted Soviet citizenship during the war and continued to live in the USSR after the war. Is it possible to confirm my Polish citizenship?
As stated in question 20, those forcefully granted Soviet citizenship did not loose their Polish citizenship. However, Poland and USSR concluded a Convention in 1957, according to which those who were both citizens of Poland and USSR had to choose to have only one of the two (either Polish or Soviet citizenship).
Those who did not file such a declaration with their choice, would be consider citizens of the country they lived in and would loose the citizenship of the other country. In this case, if the grandparents lived in the USSR in 1957 and they did not file a declaration in which they chose to be Polish citizens, they lost their Polish citizenship. Confirming Polish citizenship of their descendants would be impossible.
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.
