ATTENTION ! automatic translation from Polish
Polish law provides for the possibility of acquiring a number of important rights for persons residing continuously in the territory of the Republic of Poland for a specified period of time. First of all, it allows an EU citizen to obtain the right of permanent residence (as a rule, after 5 years of uninterrupted residence, taking into account additional conditions). The fact of uninterrupted residence is also a very important condition that can help a foreigner obtain Polish citizenship. Therefore, if you have been residing or staying continuously in the territory of the Republic of Poland for some time and intend to apply for Polish citizenship, it may make it easier for you to obtain it.
The Polish Citizenship Act in Chapter 4 regulates the method of becoming a Polish citizen, which is recognition as a Polish citizen. This method consists in the fact that the person applying for citizenship must submit an application to the appropriate body (voivode competent for their place of residence). This body then issues a decision on recognition as a Polish citizen if certain conditions are demonstrated – in principle, this involves confirmation of the right of permanent residence/permanent residence permit and uninterrupted residence in the territory of the Republic of Poland for a specified period. The Act provides for several categories of persons who may obtain such an application. In particular, the following should be indicated:
• a foreigner residing continuously in the territory of the Republic of Poland for at least 3 years on the basis of a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit or the right of permanent residence, who has a stable and regular source of income in the Republic of Poland and the legal title to occupy a residential premises;
• a foreigner residing continuously and legally in the territory of the Republic of Poland for at least 10 years, who has a permanent residence permit, a long-term EU resident permit or the right of permanent residence and has a stable and regular source of income in the Republic of Poland and the legal title to occupy a residential premises;
In addition, the Act provides for a reduction in the required period of uninterrupted residence and easing the requirements for income and housing in the event of being married to a Polish citizen, not having any citizenship, confirmation of Polish origin or possession of the Pole’s Card. A special procedure has also been provided for minors whose at least one parent is a Polish citizen. It should be remembered that for all persons, except minors, the Act requires proof of knowledge of the Polish language at least at B1 level. The basic criterion is therefore (apart from additional premises) confirmation that the person applying for recognition as a Polish citizen actually resided in the territory of the Republic of Poland in an uninterrupted manner for a specified period of time, as well as proof that they have a specific type of permanent residence right.
