Poland Citizenship by Descent

Reconnect with your Polish roots and unlock the advantages of European Union citizenship

Poland’s Citizenship by Descent program provides a direct and legally grounded pathway for individuals with Polish ancestry to reclaim their citizenship — and with it, full European Union rights. Guided by the principle of jus sanguinis (“right of blood”), Polish nationality is inherited through family lineage rather than birthplace. For many descendants of Polish emigrants, this means a golden opportunity to obtain an EU passport, even generations later.

In 2025, Poland continues to uphold a structured and transparent citizenship system that allows dual nationality and embraces the Polish diaspora worldwide. Whether your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents once called Poland home, you may be eligible to restore your connection to Europe.

What is Polish Citizenship by Descent?

Polish Citizenship by Descent is the legal process of confirming you are already a Polish citizen by operation of the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). It allows descendants of Polish nationals, like a parent or grandparent, to claim a Polish passport and gain full rights to live, work, and travel freely across all European Union member states.

Who Qualifies?

Who Qualifies for Polish Citizenship by Descent?

You may be eligible if:

At least one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was a Polish citizen at the time of their child’s birth.
Your ancestor did not renounce Polish citizenship or lose it through naturalisation in another country before the birth of the next generation.
You can provide documentary evidence linking your lineage to your Polish ancestor.

Eligibility can, in many cases, extend multiple generations back — as long as Polish nationality remained intact through the family line.

You may not qualify if:

Your ancestor naturalised in another country before their child was born (especially before 1951).
You cannot produce sufficient records to verify ancestry and citizenship continuity.
Your ancestor lost citizenship under historic legal provisions or served in a foreign army without permission.

What is the Legal Foundation for Citizenship by Descent in Poland?

Polish nationality law has always centred on jus sanguinis — citizenship passes automatically from parent to child, regardless of where the birth occurred. The essential factor is proving an unbroken chain of Polish citizenship from your ancestor to you.

Importantly, there is no strict generational limit. What matters is whether each generation legally retained citizenship under the laws in force at the time. Special attention must be paid to the period before 1951, when naturalisation abroad or military service in another country could result in loss of nationality.

Poland recognises dual citizenship, but Polish citizens must use their Polish passport when entering or leaving the country.

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Historical Evolution of Polish Citizenship Law

Poland’s nationality legislation has evolved through several key Acts:

1920 Citizenship Act – Established nationality for residents of the newly re-established Polish state; many emigrants lost citizenship through foreign naturalisation or military service.
1951 Citizenship Act – Revised loss provisions and addressed post-war border changes.
1962 Citizenship Act – The modern foundation of Polish nationality law, enabling citizenship inheritance through both parents and reducing loss cases.

To qualify today, your ancestor must have been a Polish citizen after 31 January 1920 and must not have lost that citizenship before the birth of the next generation. However, we recommend consulting with our team, as you may still qualify even if your situation does not strictly meet the standard criteria.

What is the Application Process for Citizenship by Descent in Poland?

The journey to confirming Polish citizenship by descent is an administrative process that requires meticulous preparation. You must gather and authenticate documents tracing your bloodline to a verifiable Polish ancestor, proving the continuous chain of citizenship.

Genealogical Verification – Confirm your ancestor’s citizenship through Polish or international archives.
Document Collection – Gather, authenticate, and translate all necessary records.
Submission – File your application in Poland.
Review & Verification – Authorities examine lineage evidence and may request additional documentation.
Decision – Once approved, you will receive formal confirmation of your Polish citizenship.
Polish Passport – Apply for your passport and enjoy the full benefits of EU citizenship.

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Required Documentation

Successful applications depend on meticulous record-keeping and proper legalisation. Applicants typically must present:

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and (if applicable) death certificates for all generations in the lineage.
Proof of the ancestor’s Polish citizenship — such as passports, military records, or residency documents.
Evidence showing citizenship was not renounced or forfeited.
Valid personal identification for the applicant.
Certified translations and apostilles in compliance with Polish legal standards.

Given the complexity of archival research, legal support is strongly recommended to ensure accuracy and compliance. JH Marlin can help with every step of the process.

No residence or language requirement applies, making this an attractive option for international applicants.

Processing Time

Processing time: Typically 6 – 24 months depending on case complexity and document completeness.
Costs: Applicants should budget for document retrieval, translations, apostilles, legal or genealogical services, and courier or travel fees.

What are the Benefits of Polish Citizenship?

Unlocking Polish citizenship based on your Polish ancestry is profoundly rewarding. Beyond reconnecting with family history rooted in Polish territories, this status provides a powerful array of benefits, including unrestricted access to the EU, world-class opportunities, and a secure future for generations.

Key Advantages of Polish Citizenship by Descent Include:

European Union Rights

Acquiring Polish citizenship instantly makes you one of the EU nationals, granting the fundamental right to freedom of movement. This allows you to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, according to Polish law and EU directives.

Visa-Free Travel

The Polish citizen passport is one of the world’s most powerful, providing easy, visa-free access to over 180 countries worldwide. For a global citizen seeking seamless mobility, this status eliminates complicated travel bureaucracy. Assistance is also available globally through any Polish Consulate or EU embassy.

Education & Healthcare

As a Polish citizen, you gain preferential access to Poland’s and the wider EU’s public education systems, including university and exchange programs. Furthermore, all EU nationals are entitled to advanced, reciprocal public healthcare across the EU, ensuring comprehensive security and peace of mind under Polish law.

Economic Opportunity

Confirmation of Polish citizenship is a key business advantage. EU nationals have the right to establish or expand businesses anywhere within the EU single market, leveraging a vast, borderless economy. This status, secured under Polish law, is vital for any aspiring global citizen entrepreneur.

Political Rights

Becoming a Polish citizen means a full restoration of political rights. You have the ability to vote in Polish parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as European Parliament and local elections. This ensures you, as a global citizen, can actively participate and have a voice in the democratic processes governing EU nationals.

Dual Citizenship

Polish law fully recognizes dual citizenship, meaning a new Polish citizen can maintain their existing nationality. This status gives EU nationals the ultimate flexibility, allowing a global citizen to benefit from full EU privileges without sacrificing their original passport or identity.

Why Apply Now?

The value of an EU passport continues to rise. With geopolitical shifts and stricter immigration policies worldwide, citizenship by descent remains one of the most secure and cost-effective paths to European mobility. Obtaining Polish citizenship ensures stability, opportunity, and freedom for both you and future generations.

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How JH Marlin Assists

At JH Marlin, we specialise in guiding clients through the intricate Polish citizenship process with precision and professionalism. Our expert team provides:

Eligibility assessments and strategic planning.
Archival research within Poland and abroad to locate essential records.
Preparation and legalisation of complete, compliant application files.
Direct communication with Polish authorities to expedite review.
Personalised support in overcoming documentation gaps or delays.

Our expertise ensures that your claim is handled efficiently, reducing stress and maximising your chances of success.

Begin Your Journey with JH Marlin

Reclaiming your Polish citizenship by descent is more than a legal process — it is a reconnection to your heritage and a gateway to Europe. With our international legal expertise and deep experience in citizenship matters, JH Marlin ensures a seamless path from eligibility assessment to passport acquisition.

Contact JH Marlin today to begin your application and take your first step toward a European future filled with freedom, opportunity, and global mobility.

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