The process of applying for Polish citizenship can be complicated and demanding, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the Polish legal system or struggle with language barriers. Despite the difficulties, proper preparation and understanding of the requirements can significantly increase the chances of successfully completing the entire procedure. Therefore, below we will try to help and discuss the most common problems faced by applicants, as well as suggest how to solve them effectively.
Difficulties in proving Polish ancestry
Poland based its citizenship law on the principle of ‘ius sanguinis’, meaning that citizenship is inherited from ancestors. However, for many people, especially the descendants of emigrants, finding the relevant documents confirming Polish roots can be a difficult. Birth certificates, marriage records or other evidence of ancestry are often lost or stored in archives, which can be difficult to locate. It can be useful to use the following tips.
- Search in Polish archives – it is advisable to start with the State Archives in Poland, where metric books and other historical documents are kept. If your ancestors belonged to a particular parish, church books can also be a valuable source of information.
- Enlisting the help of genealogists – professional genealogists can help locate ancestral documents and reconstruct family history.
- Making applications to local authorities – if you know what region of Poland your ancestors lived in, it is worth applying for access to registration books or property records.
Language barriers
Many people applying for Polish citizenship do not speak Polish, which unfortunately makes it much more difficult to understand the requirements, fill in forms or communicate with authorities. Moreover, knowledge of the Polish language is one of the conditions for obtaining citizenship, which poses an additional challenge for applicants. In this situation it will be necessary:
- Learning Polish – it is worth investing in a language course that will help to achieve the required level of proficiency. B1 level certificate is required.
- Sworn translators support – sworn translators can help with translating documents and filling in forms.
- Experts support – immigration lawyers and citizenship assistance companies such as Five to Europe – can help interpret complex rules and procedures.
Lack of complete documentation
One of the most common reasons for the rejection of a citizenship application is the lack of required documents. The Polish authorities strictly adhere to procedures and any missing document may result in a delay or the need to resubmit the application. This problem can be avoided by:
- Making a checklist – make a list of all required documents, including birth certificate, criminal record, language certificate, etc., before starting the process.
- Proper translation and legalisation – documents issued in other countries must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator and provided with an apostille.
Time-consuming process
The process of applying for Polish citizenship can take from several months to even several years, depending on the path chosen and the complexity of the case. The long wait for a decision can be frustrating, especially when the application requires additional supplements. So how can delays be minimised? A good solution would be:
- Start preparing early – the sooner you start collecting documents and filling in forms, the lower the risk of delays.
- Staying in touch with the authorities – regularly checking the status of your application allows you to respond quickly in case of shortcomings or the need for additional documents.
- Using professionals – as we mentioned before, experienced lawyers can help you avoid formal errors that extend the whole process.
Problems with criminal record certificates
Polish law requires applicants to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived in the last few years. However, obtaining these documents can be difficult, especially if several different countries are involved. In this situation:
- Contact local authorities – in most countries, criminal record certificates can be obtained from municipal offices or courts.
- Ask your embassy for help – in some cases Polish embassies can help you obtain the relevant certificates.
- Ensure adequate translation – documents must be translated by a sworn translator into Polish.
Application costs
The process of applying for citizenship involves costs that include administrative fees, translations, lawyers’ services or travel to Poland to submit documents. For many people, these can be significant amounts. For that reason, compare prices of services, choose translators and lawyers who offer competitive prices but who also have good opinions. Plan ahead. Gather your documents and submit your application at the proper time to avoid additional fees for protracted procedures. Finally – use the help of organisations. Some organisations supporting immigrants, such as Five to Europe, offer free consultations or legal assistance, which are definitely worth taking advantage of!
