Polish Passport Application Guide: Documents, Fees & Timelines

If you’ve recently confirmed your Polish citizenship, congratulations! You are now eligible to apply for a Polish passport, one of the most powerful travel documents in the world.

Whether you plan to travel, relocate, or expand your opportunities within the European Union, the steps below outline the complete Polish passport application process — including required paperwork, fees, and timelines, even for applicants living outside Poland.

Why apply for a Polish passport?

  • Live and work in any of the 27 EU countries
  • Travel visa-free to 180+ destinations worldwide
  • Access EU healthcare, education, and social benefits
  • Enjoy easier access to U.S. investor visas

With Polish citizenship and a passport, your global mobility and career prospects expand dramatically.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a Polish passport

1) Gather the required documents

  • ✅ Citizenship confirmation certificate (DECYZJA)
  • ✅ Polish birth certificate
  • ✅ Polish marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • ✅ Completed passport application form (from the Polish consulate)
  • ✅ PESEL application form (Polish ID number)
  • ✅ 1 biometric passport photo (taken within the last 6 months)

📝 Note: Your birth and marriage certificates must be transcribed into the Polish civil registry before you apply for the passport.

2) Book your appointment at the consulate
Applications are submitted in person at a Polish consulate or embassy, where fingerprints are taken for the biometric passport.

  • No postal or proxy submissions allowed
  • Children under 5 are exempt from fingerprinting

3) Register Polish civil-registry records
If you were born or married abroad, first transcribe those events in Poland (3–4 weeks processing).

4) Update your name (if applicable)
Name changes abroad must also be recorded in Poland after obtaining a PESEL number. Average timeline: ~2 months.

5) Pay the consular fees

  • Citizenship confirmation
  • PESEL issuance
  • Civil-registry transcription
  • Passport issuance

💡 Tip: Consider these fees an investment in lifelong mobility and security.

6) Request a temporary passport (optional)
In urgent cases, a same-day temporary passport may be issued for immediate travel while you wait 1–2 months for the 10-year biometric passport.

Before you apply: confirm your citizenship

If you’re uncertain about eligibility, confirm your Polish citizenship first. Eligibility depends on Polish ancestry and specific legal conditions (e.g., whether ancestors emigrated after 1920 and maintained legal ties).

👉 Take our Polish Citizenship Eligibility Test to see if you qualify.

Final thoughts

A Polish passport offers unmatched travel freedom, educational access, and business potential across Europe and beyond. Follow this guide to make your application smooth and successful.