Did you know that Poland has one of the largest diasporas in the world — with significant populations in the United States, Germany, and beyond? This global spread is largely due to the wave of emigration from Poland between 1841 and 1971, a period when millions left in search of better opportunities.

Today, the trend has reversed: descendants of Polish emigrants around the world — including the Americas, Australia, and Europe — are now exploring their right to Polish citizenship as a pathway to reconnect with their heritage and access the benefits of European Union citizenship.

But who exactly is eligible for Polish citizenship by descent, and how does the process work? This article explains everything you need to know.

What Is Polish Citizenship?

Polish citizenship is a legal status that gives an individual full rights under Polish law, including the right to live, work, study, and do business in Poland and across the European Union. For many, it also means dual citizenship — holding both their current nationality and Polish nationality simultaneously.

Polish citizenship law is based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning that citizenship is inherited from one’s parents, regardless of the place of birth. There are no generational limits, so even great-grandchildren of Polish citizens may be eligible, provided certain legal criteria are met.

Each application is assessed individually and must follow strict legal guidelines. It is not possible to “buy” Polish citizenship or apply simply by interest — the applicant must legally inherit the right.

Who Is Eligible for Polish Citizenship?

You may be eligible for Polish citizenship if you have Polish ancestors who emigrated from Poland after 1920.

Why 1920? Because although Poland regained its independence in 1918, it wasn’t until 1920 that its modern borders and citizenship laws were officially established. Before 1918, Poland was partitioned and controlled by Austria, Russia, and Prussia, and thus didn’t exist as a sovereign state — making citizenship claims more difficult to prove.

Polish emigrants who left the country after 1920 may have retained their citizenship if they registered with a Polish consulate abroad or voluntarily joined the Polish army. Their descendants could still legally inherit that status.

It’s also important to note that:

  • Before 1951, citizenship could only be passed down through the father. Illegitimate children could inherit from the mother.
  • From 1951 onward, individuals could only lose Polish citizenship voluntarily, through an official declaration before Polish authorities.
  • Before 1951, citizenship could be lost by:
    • Acquiring another citizenship through naturalization or marriage (for women);
    • Holding a political or administrative position in a foreign government;
    • Serving in a foreign military.

Changes in Polish Citizenship Law Over Time

  • 1920 Citizenship Act: The first post-independence law outlining who qualifies as a Polish citizen.
  • 1962 Law: Stated that citizenship is automatically granted at birth if at least one parent is a Polish citizen.
  • 2009 Law (in effect since 15 August 2012): Introduced the possibility to reinstate lost Polish citizenship — but only for those who lost it before 1 January 1999, and only applies to minor children of the applicant.

Every case is reviewed individually by Polish authorities. Legal nuances, exceptions, and historical details are often involved — which is why many people choose to work with legal professionals or genealogical experts during the process.

How to Apply for Polish Citizenship

If your ancestry and documentation indicate that you may be eligible, you can start the Polish citizenship confirmation process.

Which Authority Handles the Process?

  • If you’ve lived in Poland, your application is reviewed by the Wojewoda (Provincial Governor) where you resided.
  • If you’ve never lived in Poland, your case is handled by the Wojewoda Mazowiecki (Provincial Governor of the Mazowieckie Region) based in Warsaw.

What Do You Need?

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates;
  • Polish passports or identity documents;
  • Military service records;
  • Evidence of residence or registration in Poland;
  • Consular registrations.

All documents must be verified, and in many cases submitted in Polish. If you don’t speak the language, you’ll likely need help from a certified translator or a specialized citizenship firm familiar with Polish legal procedures.

After reviewing your application and documents, the Wojewoda will issue a ruling. This authority does not “grant” new citizenship — it simply confirms whether you already hold Polish citizenship by descent.

Approval and Denial Criteria

  • Your application will be approved if your documentation proves that you have legally inherited Polish citizenship and have not lost it.
  • Your application will be denied if:
    • You never held Polish citizenship;
    • Your ancestors lost it before it could be passed to you;
    • Your documentation is insufficient to prove your claim.

What’s the Timeline for Polish Citizenship Confirmation?

The timeline varies from case to case. If all documents are complete and your eligibility is clear, the process can be reasonably swift. However, complex cases or missing records may require additional time, particularly if archive research is needed.

Not Sure If You’re Eligible? Take the Polish Citizenship Test

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best way to start is by taking a free eligibility test. It only takes a few minutes and can help you determine whether it’s worth pursuing a Polish passport — and with it, the rights of a full European Union citizen.

👉 Take the test now and take the first step toward reconnecting with your Polish roots — and securing a future in Europe.