Changes in Polish Citizenship Acquisition: Longer Stay, Exams, and Clean Record
The draft law introduces significant changes to the process of applying for Polish citizenship, extending the required period of stay in Poland and introducing new exams in Polish language and knowledge about Poland. Additionally, foreigners will need to provide a certificate of no criminal record. The aim is better integration and verification of citizenship candidates.
Key points
Extension of the minimum continuous stay in Poland from 3 to 10 years for most foreigners applying for citizenship.
Introduction of a requirement to submit a certificate of no criminal record from the foreigner's country of origin.
Obligation to pass the State Citizenship Exam on knowledge about Poland (political system, history, culture, civic rights).
Requirement to confirm Polish language proficiency at C1 level, both oral and written, excluding post-secondary school certificates.
Longer stay periods for refugees (10 years) and for individuals married to Polish citizens (6 years of marriage and 5 years of stay).
New requirements for individuals residing in Poland for 15 years: no social welfare benefits for the last 5 years and a positive police opinion from the last 10 years.
Transitional provisions protect individuals who started the procedure before the new rules came into force, allowing them to complete it under the old conditions.
55%
VOTING RESULTS
2026-01-09
For
240
Against
200
Abstain
0
Previous:
Immediate Rejection
Status:
Rejected
Record your position for audit.
Why does your vote on bills matter?
It creates raw, undeniable proof. Civic Will provides the permanent data to verify the Government's loyalty towards its citizens
(explained here).
Start recording it now.