Around the world, individuals with Polish ancestry are reconnecting with the country through ancestral pathways to Polish citizenship. In addition to reconnecting with your family’s origin, when you acquire citizenship in an EU country such as Poland, you open up the doorway to full European Union rights.
For Polish citizenship by descent applicants living abroad, there are specific authorities you must contact to handle your application and associated documents. This post breaks down the relevant Polish diplomatic missions around the world, U.S. consular offices for Poland, and common questions applicants have in the process.
Where Do I Apply for Polish Citizenship by Descent Based on My Location?
Polish citizenship law states that all application submission requests for ancestry-based citizenship are directed to the Polish Ministry of the Interior. However, if you live abroad and want to apply for citizenship through your Polish ancestor, you’ll need to direct application materials through the relevant Polish diplomatic mission in your country of residence.
This is an important step under the Polish Citizenship Act, ensuring that all documents, including your birth certificate, application form, and proof of Polish origin, are correctly reviewed.
U.S. Consulates and Embassies to Poland
The United States is home to a Polish consul and the main Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C., along with four consular offices in major cities across the country.
Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Polish Embassy in D.C. should be contacted by Polish citizens or applicants residing in the following U.S. states and territories:
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- American Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Bahamas
- Other overseas territories of the U.S.
Consulate General of Poland in Chicago
The Chicago consular office for Poland has a jurisdiction including:
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Ohio
- Wisconsin
Consulate General of Poland in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles consulate to Poland has a jurisdiction including:
- California
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Consulate General of Poland in Houston
Houston’s Polish consular office has a jurisdiction including:
- Texas
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
Consulate General of Poland in New York
Contact New York’s Polish consular office if you reside in these locations:
- New York
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Polish Consular Offices Around the World
Outside of the U.S., there are more than 500 consular offices representing Poland internationally.
To search the complete index of Polish consular offices worldwide and determine which one represents your jurisdiction, you can visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
FAQs About Applying for Polish Citizenship by Descent
What documents should I have prepared?
Polish citizenship by descent applications must be accompanied by documents proving your unbroken chain of Polish ancestry, Polish origin, continuity of citizenship through generations, and your identity. For a complete list of documents, see our guide to required documents for Polish citizenship applications, including birth certificates and other official records that link you to your Polish ancestor.
Under the Law of blood principle established by Polish citizenship law, citizenship is inherited through family lineage rather than place of birth. Applicants must provide sufficient evidence for the Confirmation of Citizenship process to verify eligibility and maintain the continuity of Polish nationality.
Do I have to visit the consulate in-person?
It depends on which consular office you’re using. Consulates in the U.S. have telephone and visiting hours for different services. Further, most consular offices have limited weekday hours and service the public on an appointment-only basis. If you are unsure, contact the office in your jurisdiction directly.
For Polish citizens or applicants holding dual citizenship, consular visits may also involve submitting forms or conducting interviews in the Polish language, depending on the service requested and the consulate’s specific requirements.
How much does it cost?
Costs for Polish citizenship by descent depend on the case,but government filing fees are often less than €100. There are also fees for certified document translations, notarizations, and professional assistance. Refer to Poland’s U.S. consular fee structure for more detailed information. Citizenship.EU offers free eligibility screening and refers you to professionals who can offer clear cost estimates for your specific situation.
Polish Citizenship by Descent: Application Process for Applicants Living Abroad
When applying for Polish citizenship by descent from abroad, you’ll work through the relevant foreign embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction. If you’re ready to take the next step and reconnect with your Polish ancestry and your family’s origin, we recommend starting with our full service package.
Our experts can guide you when it comes to determining eligibility, required documentation, application submission, and how to properly complete the application form. We also help applicants navigate issues related to foreign citizenship, dual citizenship, and how these affect recognition as a Polish citizen under Polish citizenship regulations.
Once approved, you can enjoy all the rights and advantages granted to citizens of European Union countries, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely with an EU passport.
Sign up today to get one step closer to enjoying the benefits of EU citizenship and your connection to Polish citizenship through descent.