Polish Citizenship Through Ancestry
Poland is a country shaped by resilience, culture, and community. It houses the world’s largest castle, 16 World Heritage Sites, and the origin of many well-renowned traditional foods.
Today, Poland is reconnecting with the 20 million people of Polish descent living abroad. In recent years, people from across the world have reclaimed their Polish citizenship as a way to reconnect with their family story and become part of something bigger.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
1 way
Language requirement?
No
Your family’s history. Your future in the EU.
Reclaiming citizenship is an act of recognition. Don’t miss the chance to reconnect to your heritage while enjoying full rights across all 27 countries of the European Union.
Why Does Poland Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Poland’s citizenship law recognizes the difficult history that caused many Polish families to lose their citizenship. War, border changes, forced migrations, and political pressure led millions of Poles to leave the country, often without the ability to pass their citizenship on to future generations.
Today, Poland gives descendants a chance to restore that connection. Whether your family left before or after World War II, or lost their citizenship while starting over in a new country, the law now makes it possible to reclaim what was lost.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You might be eligible if you can answer yes to one of the following:
- Was a parent or grandparent a Polish citizen?
- Were two of your great-grandparents Polish citizens?
- Was your ancestor’s Polish citizenship lost due to war, forced migration, or political/emigration pressure (not because they chose to give it up)?
Are you eligible to reclaim Polish citizenship? Take the assessment to find out.
Want to find if you are eligible for Polish Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Polish Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
"The idea of applying for Hungarian citizenship always felt overwhelming—until I found Citizenship.EU. They helped me figure out if I could qualify through my great-grandfather and put me in touch with professionals who handled everything".
James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
Elena G
New York, USA
“I knew my grandmother was born in County Mayo, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually get Irish citizenship. Citizenship.EU walked me through the whole eligibility check. I received my Irish citizenship certificate last month and my passport is on the way”!
Maeve O’Sullivan
New Hampshire, USA
Get the Polish citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get Polish citizenship by descent?
Yes. Poland allows dual and even multiple citizenships. Individuals granted Polish citizenship do not need to renounce their existing nationality, and Polish citizens acquiring another citizenship also retain their Polish citizenship.
However, Polish authorities do not recognize other nationalities in legal matters—Polish citizens must use Polish identification (such as a passport) when interacting with the government or crossing borders.
Can a U.S. citizen get dual citizenship in Poland?
Yes, Poland allows dual citizenship, including for U.S. citizens. If you obtain Polish citizenship by descent, you can retain your U.S. nationality. However, once recognized as a Polish citizen, you are expected to use a Polish passport when entering or leaving Poland. Citizenship.EU can verify your eligibility and refer you to professionals who specialize in dual nationality filings and cross-border legal compliance.
Can I get Polish citizenship through my grandparent?
Yes, you may qualify through your grandparent if they were a Polish citizen and citizenship was passed down uninterrupted through your parent. Key factors include whether your grandparent ever renounced their Polish citizenship or acquired a foreign one before 1951, which might have affected their legal status. Citizenship.EU helps you evaluate these historical details and connects you with experts who can trace and verify citizenship status through documentation and archives.
Can I claim Polish citizenship through my parents?
If at least one of your parents was a Polish citizen at the time of your birth, you are considered a Polish citizen by descent—even if you were born outside of Poland and never held a Polish passport. Your citizenship can be confirmed through a formal legal process. Citizenship.EU can check whether your parent met the legal criteria at the time and direct you to specialists who handle the confirmation paperwork with Polish authorities.
How can Citizenship.EU help me with my Polish citizenship by decent
Citizenship.EU helps you start your journey by verifying whether you meet the requirements for Polish citizenship by descent. We do not offer legal services, but we evaluate your eligibility based on your family history, and if you qualify, we connect you with vetted professionals—such as researchers, translators, and immigration experts—who can assist with the official confirmation process in Poland.
What is the cost of applying for Polish citizenship by descent?
The overall cost depends on the complexity of your case. Government filing fees are modest (often under €100), but you should also budget for certified translations, notarizations, archival document retrieval, and professional assistance. In total, the process can range from a few hundred to a few thousand euros. Citizenship.EU provides free eligibility screening and refers you to professionals who can offer clear cost estimates for your specific situation.
Is there a language requirement for Polish citizenship by descent?
No, there is no Polish language requirement for citizenship acquired by descent. Language exams are only required for naturalization through residency. If you’re applying based on ancestry, your claim is evaluated on the strength of your lineage and documentation. Citizenship.EU can confirm whether your case qualifies for this exemption and help ensure you’re on the correct legal path.
Do I need to live in Poland to apply for citizenship by descent?
No, you do not need to live in Poland. Applications for confirmation of Polish citizenship can be submitted through a Polish consulate or handled remotely by a legal representative inside Poland. Many applicants complete the entire process from abroad. Citizenship.EU assists by guiding you on the remote process and referring you to professionals who are experienced in handling cases for applicants living outside of Poland.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
