Polish citizenship is getting harder: what the Interior Ministry proposes and whether to apply now

“I already have permanent residence. When can I apply for citizenship — and will the rules change while I collect my documents?” That question now has an official basis: on 27 October 2026 the government added a bill to its legislative work plan that significantly tightens the conditions for Polish citizenship.

Here is what the Ministry of the Interior (MSWiA) proposes, which rules apply now and what to do if you already meet the conditions.

What happened

The bill amending the Polish Citizenship Act (number UD491) is being prepared by MSWiA. The government plans to adopt it in Q4 2026. After that it still has to pass the Sejm and the Senate and be signed by the President.

Important: for now this is only a plan. The current rules apply today, and none of the new requirements are in force yet.

What is proposed

For recognition as a Polish citizen by the voivode (uznanie za obywatela polskiego) the bill provides for:

• a longer minimum period of legal residence in Poland — the plan does not say how many years;
• Polish at B2 level instead of the current B1;
• an exam on knowledge of Poland (“test obywatelski”) and a declaration of loyalty to the Republic of Poland;
• a centre of life in Poland and Polish tax residence;
• a minimum income, plus a legal title to housing and proof of means — for all groups of applicants;
• new mandatory grounds for refusal: a final conviction, fines (mandaty, grzywny) within a set period before applying, false information or forged documents.

The bill would also allow a citizenship decision to be revoked at any time if it turns out that someone submitted forged documents or false statements — in a citizenship, residence or Karta Polaka case.

The simplified path to restoring citizenship (przywrócenie) is to be phased out: applications under it can be filed until 31 December 2030.

What applies now

Today you can apply to the voivode for recognition as a Polish citizen if, among other cases, you:

• have lived in Poland continuously for at least 3 years on permanent residence, EU long-term residence or the right of permanent residence, with a stable income and housing;
• have lived on such a basis for at least 2 years and have been married to a Polish citizen for at least 3 years;
• have lived in Poland continuously and legally for at least 10 years, hold permanent residence (or EU long-term residence or the right of permanent residence), and have income and housing.

You also need official proof of Polish at B1 level. The stamp duty is 1000 zł. The voivode must decide within 6 months (extended in complex cases). A refusal can be appealed to MSWiA within 14 days.

Note: a temporary residence card, CUKR or UKR status do not by themselves give you the right to citizenship through the voivode. You first need permanent residence or EU long-term residence.

Will applications filed now make it in time

Honest answer: nobody knows yet. What happens to applications still pending when the law takes effect will depend on transitional provisions, and the text of the bill has not been published. So do not trust anyone who already “guarantees” a decision under the old rules.

One thing is clear: until the law changes, applications are accepted and decided under the current conditions. If you already meet them, there is no reason to put off applying.

What to do now

1. Count your period. Check the date you got permanent or EU long-term residence and whether there were any gaps in your legal stay.
2. Get your B1 certificate. State Polish exams are held only on set dates; the schedule is on certyfikatpolski.pl. If you are close to B2, keep going: it will help if the new rules are adopted.
3. Prepare proof of income and housing. A rental agreement or ownership document, and proof of income from a job or a JDG.
4. Settle fines and arrears. The bill would take even mandaty into account, so do not leave fines unpaid.

Tip: check every document you submit. Under the bill, false information would be grounds for revoking citizenship even years later.

How LegalX helps

• Citizenship through the voivode — 2500 zł: we count your years, check the basis, prepare and file the full set, answer any wezwanie and follow the case to a decision;
• Citizenship granted by the President — 1500 zł: when the conditions for the voivode are not fully met;
• Detailed review of your situation — 300 zł, credited towards the service if you order it.

The first consultation with a manager is free. Tell us on what basis and for how many years you have lived in Poland, and we will tell you whether you can apply now.