Changes to Polish Citizenship Rules – Why It’s Worth Acting Now 

What Will You Learn from the Article?

What are the proposed changes to the Polish Citizenship Act?
The draft law introduces a citizenship test, an oath of loyalty to Poland, a 10-year minimum residence requirement, and new tax residency conditions to obtain Polish citizenship.

What does the citizenship test involve?
The test, held twice yearly, assesses Polish language proficiency at B2 level, knowledge of Polish history, culture, values, political system, and recent national events through a three-part structure including multiple-choice questions.

Why is the residence period being extended to 10 years?
The extension aims to ensure deeper integration of foreigners into Polish society, align with EU standards, and address rising immigration, particularly from Ukraine, for better social cohesion.

What is the oath of loyalty to the Republic of Poland?
The oath is a declaration where applicants commit to upholding Polish law, respecting the constitutional order, and avoiding actions against Poland’s interests.

Why should one apply for citizenship before the law changes?
Applying before the new rules take effect allows applicants to benefit from the current 3-year residence requirement and avoid the mandatory citizenship test and oath of loyalty.

___________________________________

The Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) has presented a draft law introducing significant  amendments to the Polish Citizenship Act, tightening the criteria for obtaining Polish citizenship. 

Key proposed changes include: 

1. the introduction of a citizenship test, 

2. the requirement to sign an oath of loyalty to the Republic of Poland, 

3. the extension of the minimum residence period necessary for recognition as a Polish citizen, 4. and new conditions concerning tax residency. 

The New Citizenship Test – Assessing Integration with Poland 

Obtaining Polish citizenship is intended to be the culmination of a foreigner’s integration process into  Polish society. To this end, a citizenship test will be introduced to assess the applicant’s command of  the Polish language, knowledge of Polish history, culture, and values, understanding of the country’s  political and legal system, and the overall degree of integration. 

The test will be held twice a year. According to the ministry’s proposal, the test will be divided into three  parts. The first part, a multiple-choice section with around 30 questions, will assess knowledge of Polish  history and social relations. The second part, consisting of five questions, will focus on current events – for example, identifying candidates in the second round of presidential elections or the main topic of  national debate in recent months. The final part will verify proficiency in the Polish language at B2 level  or higher. 

Extended Residence Requirement – Up to 10 Years 

According to the draft’s explanatory memorandum, the Ministry intends to extend the minimum  continuous residence period required for recognition as a Polish citizen from 3 to 10 years. 

The goal is to ensure deeper integration of foreigners into Polish society, align national regulations with  EU standards, and respond to rising immigration, particularly from Ukraine. 

For comparison: Italy and Austria require 10 years of residence, Hungary 8 years, and Germany and  France 5 years (with possible reductions in specific cases). By extending the period to 10 years, Poland  aims to meet the European standard that promotes stronger assimilation of new citizens. 

Why Act Now? 

Applicants who submit their requests before the law changes will remain covered by the current, more  favorable regulations. 

For many foreigners planning to apply for citizenship, timing may be crucial. 

Once the new provisions enter into force: 

a) the waiting period may increase from 3 to 10 years, 

b) a citizenship test will become mandatory, 

c) an oath of loyalty must be signed, 

d) and additional residence and integration requirements will apply. 

Signing the oath will involve a declaration of loyalty to the Polish state – a commitment to uphold the  law, respect the constitutional order, and refrain from actions contrary to the interests of the Republic  of Poland. 

The draft is part of a broader reform of migration policy and aims to enhance national security as well  as strengthen the significance of Polish citizenship.

Rationale Behind the Reform – Integration, Security, and Stability 

According to the drafters, the purpose of the amendment is to create conditions that foster deeper  social and cultural integration of foreigners, contributing to the social and economic stability of the  country. 

A longer residence period is expected to better prepare foreigners for the responsibilities of Polish  citizenship and to strengthen social cohesion.