Polish history presents rich heritage, resilience and a profound, long-term impact on global events. For many, this history is not just a chapter in a textbook but a part of their family story. As individuals around the world seek to reconnect with their roots, claiming Polish citizenship by ancestry has become a meaningful journey, one that bridges the past and the present.
At the turn of the 20thcentury, and through the devastating periods of the World Wars, countless Polish families were uprooted, scattering across the globe. The reasons behind this mass emigration were complex and multi-faceted. During the late 19thcentury, Poland was partitioned and under the control of the Russian Empire, the German Empire and the Austrian Empire. This period of foreign dominance brought political repression, economic hardship and lack of opportunities, prompting many Poles to seek a better life abroad.
The First World War further exacerbated these conditions. The war destroyed Polish lands, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The hope for independence lingered, yet the path was filled with challenges. Following the war, Poland regained its independence in 1918, but the interwar period was marked by instability and economic struggles, leading many Poles to continue their search for stability and prosperity in new lands.
The Second World War was even more catastrophic for Poland. Invaded by both Nazi Germany and Soviet Union in 1939, Poland became a central battleground, suffering immense human and material losses. The Holocaust, forced labour and mass deportations decimated the population. The war’s aftermath saw further displacement as borders shifted and political regimes changed, pushing more Poles into exile.
In the late 19thand early 20thcenturies, more than 2.5 million Polish emigrants found new homes in the United States alone. The country, with the promises of opportunity and freedom, became a sanctuary for those fleeing oppression and hardship. Polish communities in areas such as Chicago and Detroit flourished, preserving their cultural heritage while contributing to their new homelands.
Today, the descendants of those who left Poland during these times often feel a deep connection to their heritage. Polish citizenship by ancestry offers a way to honour that connection, providing a legal and emotional link to a country that played a crucial role in their family’s history.
This blog provides pertinent information on how to claim Polish citizenship by ancestry and how to navigate the legal requirements, ensuring that the journey to reconnect with one’s Polish roots is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Who can qualify for Polish citizenship by ancestry?
To start the process, it is important to verify whether a person is considered of Polish origin, declare Polish nationality and have at least one parent or one grandparent or two great-grandparents with Polish nationality and a proven affiliation to Poland.
To qualify, it will be important to prove that one’s ancestors were born in Poland (or one of the former Polish territories) or resided in Poland after 1920 (with some exceptions) and maintained their Polish citizenship until after 1920 and at the time of applicant’s birth.
Since there are multiple ways citizenship can be lost, the applicant must be prepared to provide original documents, often issued by public Polish institutions, confirming the continued existence of the citizenship from which their status derives.
The current regulations applicable in Poland allow for dual citizenship. Polish citizenship law is based on the principal of jus sanguinis (right of blood), which means that citizenship is passed down through the generations.
Verifying lineage is just the beginning; it is also crucial to confirm unbroken line of descent, showing that ancestors retained their Polish citizenship across generations.
- Ancestral links: At least one ancestor must have been a Polish citizen,
- Unbroken line of descent: The ancestor must not have lost their citizenship before applicant’s birth.
Process and requirements
Claiming Polish citizenship is a detailed process that can take anywhere from four to 18 months or more, depending on the chosen pathway and the availability of necessary documents.
The first step involves researching family history to gather comprehensive information about ancestors, including their names, places of birth and residences in Poland, using resources such as familysearch.org, for example, may help in this exercise where family documents are not readily available.
Next, applicants must collect relevant documents, such birth, marriage, death certificates, military records and passports, from Polish national archives, local parish offices and civil registration offices.
It is important to highlight that Polish descendants may not even realise that documents confirming their parents’ or grandparents’ Polish citizenship are already in their possession, as they may not indicate their Polish citizenship.
However, it is always important to review all documentation that might be in family’s possession as it may help to determine the approach for identifying necessary evidence.
Given the potential length and complexity of the process, thorough preparation and understanding of requirements is essential. To ensure smooth processing of an application, it must be completed in Polish, along with any required additional evidence or statements prepared in line with the requirements set out by law and practice of the authorities. If an interview is necessary, a Polish translator must accompany the applicant.
Citizenship value and impact
Claiming Polish citizenship offers numerous benefits beyond just acquiring a new nationality and building a link with your ancestors. One of the top advantages is easy access to other EU countries, allowing Polish citizens to live, work and study through the EU with minimal restrictions. Polish citizenship can also enhance global mobility, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival to many countries worldwide.
Claiming Polish citizenship is a valuable endeavour that offers extensive benefits. By meeting the qualification criteria and adhering to the process requirements, applicants can unlock a wealth of opportunities.
Understanding the process and requirements is crucial. Everyone’s circumstances may vary but with right preparation and diligent guidance, applicants can avoid common pitfalls and delays.
Following well-established guidance will increase the likelihood of success and smooth path to becoming a Polish citizen.
Need to know more?
For further information on Polish citizenship by ancestry requirements, please contact Practice Leader Kasia Pinska at kpinska@fragomen.com, Senior Manager Magdalena Dymbel at mdymbel@fragomen.com or Manager Kiran Bhandari at kiran.bhandari@fragomen.com.
