Poland’s New Citizenship Bill - What Changes for You?
The Polish government has published a draft bill tightening the rules for Polish citizenship: longer residence, B2 Polish, a civic test, tax residency and a loyalty declaration. Here is what we know.
Poland Plans Stricter Rules for Polish Citizenship: What the New Draft Bill Means for You. If you are planning to apply for Polish citizenship, now is the time to pay close attention. The Polish government has officially started work on a major reform of the Polish Citizenship Act. It could make the most popular route to a Polish passport significantly harder.
What exactly happened?
On 27 October 2026, a draft act amending the Polish Citizenship Act was published in the government’s legislative work list under number UD491. The Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) is responsible for it, and the Council of Ministers plans to adopt it in Q4 2026. gov.pl
This is important: the new rules are not law yet. The project still has to be adopted by the government, passed by Parliament and signed by the President. The final text may differ from the current assumptions.
The government’s justification is clear. The ministry argues that the 2009 Act no longer reflects the sharp rise in the number of foreigners living in Poland. It wants citizenship to depend on a genuine connection with Poland, especially knowledge of the Polish language and respect for social norms, and to reduce risks to state security and public order. gov.pl
Key changes: recognition as a Polish citizen (uznanie za obywatela polskiego)
Recognition by the voivode is currently the most common way foreigners obtain Polish citizenship. In 2024, 16,647 people obtained Polish citizenship, of whom 14,828 did so through recognition. gazetaprawna
The draft proposes the following changes to this procedure: gov.pl
Longer minimum period of legal residence in Poland.
A declaration of loyalty to the Republic of Poland and a civic test on knowledge about Poland.
Centre of life in Poland, linked to Polish tax residency.
A minimum income threshold, to show the applicant is self-sufficient.
Proof of a legal title to accommodation and a source of income for all groups of applicants, including those for whom it is not required today.
Polish language at B2 level instead of the current B1.
The draft also introduces new mandatory grounds for refusal. These include a final criminal conviction, fines or penalty tickets imposed within a certain period before the application, false information in the application, and forged documents. In practice, this means that even minor offences could matter, so your record will need to be checked carefully before you apply. gov.pl
What numbers can we expect?
The official summary does not yet give specific figures. However, the ministry presented its assumptions earlier. MSWiA announced a mandatory civic test, a longer minimum period of residence and a loyalty act, and media reported a minimum of 8 years of residence. According to those assumptions, the test would have around 40 questions, and it would be held twice a year by government-certified institutions. For Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka) holders, the required period would reportedly be at least three years instead of the current one year. Czy MSWiA zmieni zasady nadawania obywatelstwa? Obowiązkowy test, akt lojalności i 8 lat pobytu +3
For comparison, under the current rules many applicants can be recognised as Polish citizens after 3 years of residence based on a permanent residence permit or long-term EU resident permit, with a B1 certificate.
Restoration of citizenship (art. 38): a deadline
The draft also affects people applying to restore Polish citizenship. The government plans to phase out the simplified route under art. 38 of the Act, with a proposed final deadline for applications of 31 December 2030. Applicants would also have to sign a declaration of loyalty, and the same refusal and revocation grounds as in recognition cases would apply. gov.pl
Decisions could be revoked at any time
One of the strongest new provisions concerns revocation. The draft would allow decisions on recognition or restoration of citizenship to be revoked at any time if they were obtained using forged documents, false statements or concealed facts. This applies not only to the citizenship procedure itself but also to earlier residence or Pole’s Card proceedings. gov.pl
What should you do now?
If you already meet the current requirements, consider applying soon. We do not yet know what transitional rules will apply to pending cases. Applications filed before the reform takes effect have often been assessed under the old rules, but this is not guaranteed.
Get your B1 certificate now if you don’t have one. If the B2 requirement is introduced, start preparing early.
Check your tax residency and documents confirming your centre of life in Poland: tax returns, employment, accommodation.
Check your record. Fines, tickets or past proceedings may become grounds for refusal.
Make sure every document in your file is accurate. Under the new rules, inaccuracies could have consequences even years after you receive your passport.
How we can help
We represent clients before all voivodeship offices in Poland, as well as before the administrative courts (WSA and NSA). If you are wondering whether to apply under the current rules, or how the reform may affect your case, book a consultation. We will assess your situation and help you choose the best timing.
We will update this article as the legislative process moves forward.
Anna Trylinska, Immigration Lawyer
