Contents
- Definition of the “Polish Card” and its Benefits
- Criteria for Obtaining the “Polish Card”
- Searching for Polish Roots
- List of Documents Required for Obtaining or Renewing the “Polish Card”
- Financial Assistance
- Waiting Period
- Reasons for Denial
By reading this article in full, you will learn:
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The “Polish Card” is a document that certifies the Polish ancestry of individuals living outside the Republic of Poland. This document offers numerous benefits. Most importantly, after one year of legal residence in the country with a permanent residence permit under the “Polish Card,” one can apply for Polish citizenship. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about the procedure and the opportunities this document provides.
The law on the “Polish Card” has been in effect since the autumn of 2007, with amendments made in January 2022. You can find more details about the document here.
It is important to note that obtaining the “Polish Card” does not automatically grant you Polish citizenship. This document certifies Polish ancestry and is issued to individuals typically residing outside of Poland.
After receiving the “Polish Card,” you have the option to apply for a D18 visa, which will allow you to enter the country. Upon arrival in Poland, you can submit documents for a permanent residence permit. However, to obtain it, you must have valid grounds, such as employment, business, studies, or relocating to join family members. After one year of holding a permanent residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.
As a holder of the “Polish Card,” you can not only work without additional work permits but also engage in entrepreneurial activities. You also gain access to healthcare services in emergency situations, free entry to certain state museums, and a 37% discount on tickets for passenger, express, and emergency trains. In addition, you can study at various institutions in the country and receive scholarships.
Important:
Ukrainian citizens who possess a valid “Polish Card” are granted all privileges regardless of whether they crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border or left Ukraine through other countries before entering Poland.
Criteria for Obtaining the “Polish Card”:
– A written application declaring Polish nationality should be submitted in the presence of a consul, a voivode, or an appointed official.
– Confirm Polish ancestry: either from one of your parents, grandparents, or two great-grandparents who were Polish. Alternatively, you can contribute to the development of Polish culture. You must provide evidence that you have actively participated in activities related to Polish culture and language for the past three years.
– No repatriation. To obtain the “Polish Card,” you or your relatives must not have repatriated from Poland based on agreements made between 1944-1957 between the Republic of Poland and the USSR and its republics.
– In addition, knowledge of the Polish language is required. It is important to note that a certificate of completion of language courses is not acceptable. Acceptable documents include, for example, a certificate of graduation from an educational institution in Poland, a diploma from a school abroad with Polish as the language of instruction, or a certificate of proficiency in the Polish language (in accordance with the 1999 Law on the Polish Language).
Important:
If you do not have any of the above-mentioned documents, the consul will assess your language proficiency. Additionally, during the conversation, you may be asked to discuss Polish culture, traditions, and customs.
Remember that the consul may ask you to talk about yourself at the beginning of the conversation or immediately proceed to a rapid-fire questioning. We recommend preparing a brief biographical story in advance. Don’t forget to mention relatives from Poland.
It is worth emphasizing that the consul does not require applicants to have flawless language skills; a B1 level is sufficient, and the most important thing is a sincere desire to be part of Polish culture.
Searching for Polish Roots can begin with archives. Be prepared for the possibility that your searches may yield no results, as many documents were destroyed during the world wars. Additionally, records often contain spelling errors in names.
