The Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) has prepared a draft amendment to the Act on Polish Citizenship that would tighten the conditions for granting citizenship to foreigners. The changes include a mandatory exam on knowledge of Poland, Polish language at B2 level instead of B1, and a longer required period of residence.
The ministry’s intentions stem from the government’s list of legislative work, cited by PAP. The information was also reported on Tuesday, October 28, by „Rzeczpospolita”. This is only an announcement of a draft, not adopted regulations.
What the draft provides
According to PAP, a foreigner applying to be recognised as a Polish citizen would have to:
- make a declaration of loyalty to the Republic of Poland,
- pass an exam on knowledge of Poland,
- demonstrate that his or her centre of life is in Poland, including through tax residence,
- speak Polish at B2 level (currently B1 is required),
- meet a minimum income threshold, present a legal title to a dwelling and document sources of livelihood.
The draft also envisages extending the required period of legal residence in Poland. The reports do not specify the income threshold or the length of residence.
Reinstatement and revocation of citizenship
The amendment would end the simplified procedure for reinstating citizenship under Article 38 of the Act. Applications under this route could only be submitted until December 31, 2030.
The draft also provides for the possibility of revoking a decision recognising someone as a citizen or reinstating citizenship. This would apply where the decision was issued on the basis of forged documents, untrue statements or concealment of material information.
The ministry’s justification
According to the justification cited by PAP, the changes respond to the growing number of foreigners living in Poland and greater interest in Polish citizenship. They are also meant to strengthen state security.
What it means
The changes would affect foreigners seeking recognition as citizens, as well as people who intend to regain citizenship through the simplified route. The latter would have until the end of 2030 to submit an application. For now nothing changes: current rules apply, and the draft must go through consultations, the government and parliament. The final income thresholds and residence period will only be known once the draft text is published.
We wrote about similar ministry announcements that are not yet regulations in the context of the Education Ministry’s idea of allowing headteachers to confiscate suspicious items from pupils.
