How to confirm Polish citizenship

Step by step

1. Find proof your ancestor was PolishAn old Polish passport or ID, military records, or entries in Polish civil and church registers. Polish state archives can often help.
2. Gather the family certificatesBirth and marriage certificates linking each generation to you. See the list below.
3. Get them translated and apostilledForeign documents must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator or a consul. Documents from countries in the Hague Convention, such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia, may carry an apostille. Ask your consulate whether yours need one.
4. Fill out the application in PolishUse the consulate’s template. Applications are made in person by appointment, or by mail. Email isn’t accepted.
5. Pay the feeIt’s set by the Foreign Ministry’s consular fees regulation of November 5, 2025 and charged in local currency. Polish consulates in the UK charge £88. Unpaid applications aren’t processed.
6. Wait for the decisionThere’s no fixed time. The governor may ask for more documents. If you’re refused, you can appeal within 14 days.
7. Then get your passportWith confirmation, you usually register your foreign birth certificate in the Polish civil register first. Then you can apply for a Polish passport at the consulate.

Documents

Send originals, or copies certified by a consul. For where to order UK, Irish and US certificates, see the certificate table on our Ireland page.