Can I keep my current passport?
In practice, yes. Polish law doesn’t penalize holding another citizenship. But Polish authorities treat you only as a Polish citizen, and you can’t rely on your other citizenship with them. That applies to any Polish authority, including consulates abroad, not only in Poland.
My great-grandparents left Poland in 1905. Can I qualify?
Usually not. Poland didn’t exist as an independent state then, and Polish citizenship was only created in 1920. Ancestors who had already left, and never held Polish citizenship, can’t pass it on.
My grandfather became American in 1940. Does that end it?
Very possibly. Before January 19, 1951, taking another citizenship usually meant losing Polish citizenship, with some exceptions for men who still owed Polish military service. If he naturalized before your parent was born, the line may have broken there. Even if he naturalized later, his loss usually extended to his children under 18, so it can still matter if your parent was a minor at the time.
My grandfather served in the US Army in the Second World War. Is that a problem?
It can be. Before 1951, serving in a foreign army without permission could cost Polish citizenship, though the rules had exceptions. This is one of the most argued points in Polish cases.
Do I need to speak Polish?
No, not to confirm citizenship. The application form is in Polish, and documents need sworn translations.
Can my children become Polish?
Yes. A child born to a Polish parent is Polish from birth. Once you’re confirmed, your children can be confirmed or registered too.
Will I have to do military service?
Poland has no compulsory military service at present.
Living there
A Polish passport lets you live and work in any EU country, and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.