• Where can I submit an application for confirmation of the possession of Polish citizenship in person? Can the application be send by post?

You can submit Your application personally or send it by the post. Information about the rules of submission of documents You can find on the website:

https://mazowieckie.pl/en/for-foreigners-1/citizenship/confirmation-of-posses/325,Where-can-I-submit-an-application.html

• I live abroad. Can I submit the application for confirmation of the Polish citizenship in the Polish Consulate?

Yes, the application can be submitted in the Polish Consulate, which shall pass it to the proper Voivodship Office.

•  Which documents confirm, that the particular person has or had Polish citizenship?

Documents, which can serve as proof of having Polish citizenship, are: Polish passport, Military Service Book issued by Polish authorities, Polish ID card, confirmation of being a Polish citizen, extract from the Books of Permanent Residence, certificate of the last place of permanent residence in Poland with note on ID card issued.

• Where can I look for documents confirming that my ancestors had Polish citizenship?

Documents confirming having Polish citizenship can be found in the archives and offices proper due to one’s place of residence in Poland. In case of having a trouble finding a proper archive one can use the search engine available on the Highest Management of State Archives

• I was born in Poland. I changed my surname after going abroad. Should I enclose the document confirming this fact to the application?

 Yes, the documents confirming all the changes of names and surnames, e.g. Marriage Certificate, change of name or surname deed, should be enclosed to the application.

• What is the amount of administrative fee for issuing the decision and on which account number I can pay it?

The administrative fee for issuing decision confirming the possession or loss of the Polish citizenship equals 58 PLN.

• Can I appoint a proxy to run my case?

The applicant can appoint a proxy to run his or her case. Proxy together with a proof of administrative fee payment of 17 PLN is enclosed to the application.

• How can I confirm that the documents are certified copies?

The documents enclosed to the application can be confirmed to be certified copies by a Polish notary, Polish consul or by applicant’s copy, being an attorney, legal advisor, patent lawyer or legal advisor. The documents can also be certified in the Mazovieckie Voivodship Office in Warsaw, upon submitting the application.

• Where can I confirm the documents to be certified copies abroad?

Documents can be confirmed to be certified copies in Polish Embassy or Polish Consulate.

• Will the documents enclosed with the attachment be returned after the end of the proceedings?

No, the documents attached to the application are not returned, because they serve as proof in the case.

• Who can translate these documents into Polish?

Documents in foreign language should be translated into Polish by a sworn translator or Polish consul.

• I would like to submit an application for confirming the Polish citizenship for my 5-year-old son. Does the application have to be signed also by the child’s mother?

No, the application does not have to be signed by both of the parents.

•  I have changed the address of residence during the proceedings. Do I have to inform the office about this fact?

During the proceedings, the applicant has an obligation to inform the office about each change of his or her address. In case of neglecting of this duty, the official letters are sent to the previous address and they are deemed delivered.

• How long will it take to render the decision?

The decision is rendered within 1 month. If the case is highly complicated, not later than within 2 months.

The terms of decision rendering do not include terms provided by the provisions of law in order to perform specific actions (e.g. waiting for information and documents from other offices, archives, consular posts), periods of suspension of the proceedings and periods of delay caused by the party’s own fault (e.g. if the applicant has not enclosed necessary documents to the application) or caused by factors independent of the authority (e.g. if the office is unable to act due to natural disaster).

• I have recently submitted the application for the confirmation of having Polish citizenship. Can I familiarize myself with case files?

Yes, the applicant can take an active part at every phase of the proceedings. You can read the case material at the Citizenship and Repatriation Branch (opening hours – Monday – 10 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.; Tuesday - Friday – 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

• How can I appeal from a decision?

The appeal from the decision can be submitted within 14 days from the date of its delivery through the Mazowieckie Voivod to the Minister of the Interior and Administration. The appeal can be either submitted in person at the Mazowieckie Voivodship Office in Warsaw or sent by post. Please remember, that the appeal can be submitted only by the applicant or his or her proxy. The process agent or the person authorized to receive the correspondence, cannot submit the application for the applicant.