In 2025, over 10,000 citizens of Ukraine obtained Polish citizenship. Ukrainians again became the largest group among foreigners who obtained a Polish passport, surpassing Belarusians and Russians. This was reported by the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, writes inPoland.
Ukrainians received the most Polish citizenships in 2025
According to the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, a total of over 19,000 foreigners received Polish citizenship in 2025.
More than half of the decisions concerned Ukrainian citizens – over 10,000 persons.
Belarusians ranked second in terms of the number of new Polish citizens.
Additionally, 759 citizens of Russia received Polish passports in 2025.
The ministry also noted that over 5,000 decisions concerned minor children, whose applications were submitted by their parents.
Poland explained the most common way to citizenship
The Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that a significant part of the procedures is related to the Polish Card.
After obtaining it, foreigners can apply for permanent residence and subsequently submit documents for Polish citizenship.
The agency also emphasized that temporary protection for Ukrainians does not automatically or quickly grant the right to obtain a Polish passport.
For most applicants, key factors remain long-term legal residence, language proficiency, and compliance with legal requirements.
Poland is preparing new citizenship acquisition rules
The Polish government is already working on changes to citizenship legislation.
Among the main proposals are:
- increasing the minimum legal residence period to eight years;
- strengthening language requirements to B2 level;
- introducing an additional exam on Polish history and constitutional principles.
The new rules may significantly complicate the citizenship acquisition process for foreigners in the future.
For Ukrainians in Poland, this means that the country's authorities are gradually moving towards stricter naturalization conditions, prompting many people to try to submit their applications before any potential tightening of the rules.
It should be noted that Poland is considering a strategic opportunity for building a new highway on the territory of Ukraine. The project involves extending the Polish A4 road from the border to Lviv, which will be an important step in the development of infrastructure between the two countries.