Poland's Proposed Citizenship Law Overhaul
Poland is preparing a major reform of its citizenship laws that will introduce stricter requirements for foreigners. A significant slowdown in citizenship grants has already been observed in 2025-2026 due to decisions from the presidential office. The proposed legislation includes:
- the introduction of a citizenship test;
- a requirement for tax residency in Poland;
- an extension of the total qualifying period to 8 years;
- more stringent rules for holders of the "Karta Polaka" (Pole's Card).
The reform is planned for completion by the end of 2026.
The Current Situation in 2025-2026
Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government and the Chancellery of President Karol Nawrocki are united in their aim to tighten requirements. In 2025, nearly 5,500 citizenship applications were submitted to the President's Chancellery, with the majority of decisions that year, including 1,335 rejections, issued before August. President Karol Nawrocki, who took office on August 6, 2025, did not sign a single positive citizenship decision in his first months. As of February 4, 2026, he has approved 4 decrees (for 25 individuals) and rejected 18 applications. Crucially, presidential decisions on citizenship require no justification and cannot be appealed.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration is developing the corresponding draft law. The number of new Polish citizens rose from 12,000 in 2023 to over 16,500 in 2024. Data shows that over 99% of individuals receive a passport only after prolonged residence, effectively over 8 years. The reform is expected to be fully finalized by the end of 2026.
Under the new requirements, foreigners will be obligated to pass an exam testing knowledge of the Polish language (B1 level), the political system, and the country's history. The Central Examination Board is developing the tests. Additionally, candidates must prove they are conscientious taxpayers specifically in Poland. The overall path to citizenship will effectively stretch to 8 years, comprising 3 years on a temporary residence permit and 5 years on a permanent one. The preferential period for holders of the "Karta Polaka" is planned to increase from the current 1 year to 3 years.
These proposed changes signal the Polish government's intent to assert greater control over immigration processes and impose more rigorous demands on foreigners seeking Polish citizenship. This move comes as Poland, like many European nations, grapples with the dual pressures of an aging population and a tight labor market. The reform is likely to spark significant public debate, as citizenship is a sensitive and crucial issue for the many immigrants already residing in the country.