Poland Increases Citizenship Costs for Ukrainians: What Will Change Starting August 2025

Starting August 1, 2025, important changes concerning the procedures for obtaining citizenship and employment of foreigners, particularly Ukrainians, will come into effect in Poland. One of the main innovations will be a significant increase in fees when applying for the acquisition or confirmation of citizenship.

As reported by the Polish portal 'Laut', the fee for submitting an application to the voivode will rise from 219 to 1000 zlotys. When submitting documents directly to the President of Poland, the cost of the procedure will be 1669 zlotys, although it was previously free of charge.

The sum of 1669 zlotys will also have to be paid by those who intend to renounce their citizenship. The cost of confirming citizenship will rise to 277 zlotys instead of the previous 58.

Extended Application Review Periods

The application review period will also change. It will now officially be up to 6 months, compared to the previously vague timeframe, which often did not exceed a few months. Experts warn that in large cities the process may take even longer.

Mandatory expenses will also include payment for language certificates, document translations, and notary services. This will make the citizenship acquisition process not only longer but also significantly more expensive.

Electronic Submission of Work Permits

Starting August 1 of next year, all applications for work permits for foreigners must be submitted only in electronic format through the 'Praca.gov.pl' portal. Polish authorities emphasize that this will simplify procedures and speed up document processing, reducing bureaucracy.

The Polish government emphasizes that these changes are aimed at streamlining the immigration system, reducing administrative burdens, and increasing government budget revenues. However, for Ukrainians actively integrating into Polish society, these rules may become a serious financial barrier.

Don't forget to periodically check information about support for Ukrainian refugees in the European Union.

Ukrainians considering obtaining citizenship or employment in Poland should be prepared for increased expenses and a longer process of obtaining necessary permits. Although this new reform is aimed at improving the country's immigration system, it may pose a challenge for Ukrainians focused on integrating into Polish society.