Your Guide to Obtaining a Polish and EU Passport

You can hold an EU passport if you are a citizen of any European Union member country. If you already have Polish citizenship, you are automatically an EU citizen, since Poland is part of the European Union.

If you have Polish ancestry, you may be eligible to have your Polish citizenship confirmed. Even if you, your parents or grandparents were born abroad, you may still qualify. Once your citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for your Polish passport, which is your EU passport. This is where our expertise becomes essential.

The confirmation process begins when the Polish government reviews your case and issues an official Citizenship Decision. For descendants of Polish emigrants, especially those whose families left many generations ago, it is important to verify whether citizenship has been retained. Our team guides you through every step, from gathering documents to navigating the application process.

If you are a United States citizen, you may hold both United States and Polish passports. United States law allows dual citizenship and your United States nationality is not affected. Citizens of other countries should check their local laws before applying.

Start Your Citizenship Journey
Person holding a miniature souvenir of Gdansk, Poland, in front of a display of similar miniature landmarks on a green background.

After Your Citizenship Is Confirmed

A successful applicant receives a formal citizenship declaration. This is a physical document issued by the Polish government and serves as legal proof of citizenship.

It is very important to understand that citizenship confirmation is not the final step. Before you can apply for a passport, you must obtain new Polish civil records from the Polish Civil Records Office. This includes a Polish birth certificate and, if applicable, a Polish marriage certificate. This step is often overlooked but is essential. Any errors or inconsistencies in these documents can prevent you from obtaining a passport.

Our team has extensive experience helping clients secure these vital records.

We frequently assist individuals who have already been declared citizens but cannot proceed because of issues within this part of the process.

To apply for a Polish passport, you must:

  • Be a confirmed Polish citizen

  • Have your Polish birth certificate registered in Poland

  • Have a PESEL number, which is similar to a United States Social Security number

How to Apply for a Polish Passport

Once you have citizenship confirmation, civil records and a PESEL number, you can begin the passport application.

The process includes:

  • Completing the passport application in Polish

  • Submitting the application at a Polish consulate or embassy

  • Providing fingerprints during the appointment

  • Paying the application fee, usually in local currency

  • Attending a second appointment to collect your passport unless your consulate offers registered mail delivery

Most consulates require two visits. Some offer delivery by mail for an additional fee. It is important to ask your specific consulate if this option is available.

  • “Today my Polish passport arrived, I am so happy! It is totally thanks to you. You worked incredibly hard and got me through all the obstacles. There is no way I could have done this without your patient help. You are full of integrity in this world of fake news. It is so heart-warming to find people of your caliber.”

    — Rene Wyndham, Former BBC-TV Journalist

  • “The team at PolandPassport.com will lead you through the process with expertise, kindness and patience. Adele is great at keeping you on track and helping you reach your goal. Thanks for all your help and guidance.”

    — Elizabeth L, New Jersey

  • “PolandPassport is knowledgeable and provided me with a decision on my case very quickly. While I didn't qualify for citizenship, they were really professional and gave me an answer quickly.”

    — Sara H. Portland, OR

  • “My own history didn't make the break, but they helped me get answers far quicker than I would have known. However, my cousin, who had been trying for a while independently, was able to break through and is about to be granted one for her, and subsequently her family. So awesome!”

    — Hope N., Los Angeles, CA USA

Types of Polish Passports

  • Standard Passport for Adults: Valid for 10 years

  • Children’s Passport: Valid for 5 years

  • Temporary Passport: Valid for 12 months and available in emergencies. Temporary passports can sometimes be issued within 24 hours at a Polish consulate.

Polish Passports for Children

A child must also be declared a Polish citizen before a passport can be issued. This is not automatic. The same documentation and verification rules apply.

When applying for a child’s passport:

  • Both parents must be present during the application appointment

  • If one parent cannot appear, a court order may be required

  • In complex family circumstances, it is advisable to seek our assistance

Three Polish passports standing upright on a textured surface.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Polish Passport?

Once your citizenship is confirmed and your civil records are in order, the typical passport processing time is around two months. Timelines vary based on the consulate and appointment availability.