Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card)

The Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card) is a document that confirms your belonging to the Polish Nation. It is not a visa or a citizenship document, but it grants you the right to work in Poland without a permit, study for free, and access a fast-track to Polish citizenship. You must apply in person, as the process requires a face-to-face interview in Polish to verify your language skills and cultural knowledge.

Route 1: Applying from Abroad (Consular)

If you live outside of Poland, you must apply at the Polish Consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.

1. Gather your evidence: Collect original documents proving your Polish roots. This must include proof that at least one parent or grandparent, or two great-grandparents, were of Polish nationality or held Polish citizenship. Alternatively, provide a certificate from an authorized Polish organization confirming you have been actively supporting Polish language and culture for at least three years.
2. Translate your documents: Any document not in Polish must be translated by a tłumacz przysięgły (sworn translator).
3. Book an appointment: Contact your local Polish Consulate to schedule an interview. In high-demand regions, wait times can be several months.
4. Complete the form: Fill out the application form (available at the consulate or on their website) entirely in Polish. Attach one color photograph (35 x 45 mm).
5. Attend the interview: This is the most important step. You will meet with a Consul and speak in Polish. They will ask about your family history, as well as Polish traditions, history, and customs to verify your "Polishness."
6. Receive the decision: If approved, the Consul will issue your card. It is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

Route 2: Applying within Poland (Voivodeship)

This route is generally reserved for specific nationalities, such as citizens of Ukraine or Belarus, or those already residing in Poland under specific conditions.

1. Identify your office: You must apply at the Urząd Wojewódzki (Voivodeship Office) corresponding to where you live in Poland.
2. Submit your file: Present your Polish-language application, photos, and original evidence of ancestry (with sworn translations) to the Department of Foreigners.
3. The Interview: Just like the consular route, you will be summoned for an interview conducted in Polish by an official to confirm your language proficiency and cultural ties.
4. Collect your card: Once the Wojewoda (Voivode) issues a positive decision, you will be notified to collect your physical card.

Currently, the application for the Karta Polaka is free of charge at Polish consulates. However, please note that legislative changes proposed for 2025/2026 may introduce a processing fee.

Item	Cost
Application Fee	0 PLN / Free
Sworn Translation (per document)	100 – 300 PLN (Estimated)
National Visa (Type D) for Card Holders	0 PLN / Free
Permanent Residence Application (for Card Holders)	0 PLN / Free

Total Estimate: While the government does not charge a fee, you should budget approximately 500 – 1,200 PLN for professional translations of birth/marriage certificates and travel expenses to the consulate or office.

The timeline for receiving your card depends heavily on the location of the consulate and the complexity of your ancestry documents.

• Interview Wait Time: 2 weeks to 4 months depending on the backlog at your specific consulate or Voivodeship office.
• Decision Period: Officially 1 to 2 months after the interview, though high-volume offices may take up to 6 months.
• Document Validity: The Karta Polaka is valid for 10 years. For minors, it is valid until one year after they reach the age of 18. You must apply for an extension at least 6 months before the card expires.
• Path to Citizenship: Once you have the card, you can move to Poland, receive a fee-free Permanent Residence permit, and apply for Polish citizenship after just 1 year of continuous residence.