Published: 21.10.2025
A presidential bill proposes increasing the minimum residence period for recognition as a Polish citizen from three to ten years for people holding permanent residence permits or EU long-term resident status. The government is also considering stronger checks of an applicant’s genuine connection to Poland and knowledge of the Polish language.
According to the source, the proposals could substantially lengthen the path to citizenship for foreigners who already hold permanent residence or EU long-term resident status. If adopted, third-country nationals would need to maintain their residence status for longer before applying for recognition as Polish citizens. This is particularly relevant to long-term migrants and families planning naturalization, although it is currently a proposal rather than a change to the existing rule. It is worth monitoring for anyone building a multi-year relocation and citizenship plan.