How to apply for Poland citizenship

A step-by-step guide to claiming Poland citizenship by descent through Masovian Voivode. Your exact documents and route are confirmed by the free eligibility check.

1
Gather vital records
Collect long-form birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation, your ancestor's Polish records (start with Szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl), plus US naturalization records (the USCIS C-file via a FOIA request).
2
Apostille your US documents
Get an apostille from the issuing state on each US vital and naturalization record; Polish records need no apostille.
3
Get sworn Polish translations
Use a tłumacz przysięgły — a sworn court translator registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice. Generic US 'certified' translations are routinely rejected.
4
Book a consulate appointment
Apply at any Polish consulate or the embassy in Washington, DC — there's no jurisdictional limit. Book through e-Konsulat.
5
Submit and pay the consular fee
Present your documents and pay the ~$118 confirmation fee, which is non-refundable even if the case is later denied.
6
Consulate forwards your file to Warsaw
Your complete package is sent to the Masovian Voivode (about 4–8 weeks in transit).
7
Voivode reviews the case
Review runs roughly 18–24 months; respond promptly to any wezwanie (request for more documents). Correspondence is in Polish and there's no in-person interview.
8
Pay the stamp duty and get your certificate
On approval, pay the PLN 277 stamp duty and receive your confirmation of Polish citizenship — then apply for a Polish passport (and optionally a PESEL number).

See if you qualify for Poland citizenship

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Not affiliated with Masovian Voivode or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.