Poland plans to make it more difficult for foreigners, including Ukrainians, to obtain citizenship.
The Polish government has drafted legislation that would strengthen the requirements for those seeking Polish citizenship. Among the new provisions are raising the level of Polish language proficiency to B2, introducing a test on knowledge of the country's history and culture, and requiring proof of income, housing, and tax residency.
In Poland, reforms are being prepared to the rules for obtaining citizenship for foreigners. According to a government draft law, applicants for a Polish passport will need to prove proficiency in Polish at level B2 instead of B1, as well as pass a test on knowledge of the country's history and culture. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of having a minimum income, legitimate grounds for using housing in Poland, and a status as a tax resident.
The project also includes expanding the grounds for refusing citizenship. These include circumstances that may indicate a threat to national security or public order, such as court convictions, specific fines, and administrative penalties. The government also proposes allowing the revocation of decisions to grant or restore citizenship if it is found that it was obtained through fraud.
The government also proposes reviewing the requirements for the length of legal residence in Poland, although a specific new deadline is not mentioned in the brief description of the bill. Furthermore, the government plans to gradually close the possibility of using the procedure for restoring Polish citizenship under Article 38 of the relevant law, with a proposed final date for submitting applications being December 31, 2030.
The draft law must undergo government review, parliamentary procedures, and be signed by the President of Poland. According to the plan, the government is scheduled to review the document in the fourth quarter of 2026.