Poland to Update Residency and Citizenship Rules in 2026
Date: 01 August 2025
By: NexAsia News Desk
From July 2026, Poland will introduce major changes to residency and citizenship rules to make the process more transparent, slightly faster for long-term residents, and stricter in certain cases. The Ministry of Interior and Administration says the reforms aim to “reward integration” while ensuring “strong security checks.”
Key Changes for Permanent Residency (Karta Stałego Pobytu)
- Shorter Residency Requirement for Some Workers
If you have worked full-time for at least 4 years in Poland and have paid all taxes and social contributions, you will be able to apply for permanent residency one year earlier than before (after 4 years instead of 5). - Faster Processing for Families
Spouses and children of permanent residents or Polish citizens will see processing times reduced from 12 months to 6 months. - Digital Application System
You will be able to submit your application online, upload documents, and track progress on the new obywatel.gov.pl platform. This will reduce in-person visits to the Voivodeship Office.
Changes to Citizenship Applications
- Polish Language Requirement Remains but Is Easier to Prove
Applicants will still need a B1 level Polish language certificate, but from 2026, those who have completed at least 2 years of full-time study in Poland in Polish will be exempt from taking the exam. - Community Involvement Counts
Volunteering, participating in cultural activities, and joining local associations can be counted as “integration points” to support your application. - Security Checks Strengthened
All applicants will undergo a more detailed background check. The government says this is to prevent fraud and ensure applicants have no serious criminal history in any country.
Stricter Rules for Loss of Status
The new law also introduces a clearer system for revoking residency if:
- You live outside Poland for more than 18 consecutive months without permission
- You commit a serious crime or provide false information in your application
Why This Matters for Immigrants
For hardworking immigrants who pay taxes, learn the language, and actively participate in Polish society, getting permanent residency or citizenship could be faster.
For those thinking about leaving Poland for a long period, it’s important to know the new rules to avoid losing status.
What to Do If You Plan to Apply in 2026
- Start preparing documents now: work contracts, tax returns, proof of address, and language certificates.
- If you’re a student or have studied in Poland, keep all your transcripts and diplomas in case they qualify you for the language exemption.
- Get involved in your local community — it could help your application.