Poland considers longer residency requirement for citizenship

Poland is preparing to tighten its citizenship laws, with the Ministry of the Interior drafting legislative changes aimed at making naturalisation more restrictive.

According to Polsat News, the proposed reforms are designed to eliminate what officials describe as “automaticity” in granting citizenship and to ensure that only individuals with a genuine connection to the Polish state and culture receive a passport.

The government is considering extending the required period of legal residence to eight years, consisting of three years under temporary residence followed by five years of permanent residence. Officials argue that this longer timeframe would allow for more thorough assessment of applicants’ integration.

Additional measures under discussion include the introduction of a mandatory state exam covering Polish history and constitutional values, along with a language proficiency test at a minimum level of B2.

Authorities are also debating requirements for applicants to demonstrate loyalty to the state and confirm their tax residency status.

The Interior Ministry has framed the reform in clear terms, stating that citizenship should be treated as “a deserved privilege, not a formal certificate,” and highlighting the importance of strengthening integration and social cohesion.

The final details of the proposed changes have not yet been finalised and remain under development.

By Tamilla Hasanova