Poland Tightens Path to Citizenship

The landscape for long-term residency in Poland is shifting rapidly. Recent data shows a staggering 98% decline in discretionary citizenship grants by the President, with only 25 approvals recorded in early 2026 compared to over 2,200 during the same period last year. This sharp drop signals a move toward much stricter vetting and higher integration standards for all foreign nationals.

The Ministry of the Interior is currently drafting legislation to formalize these hurdles. If passed, the standard residency requirement for naturalization will jump from three years to eight years. Applicants would also need to pass a mandatory civic knowledge test covering history and culture, demonstrate B2-level Polish proficiency, and maintain tax residency throughout their stay.

Who is affected

These changes primarily impact expats and remote workers planning a permanent move. Digital nomads on temporary permits will face a significantly longer timeline to secure a passport. High-skill professionals in tech and healthcare may also find the process more cumbersome, as the government prioritizes national security and cultural integration over rapid labor expansion.

What to do

If you are currently eligible or have an application in progress, immigration counsel recommends accelerating your filing immediately. The government has suspended certain processing deadlines until March 4, 2026, to manage a surge in applications.

Be prepared for new financial and administrative requirements:

• A citizenship application fee of 1,669 PLN.
• Evidence of a stable income and legal title to a residence.
• A mandatory loyalty oath to the Polish state.
• Preparation for twice-yearly exams on history and current events.

Stay informed on the latest nomad news to track when these proposals officially become law. For a deeper look at living and working in the country, read our full Poland guide for the complete picture.