Receiving Permanent Residency Based on Ancestry
In Poland, it is possible to obtain permanent residency - a Card of Permanent Residence based on ancestry. To do this, one must have evidence of Polish descent from father/mother, grandmother/grandfather, great-grandmother/great-grandfather (up to the third generation inclusive).
Ukrainians with Polish roots can apply for the Card without registration and official employment, provided they have the necessary documents. Citizens of other countries will need a repatriation visa.
A mandatory requirement when applying for permanent residency based on ancestry will also be a conversational level of the Polish language (for passing the interview), as well as knowledge of general information about the Republic of Poland - national holidays, traditions, famous personalities, geographical data. In-depth knowledge of history or a language proficiency certificate will not be required.
Processing Time for Ancestry Residence Card - 3-4 months.
Advantages of the Card of Permanent Residence:
- multiple border crossings and the ability to travel to other EU countries without an additional visa;
- the ability to stay on the territory of Poland for a longer period than with a regular visa;
- the possibility of legal employment;
- the possibility of purchasing and registering a vehicle;
- the possibility of receiving medical assistance in Polish state clinics;
- the possibility of opening one's own business, conducting business;
- the possibility of applying for Polish citizenship if the person has lived in Poland for 3 years with this Residence Card, and has not left the country for more than 3 months a year.
In practice, based on this Residence Card, a resident receives the same rights as a Polish citizen, except for participation in elections.
Documents Required to Apply for Ancestry Permanent Residence Card:
- original passport and copies in 2 copies;
- completed application - 2 copies;
- photograph 3.5x4.5 cm, taken no later than 6 months before the application - 4 copies;
- personal birth certificate;
- birth certificate of a relative who is a Polish citizen;
- marriage certificate of relatives, based on whom the person applies for permanent residency.
If a person applies together with other family members who do not qualify under the "Repatriation Law", namely, spouse, children, additional documents are required - marriage certificate, child's birth certificate, spouse's employment contract if available, document from ZUS.
All documents are submitted in Polish, documents in other languages must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator. You can order such a translation on our "Consultant" portal. Also, here you can choose a migration law lawyer who will provide full consultation on obtaining a residence permit based on ancestry, help you gather the necessary documents, and provide full support in obtaining the Card of Permanent Residence based on ancestry.
