Poland Doubles Citizenship Fees and Tightens Naturalisation Rules

Poland has quietly enacted significant changes to its naturalisation system, increasing citizenship fees and introducing tougher eligibility rules that affect both applicants and employers.

An amendment to the Act on Administrative Fees, effective 21 November, has doubled the cost of acquiring Polish citizenship. Applicants seeking the President’s discretionary grant now pay PLN 1,669, while voivode-level recognition costs PLN 1,000.

Alongside the fee changes, the Ministry of Interior has unveiled a four-pillar naturalisation model. Key reforms include extending the permanent-residence requirement from three to five years, raising the Polish-language exam to B2 level, and introducing a compulsory loyalty declaration.

Officials argue that the stricter framework encourages deeper integration at a time of record-high citizenship applications, especially from Ukrainians. Migrant-rights organisations, however, warn that increased costs and subjective loyalty conditions may hinder social inclusion.

For employers, the changes carry financial consequences. Many mobility and retention policies reimburse citizenship fees, requiring immediate adjustments to budget limits. With the new fees being non-refundable, legal experts stress the importance of accurate documentation to avoid costly rejections.

These reforms follow similar tightening trends in Germany and the Netherlands, reflecting a wider European shift toward measured long-term integration. Businesses with diverse workforces are reassessing their talent strategies, while relocation partners revise guidance for employees considering Polish citizenship.