American wishing to obtain dual citizenship

My grandmother was from Poland and her parents came to the USA to obtain work in the steel mills in the 20's. My question is, can I obtain dual citizenship ( USA and Polish ) because my grandmother was originally from Poland?

Hi,

I think Poland would require from you to live at least 1 year in Poland. But that would be the final step. You would have to apply for a temporary stay and all. I think... From what I understand the process is pretty complicated. Plus now that Poland is a part of EU, things might be a little different. Contact Polish Consulate. They should be able to give you some advice on how to proceed.

No you won't have to live in Poland for any time, but the situation is complicated. There's another thread on this forum with a pretty comprehensive reply from the Polish consulate. Have a look for the thread "Did you try to get Polish citizenship due to your grandparents"

I am in the same situation. Granmother born in Nur, Poland 1912, married my Polish (but born in America) Grandfather IN NUR, POLAND in 1935 Polish-American grandfather returned to America. My grandmother did not come to America until 1936 or 1937. Not sure if she ever gave up her citizenship because she never worked - my grandfather took care of her. She never drove, voted, paid bills, he took care of everything. The house was in his name.

I've got a copy of her birth certificate and Marriage certificate. I have a copy of my dad's - but for some reason it doesn't have my grandparents names on it. I'm thinking that will not help - because it does not prove that my dad is their son, and that I am their grand daughter. he's going to get further information.

Now, I am qualified for a Polish Passport and Polish Citizenship, yes? If I get that, will I be able to have employment anywhere in the EU or only Poland?

Thanks in advance!

You'll have to ask the consulate if you qualify for Polish citizenship, but if you do get a Polish passport, you will only be able to work in certain EU countries at the moment.

i didnt think Poland allowed dual citizenships .... you could have one or other?

I think they are.

well, I have got 2 so I guess they are.

Yes you can have dual citizenship, there is nothing to forbid it (but for some reason I hear this mistake all the time from Polish people that it's not allowed). However Poland does not RECOGNISE dual citizenship. Therefore in Poland you are purely Polish in the eyes of the Polish authorities. Abroad you take the nationality of whichever passport you are travelling on.

Dear inkrakow:

Do you happen to know *WHICH* EU countries that might be? Thank you so much in advance. hope you had a nice weekend.

I don't I'm afraid. You might want to google EU accession+Poles+work and see what comes up. Or ask your nearest consulate.

HI, I am new to this site. I am trying to find out if I qualify for Polish citizenship. All four of my grandparents were born in Poland before WWI and came to the US before the war started. I would like to spend about 5 years traveling Europe without visa hassles. Polish citizenship seems the best solution. What did you find out. Thanks for any information. Best, Dave

According to the answer to the same question from the Polish consulate on another thread, Poland didn't exist before WW1 so your grandparents were Polish nationals, not Polish citizens when they left Europe, so they can't pass on citizenship...

both of my parents are full polish, and so is my family on both sides. I was born in Canada, do I have duel citizenship?

this stuff is asked all the time - use the search box and have a read....

if you have one ancestor born in Poland after 1923 who didn't lose their citizenship for some reason then probably yes.

Do not use Ilan Charsky to get citizenship -- they are very expensive and never return phone calls/emails. Believe me, they are terrible!