How hard is it to get a Polish passport?

Odd question, but having an EU passport would help immensely, so I'm thinking of a dual-nationaliy position. My maternal grandparents were both from Poland and emigrated to the US in the very early 1900s. I have some documentation, but should I even bother? What percentage would I need to prove to be able to attempt a polish passport?

It shouldn't be hard for you to get a Polish passport. I would find out the details but am too busy at present. Maybe somebody else can help this guy? And if you get the passport, I'd advise you to stick to Poland; don't settle anywhere else in Europe. Whether it's in EU, or not, Poland is the country that shall do well in the future.
:)

I have no idea... but have you seen that discussion on the same topic?

easyexpat.com/forums/ftopic_4563-0-asc-40.htm

Hope that helps.

Ah - I've not seen this. Thanks - from what I can glean, it was a bit difficult to get it, but that might have changed recently.

On that, we agree. Poles are industrious, hard-working, and only now starting to assert what they're worth across the continent. Besides, as I said before, when I go to Krakow, I see people that look like my family so I feel so much more at home.

And the girls are hot. Like I need another reason.

icharsky.com/english.asp

seems to be an informative site..........it is a solicitors site though !

Hmm...and they're in Krakow. I have to talk with family and see if I can get some supporting paperwork shipped to me first.

Would it be harder than to get a British passport?? (just curious...)

I think it's all very interesting. I never realised I could get Polish Citizenship.

But, why would I want it and would I then lose my British Nationality because I thought Poland didn't allow you dual citizenship. All a bit confusing really. Wonder if someone can explain it to me, what are the advantages of Polish Citizenship, if you are born in the UK ?

there are no advantages at all as far as I know.. but the guy is from USA isnt he?

Yes he is Sapphire. So, there's some advantage there and I understand there's some advantage the other way round too......Polish citizens wanting to work in USA.

I just wondered what being a citizen of a country meant ?

My parents were both Polish, born in Poland and remained Polish till they died so I think it's easy enough for me to get Polish citizenship. But I'm one of these people that want to know all the advantages and disadvantages , wonder if that's a Polish trait or a British trait <grin>

well I dont think you are allowed dual nationality so I would hold on to your British passport if I were you, unless you can have both.

Well, If your parents were Polish citizens then that would be only formality, but they weren't, even your grandparents weren't and looks like even your great-grandparents weren't because when they left Poland didn't exist, so honestly you rather don't have much chance to get It.

Don't think it can be taken away Sapphire I was born in the Uk. My parents lived in the UK too........and I sound very British as well :)

Joking apart would be nice to get some more information.

When he says maternal grandparents, G, he means his mother's parents, hence, his grandparents. :)

My grandparents were Polish too ")

Lol

but if you choose to take citizenship of a country that doesnt allow dual citizenship then dont you have to give up your British passport to do so? Im no expert so correct me if Im wrong, but thats my understanding.

I don't know, that is why I am asking the questions. I plead ignorance and am sure someone knowledgeable will be able to assist with some answers .

Are you Polish Sapphire ?

no Im 100% English, my only tentative connection is that my partner is Polish...so thats why I lurk around here sometimes.

Yes you can have two passports if you want to. It is not a good idea to have two passports if you are British in Poland as if you have Polish nationality and you are in trouble with the police or they want to to undertake national service you will have to do it and the British Consulate will do nothing to help you. If you are an American, I do not know though I suppose that it is a nice way to get around all the bureaucracy and be able to work your way around Europe without having to apply for work permits and visas, after all, Poland is in the EU and it gives privileges now.

Thanks for the info. Maybe Poland will have to change now it is in the EU because I understand most EU countries allow dual nationality.Its an outdated law, now in Poland, leftover from the Communist rule.

I hope so, I'd like to have dual nationality.

Why? I have explained to you why it is such a bad idea. It has nothing to do with Communism. My eldest son got a Polish passport when he was about six months old and had never even been to Poland. Anybody of Polish origin can have one but what for?

This seems a strange thing to say. Didn't you have to sign the documents on behalf of your son.

What has that got to do with anything?

It's OK I understand. Your six month old child made a decision to take Polish nationality and just went for it. All this despite his father's better judgement.


Lady in red, you might have to surrender your British passport before getting a Polish one. You can then re-apply for your British passport.
National service doesn't apply to women and if you are in trouble with the police it's the law of the land that dictates what happens not your passport.

Yes, and I listened to your comments and thank you for them. But I am very, very proud of my Polish heritage and therefore would like to hold dual nationality. Why not ?

Anyway, think it's down to the individual person, don't you ?

I agree.

LIR you're trying to reason with a man who marries a Polish woman then constantly slags of Poles

Thanks for that Wroclaw. I am definitely going to look further into it.

I would have told them I was a pacifist anyway (coward really <grin>) if they made me fight. Lol.

I like to think of it as debate, Daisy. We all have different views. I wonder, sometimes if Michal is either, Russian or German descent. Would explain a lot. I certainly don't think he he is Polish or British.

Anwyay, i always welcome healthy discussions so long as Racism or bullying isn't on the topic.

Thanks anyway Daisy. Hope you are feeling better ?