A person who has been married to a Polish citizen for at least two years and has resided lawfully and permanently in Poland for at least two consecutive years, holding a permanent residence permit, a right of permanent residence, or the status of a long-term EU resident, may apply for recognition as a Polish citizen (uznanie za obywatela polskiego).

This procedure differs legally from confirmation of citizenship by descent: it is a form of simplified naturalization rather than recognition of a pre-existing right. Among other things, it requires demonstrated knowledge of the Polish language, certified by an official document.

The application is filed with the competent voivode of the applicant’s place of residence in Poland and is accompanied, among other things, by an official marriage certificate, proof of lawful residence, and proof of sufficient means of subsistence.