Long little known, Polish nationality by descent has recently experienced a significant resurgence of interest. At the crossroads of Central Europe’s turbulent history and contemporary nationality law, it represents a major legal opportunity for thousands of descendants of Polish citizens living abroad.
Between 1795 and 1918, Poland disappeared from the map, partitioned between Russia, Prussia, and Austria-Hungary. This period was followed by the upheavals of the 20th century: two world wars, Nazi occupation, and then the communist regime. These events triggered large-scale emigration of Polish citizens, often without any formal renunciation of their nationality—a decisive condition under Polish law.
Polish nationality law is based on a fundamental principle: nationality is transmitted by blood (ius sanguinis), not by place of birth. Unlike many Western legal systems, the loss of Polish nationality is never presumed.
A Favorable Legal Framework Still in Force
Polish legislation—most notably the Act of 20 January 1920, followed by the Act of 8 January 1951, and finally the current Act of 2 April 2009 on Polish Citizenship—provides a particularly favorable framework for descendants.
In practice, if an ancestor was a Polish citizen after 1920 and did not validly lose their nationality, that nationality may be transmitted without generational limitation.
This is not a naturalization process, but rather a confirmation of nationality (Potwierdzenie posiadania obywatelstwa polskiego), an administrative procedure based on the continuity of the legal bond with the Polish State.
Why Act Today?
The interest is twofold:
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A European passport: Polish nationality automatically confers citizenship of the European Union, with freedom of movement, residence, and economic activity in all 27 Member States.
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An objective procedure: No residence requirement in Poland, no language or cultural tests, and no discretionary assessment—only historical and legal facts are taken into account.
Moreover, Polish authorities have professionalized and structured the review of applications, making well-prepared files particularly effective when properly documented.
Legal and Archival Investigation Work
Each application involves historical reconstruction: civil status records, military registers, old passports, consular documents, and evidence of the absence of foreign naturalization or formal renunciation.
This work requires in-depth mastery of Polish law, as well as a refined understanding of foreign legal systems and migratory contexts.
A Patrimonial and Identity-Based Approach
Beyond the legal benefit, Polish nationality by descent is often experienced as the reclaiming of an interrupted family history. It allows individuals to reconnect with a plural European identity—transmitted, yet sometimes forgotten.
Conclusion
Polish nationality by descent is neither a privilege nor a favor: it is a transmissible right, firmly rooted in Polish history and law.
In a context of increased international mobility and the search for legal certainty, it represents a strategic, patrimonial, and European opportunity that should not be overlooked.
Drawing on recognized expertise in this field, ABITBOL & ASSOCIATES is fully equipped to assist you in preparing your application, conducting archival research, and ensuring comprehensive preliminary guidance in order to avoid any pitfalls affecting its validity.
In this regard, we remain entirely at your disposal for any further information requests and kindly invite you to complete the dedicated contact form.
NB : This article is given as an indication, consequently each file/case will have to be the subject of a detailed study, in this direction the information contained in this article could not constitute a legal consultation.
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