Karta Polaka: who can apply, documents and how it helps in Poland
The Karta Polaka is a document for people who belong to the Polish Nation, granted by a Polish consul. You apply in person, make a declaration of belonging to the Polish Nation, show knowledge of Polish in a conversation, and the filing itself is free of charge.
Short answer. Rules can differ between consulates, so check the page of your own consulate. In Poland, a valid Karta Polaka removes the stamp duty for a permanent residence permit.
How to apply
- Apply in person at the Polish consulate competent for your place of residence. The consul takes your declaration of belonging to the Polish Nation and talks to you in Polish.
- For a minor, both parents apply in person. A parent without a Karta Polaka consents before the consul.
- Some consulates do not take first applications. For example, the consulate in Brest directs first applicants to a voivodeship office in Poland.
Conditions in the Act
- You declare that you belong to the Polish Nation, in writing before the consul.
- You show a link with Polishness: at least basic knowledge of Polish, which you regard as your native language, and knowledge and cultivation of Polish traditions and customs.
- You show that you are of Polish nationality, or at least one parent or grandparent, or two great-grandparents, were of Polish nationality; or you present a certificate from a Polish or Polish-diaspora organisation confirming at least the last three years of active work for Polish language and culture.
- You declare that neither you nor your ancestors were repatriated from Poland under the repatriation agreements of 1944–1957 with Soviet republics.
Documents (adult applicant)
- An application and an identity document with a copy.
- Documents confirming Polish nationality of you or your ancestors, with documents proving the family link, or a certificate from an authorised Polish or Polish-diaspora organisation confirming your active work for Polish language and culture.
- Optionally, a document proving Polish language knowledge. If you have none, the consul assesses your Polish in the conversation, which covers traditions and customs.
Fee and appeal
- All activities related to filing the application and issuing the decision are free of all fees, including consular fees (art. 12(3) of the Act). Other consular services, such as certifying a parent’s consent, may be paid.
- If the consul refuses, you can appeal to the Council for Poles Abroad through the consul within 30 days of delivery of the decision.
What it changes in Poland
- A person of Polish origin or with a valid Karta Polaka who intends to settle in Poland can apply for a permanent residence permit, and holders of a valid Karta Polaka do not pay the stamp duty for it. See permanent residence.
- For Polish citizenship by recognition, one year on a permanent permit granted because of Polish origin or a Karta Polaka can be enough. See citizenship.
Not legal adviceThis guide explains formalities. It is not legal advice from an attorney and does not replace the official instructions on gov.pl.
Sources
- gov.pl (Polish mission): Karta Polaka: how to apply
- gov.pl (Polish mission in Belarus): Karta Polaka: how to apply
- MOS: Permanent residence permit
- Legal basis: Act on the Karta Polaka art. 2, 5a, 12, 21 (Dz.U. 2026 item 76)
Facts checked against the official MOS portal on 25 Oct 2026. Rules and amounts change, so check the source before you act.
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