Highest-ever number of non-Polish individuals gained Polish citizenship in 2024
In 2024, Poland witnessed a significant increase in the number of foreigners granted citizenship, with a total of 16,342 new citizens - a 37% increase from the previous year. The largest group of new citizens were Ukrainians, who accounted for over half of all new citizens.
The number of foreigners acquiring Polish citizenship through direct application to the President of the Republic of Poland almost quadrupled from 2012 to 2024. This method of obtaining citizenship requires applicants to present documents confirming their relationship with Poland, as well as their personal stories and reasons for applying.
An increasing number of Israelis have been applying for Polish citizenship, with the number of applications rising from around 2,500 in 2021 to over 9,000 in 2024. Other notable groups included Belarusians, Russians, Vietnamese, Bolivians, Armenians, and Turks.
Foreigners can also obtain Polish citizenship through descent by presenting proof of at least one direct Polish ancestor and the required documents. Alternatively, foreigners can demonstrate a stable income, own their own home, have knowledge of the Polish language, meet a minimum period of residence in Poland, and comply with other requirements to acquire citizenship without using the path of descent.
Notable individuals who received Polish citizenship in 2024 include former Russian speed skating champion Vladimir Semirunniy, who will represent Poland at the upcoming Winter Olympics, and American actor and director Jesse Eisenberg.
In 2024, then-president Andrzej Duda granted 1,514 Polish citizenships directly. Applicants for direct citizenship must justify their reasons for applying, and it is necessary for them to present their relationship with Poland.
Poland saw the largest increase in foreign-born citizens in more than a decade in 2023, due to record levels of migration. This trend continued into 2024, with a record number of foreigners obtaining Polish citizenship.
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