Higher Fees, Longer Timelines & New Legal Framework – What You Need to Know
From August 1, 2025, individuals applying for Polish citizenship will face significant changes to both the fees and processing times involved in citizenship-related procedures. These updates come as part of the Act of June 25, 2025, which amends the Repatriation Act and several related laws, including the Stamp Duty Act.
Whether you’re applying personally or advising clients as a legal or HR professional, here’s a complete overview of what’s changing—and how to prepare.
Key Changes Effective August 1, 2025
1. Increased Stamp Duty Fees
The new law introduces much higher stamp duty fees for nearly all citizenship-related matters. Below is a comparison of the current and new rates:
| Procedure | Fee Before Aug 1, 2025 | Fee After Aug 1, 2025 |
| Granting Polish citizenship by President | Free | PLN 1,669 |
| Recognition as a Polish citizen (by Voivode) | PLN 219 | PLN 1,000 |
| Confirmation of possession or loss of Polish citizenship | PLN 58 | PLN 277 |
💡 Note: Fees will apply regardless of the decision—even if an application is denied or proceedings are discontinued.
2. Extended Processing Deadlines
A uniform deadline of minimum six months
is being introduced for the resolution of the following:
- Recognition as a Polish citizen
- Confirmation of possession or loss of Polish citizenship
This timeline applies not only to new applications submitted from August 1, but also to pending applications that remain unresolved on that date.
3. Exemptions from Stamp Duty
Certain categories remain exempt from these new fees:
- Minor children recognized as Polish citizens under Article 30(1)(4 or 5) of the Act on Polish Citizenship (April 2, 2009)
- Individuals acquiring citizenship through repatriation
- Cases involving recognition as a repatriate
- Confirmation of citizenship acquired through repatriation
🧩 Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?
According to the Mazovian Voivodeship Office and legislative commentary, these changes serve several key purposes:
- Improved application quality: By introducing fees even for presidential applications (previously free), applicants are encouraged to submit more carefully prepared and complete documentation.
- Reduced burden on administrative authorities: More complete applications are expected to reduce time spent on corrections and formal clarifications, improving overall efficiency.
- Increased public revenue: The updated fees are designed to help fund administrative operations and align costs with the actual work involved in processing these complex procedures.
- Standardization across procedures: Until now, presidential and voivodeship-based applications were processed under significantly different cost structures. The new fees aim to align and balance the system.
📅Why You Should Act Before July 31, 2025
If you are considering applying for Polish citizenship—or supporting someone who is—it is strongly recommended to act before the new rules take effect.
Applying by July 31, 2025 allows you to:
- Pay significantly lower fees
- Possibly benefit from simpler procedural requirements still in place
👥 Who Is Affected?
These changes will impact a wide range of individuals and professionals, including:
- Foreign nationals eligible for Polish citizenship
- Residents of Poland seeking naturalization
- Polish descendants confirming citizenship rights
- Immigration lawyers and consultants
- HR professionals managing international mobility
- NGOs assisting migrant populations
✅ How BL Consultancy Can Help
With these sweeping legal changes, expert support is more valuable than ever. At BL Consultancy, we offer:
- Tailored consultations based on your individual or corporate needs
- Complete application support with attention to new formal requirements
- Timeline and cost planning ahead of changes
- Strategic filing advice to help you save both time and money
📞 Ready to Take Action?
Now is the time to review your eligibility, prepare your documentation, and submit your application
Don’t let the new regulations catch you off guard. Secure your future in Poland with clarity, confidence, and expert support from BL Consultancy.
📅 Book a consultation with one of our legal experts today.