The project provides for an extension from three to 10 years of a minimum period of uninterrupted stay in Poland (based on permanent residence permit, permits to the resident of the long -term European Union or permanent residence) required to recognize the foreigner as a Polish citizen.
“The purpose of the planned act is to create conditions conducive to the fuller integration of foreigners before granting them Polish citizenship” – the justification was indicated.
According to the project designer, the existence of a “permanent, actual bond between the foreigner and the state community justifies the admission of it to this community, however, the creation of such ties, integrating with the state community requires time and currently in force in the regulations the 3-year period is insufficient.” As noted in the justification of the presidential project, “there can be no integration justifying participation in the community of citizens without being in the state and functioning in his society.”
“Citizenship is primarily a belonging to the political, historical, cultural and axiological community, which is not only associated with the catalog of powers, but also the obligation to take care and responsibility for the common good, which the Polish Republic should be for all citizens” – reads in the justification to the bill.
It also pointed out that the current 3-year stay required to obtain citizenship “is one of the shortest in the European Union”, which, as evaluated, may not provide enough time to master the Polish language at B1 level, understanding culture and full adaptation to social and legal realities. “
Hungary – as indicated in the justification – require e.g. 8 years, Italy, Austria and Spain – 10 years, France – 5 years (with the possibility of shortening to 2 years for graduates), Germany 5 years (with the possibility of shortening to 3 years after the integration course), the Czech Republic – 5 years.
“Extending the period of uninterrupted stay in Poland to 10 years corresponds to these standards, supporting better assimilation. The longer period of stay provides more time for integration, which is crucial for harmonious coexistence in Polish society” – it was indicated. “The introduction of designed changes is important to ensure Poland's social and economic stability in the face of dynamically growing migration” – added.
It has been admitted that the entry into force of the regulations would mean a decrease in the state budget revenues for a decision on a Polish citizen from PLN 1 million to PLN 3 million, assuming that about 10,000 are considered annually. applications for recognition as a Polish citizen. This type of fee from August 1, 2025 is 1 thousand. zloty. KPRP, however, pointed out that the decline “would be partially balanced by savings on social benefits”.
The draft proposed that the law would enter into force 30 days from the date of publication.
The presidential project is the implementation of Friday's announcements. The head of the Presidential Chancellery Zbigniew Bogucki, then informing about the President's signing of the Act on the help of Ukrainian citizens, declared that on Monday two projects would be sent to the Sejm: on the extension of the period of applying for Polish citizenship and racing of Banderism. The second of the announced projects was also sent to the Sejm, it includes proposals for changes to the Penal Code and the Act on the Institute of National Remembrance.
