Having dual citizenship is becoming increasingly important in the age of globalisation. In a world where borders are no longer a barrier and where migration of people is norm, dual citizenship offers not only convenience but, above all, opportunity.
In Poland, issues related to dual citizenship are regulated by both national laws and international conventions, making the topic complex and multi-faceted. Understanding the basic regulations and the benefits of dual citizenship can therefore be crucial for both those planning to obtain citizenship and those wishing to understand its implications. Therefore, we will discuss these issues in detail below, and we encourage you to visit https://fivetoeurope.com/, where you will find much more essential information to help you obtain Polish citizenship.
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship means simultaneously holding citizenship of two different countries. A person with dual citizenship is considered a fully-fledged citizen of both nations, which in practice means both privileges as well as numerous obligations under the laws of both countries. For some people, having dual citizenship is a matter of heritage and cultural belonging, while for others it is a pragmatic choice related to work, education or the ability to travel freely.
What is important is that Poland does not require its citizens to give up their original citizenship if they acquire a second one. This is a key element of Poland’s legislation, which differentiates our system from many other countries where having two citizenships is not allowed or is strictly regulated.
Legal basis of dual citizenship in Poland
Dual citizenship in Poland is regulated by the Act of 2 April 2009 on Polish citizenship. According to this document, a person holding Polish citizenship is treated by the Polish state exclusively as a Polish citizen, regardless of any other citizenships that he or she may have acquired earlier or later. In practice, this means that a Polish citizen who simultaneously holds citizenship of another country cannot benefit in Poland from the legal protection or consular assistance of a foreign country.
It is also worth noting that Polish legislation respects international conventions that define the rights and obligations of persons with multiple citizenship. This particularly applies to situations where a Polish citizen resides on the territory of another country of citizenship.
How to obtain dual citizenship in Poland?
Dual citizenship can be obtained in several ways, depending on the situation and the laws of the country concerned. The most common cases are:
- Inheritance of citizenship – In Poland, the law of blood (ius sanguinis) applies, this means that a child automatically acquires Polish citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen of our country. If the other parent has citizenship of another country, the child may also acquire that citizenship – if the law allows it.
- Naturalisation – Persons who have been legally residing in Poland for a certain period of time, meet the Polish language requirements and are integrated into the local community may also apply for Polish citizenship. In the case of holding citizenship of another country, it is possible to retain both statuses.
- Marriage to a Polish citizen – Although marriage itself does not guarantee automatic acquisition of citizenship, it is undoubtedly a route to a simplified naturalisation procedure.
Benefits of dual citizenship
Dual citizenship brings with it numerous benefits that are attractive in the modern world. Which privileges are we talking about? In the main, we include:
- Freedom of travel – People with dual citizenship can use passports from both countries, which often means easier access to more countries without having to apply for a visa.
- Access to public services – Citizens of at least two countries can benefit from the education, healthcare or social benefit systems in both of them, which significantly improves quality of life.
- Professional and educational opportunities – Having citizenship of more than one country opens doors to work and study in places that may not be accessible to foreigners.
- Cultural sense of belonging – Dual citizenship also allows people to maintain ties with their country of origin while allowing them to integrate into their new environment.
Exceptional situations and dual nationality obligations
While dual citizenship brings many benefits, which we have mentioned above, it also comes with certain challenges and responsibilities. For example, people with dual citizenship may be obliged to perform military service in both countries, which requires special attention in case of conflicting laws.
Another aspect is taxation. Such citizens usually have to comply with the tax laws of both countries, which means that they may have to account for their income in more than one country.
So is it worth having dual citizenship?
The decision to hold dual citizenship most often depends on individual circumstances and needs. For many, it is a way of ensuring greater freedom and security in a rapidly changing world. However, it is worth remembering that dual citizenship does not only come with privileges, but also with obligations, which should be carefully considered before making a final decision.
