Your guide to obtaining German citizenship by descent in Canada
This guide helps you understand how to obtain German citizenship by descent in Canada and how Wise can help with cross currency requirements
Your guide to obtaining Polish citizenship by descent in Canada
If you’re a Canadian with Polish roots, you may qualify for Polish citizenship by descent, giving you freedom to live, work, and study across Poland and the European Union.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process from Canada. Plus, we’ll introduce you to Wise, a useful tool for reducing international payment costs.
Who Is Eligible for Polish Citizenship by Descent in Canada?
Do you have family ties to Poland? If so, you may already be a Polish citizen and just need to confirm it.
What the Polish Citizenship Law Says
You may be eligible if:
- You have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Polish citizen after 1920 and did not renounce or lose citizenship before your birth.
- You can prove an unbroken chain of citizenship.
- You or your ancestor left Poland legally.
How to Apply for Polish Citizenship by Descent from Canada
These are the steps for applying for Polish citizenship in Canada.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents proving your Polish lineage and citizenship continuity.1
- Translate all non-Polish documents into Polish by a certified translator.1
- Fill out the application.1
- Submit your application in person or by mail. If mailed, your signature must be officially confirmed.1
Required Documents for Polish Citizenship by Descent
Sample Document Checklist by Relationship to Polish Ancestor
| Ancestor Relationship | Documents Needed | Translation Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Polish Parent |
|
|
| Polish Grandparent |
|
|
| Great-Grandparent |
|
|
Where to Submit Your Application in Canada
Polish citizenship applications must be submitted in person at the correct Polish consulate in Canada. Appointments are required..2
Polish Consulates in Canada:
- Consular Section of the Embassy of Poland in Ottawa: Ottawa-Carleton, Lanark, Prescott-Russell, Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry, Leeds-Grenville, Frontenac, Lennox, Addington, Renfrew 2
- Consulate General in Montreal: Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. 2
- Consulate General in Toronto: Ontario, Manitoba, and Nunavut
- Consulate General in Vancouver: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon. 2
Fees and Timelines to Apply for Polish Citizenship in Canada
Application Costs
| Item | Cost in PLN |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 1,466.193 |
| Translation Services | 204.663 |
| Passport Application (optional) | 450.263 |
How long does the application process Take?
Polish citizenship is granted by the President of Poland. There’s no fixed timeframe for review or decision.1
Can Canadians hold dual Polish citizenship?
Yes, Canadians can hold dual Polish citizenship—you don’t have to give up your Canadian passport.
Using Wise to pay Polish citizenship fees from Canada
Wise is a convenient, cost-effective way to pay Polish citizenship fees from Canada. It lets you send Polish złoty at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees.
Unlike most banks, Wise adds no hidden markups to currency conversions—perfect for cross-border government payments. Transfers are fast, usually arriving in Poland within one to two business days, and the process is entirely online.
Wise provides a clear payment receipt, which can be used as proof of payment in your citizenship application.
FAQs/People Also Ask – Common Questions About Polish Citizenship by Descent
Q: Can a Canadian get Polish citizenship by descent?
A: Yes, Canadians can apply if they have proof that at least one parent, grandparent, or sometimes great-grandparent was a Polish citizen and did not renounce or lose citizenship before the next generation was born..1
Q: What documents do I need for Polish citizenship?
A: You must submit documents proving your identity and family connection to a Polish ancestor, including birth and marriage certificates, proof of Polish citizenship for the ancestor, and translated, certified copies of all foreign documents. Additional supporting documents may also be required.1
Q: Is Polish citizenship automatic if my parents or grandparents were Polish?
A: No, citizenship isn’t automatic. You must confirm your status through a legal process with Polish authorities.
Q: Do I have to speak Polish to get citizenship by descent?
**A: No. Language skills aren’t required for citizenship by descent—only for naturalization through residency.
Conclusion
Gaining Polish citizenship through descent offers valuable access to Europe and the chance to live, work, and travel freely. The process requires patience, accuracy, and thorough documentation. To simplify international payments like citizenship fees, consider Wise—a fast, secure, and affordable way to send money from Canada to Poland. Join Wise today! Join Wise today!
Sources:
- Granting Citizenship - Poland in Canada - Gov.pl website
- Embassy & Consulates - Poland in Canada - Gov.pl website
- Consular fees - Poland in Canada - Gov.pl website
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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