Polish card what is it

The Polish card is a document confirming membership in the Polish nation. Remember! The Polish card does not imply Polish citizenship, nor is it a document entitling you to cross the border or settle in the territory of the Republic of Poland. A Polish card may not be granted to a person who has Polish citizenship or a permanent residence permit in the territory of the Republic of Poland or who has stateless status.

Who can get a pole card? through at least basic knowledge

You can receive a pole card if:

1. you will demonstrate your relationship with Poland through at least basic knowledge of the Polish language and knowledge and cultivation of Polish traditions and Customs;
2. in the presence of the consul you will submit a written declaration of belonging to the Polish nation;
3. you will show that you are of Polish nationality or at least one of your parents or grandfathers, or two great-grandfathers were of Polish nationality or you will present a certificate of an authorized Polish or Polonia organization (notification will be renewed no later than 14.01.2020) confirming your active participation in activities in favor of the Polish language and culture or the Polish national minority for at least the last three years;
4. you will submit a statement that you or your preliminary did not repatriate from the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of agreements concluded by Poland in the years 1944-1957 with:

• Byelorussian Socialist Soviet Republic,
• The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic,
• Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic,
• Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics,

5. you have Polish origin, which has been confirmed in accordance with the provisions of the act of 9.11.2000 on repatriation [link to the act], provided that you    demonstrate at least basic knowledge of the Polish language.

Documents that confirm knowledge of the language

Is the certificate of completion of the Polish language course proof of knowledge of the Polish language?

A certificate of completion of a Polish language course is not enough as a confirmation of knowledge of the language in the procedure for granting a Polish card.

Documents that confirm knowledge of the language include:

• certificate of completion of school or studies in Poland,
• Diploma of completion of school abroad with the Polish language of instruction,
• certificate of knowledge of the Polish language issued on the basis of the act of 7 October 1999 on the Polish language.

If you do not have any of the above documents, your knowledge of the language will be assessed by the consul.

The conversation with the consul, conducted in polish, will concern m.in. Polish traditions and customs.

How long is the Polish card valid for and how do I extend the validity of the Polish card?

The Polish card is valid for 10 years from the date of its award. The validity of the card can be extended for another 10 years if the holder submits an application no later than 3 months before the expiry of the Polish card.

A Polish card granted to a person who has completed 65 years of age is valid for an indefinite period.

A Polish card issued to a minor is valid for 10 years, but not longer than one year after reaching the age of majority. The validity of the card may be extended for a further 10 years if the cardholder submits an application no later than 3 months before the card expires. This means that after the age of 18, the holder of the Polish card should apply for its renewal no later than within the next 9 months.

What privileges can a pole card holder use?

The holder of the Polish card has the right to:

1. exemptions from the obligation to hold a work permit and to engage in and carry out business activities on the same basis as Polish citizens;
2. studies, doctoral studies and other forms of education, as well as participation in research and development;
3. use of emergency healthcare services;
4. discounts of 37% for journeys in Poland on passenger, express and express trains on the basis of one-off tickets;
5. free admission to selected state museums in Poland
6. assistance of the consul in a situation of danger to life or safety, within the limits of his competence, in accordance with and in compliance with International Customs and law
7. exemptions from consular fees for:

• reception and processing of an application for a national visa in order to exercise the privileges of a Polish card;
• adoption and preparation of an application for granting Polish citizenship;

8. receipt of a cash benefit for partial coverage of maintenance in Poland in the event of an application for permanent residence. The cash benefit is granted for a period of up to 9 months;
9. priority when applying for financial aid intended to support Poles abroad.