The Polish passport is undoubtedly the ticket to free travel and many other benefits that come with it. Although it is not necessary within the European Union or the Schengen Area (if you have a passport from another European country), the Polish passport is one of the most valuable documents in the world when travelling further afield!
It is the official document issued by the relevant state authorities, which authorises us to cross borders and stay legally in other countries. It is simply a kind of pass allowing us to discover new parts of the world, learn about new cultures, but also to build relationships or find a new job. The Polish passport entitles us to travel visa-free to as many as 184 countries. No wonder that practically every foreigner would like to have one.
Where should I apply for a Polish passport?
You can apply for a Polish passport at any passport office in Poland, or at the relevant country’s public administration office if you have citizenship other than Polish.
Passport offices are mainly located in provincial cities, which makes them easily accessible to residents of different regions. To find the nearest passport office, it is advisable to use the official websites, where information on addresses and opening hours of individual passport offices is available. This allows us to quickly and efficiently check which office is the most convenient for a given person.
For owners of non-Polish citizenship, it is also possible to apply for a passport at the public administration offices of the country concerned. However, it is important to familiarise oneself with the specific requirements and procedures applicable in a given place, which can also be found on the official websites of the relevant institutions. In this way, everyone can start the process of obtaining a passport in an informed and efficient manner, regardless of their nationality.
Who can apply for a Polish passport?
A passport can be applied for by any person who wishes to obtain the document, or also by a parent or legal guardian if applying for a passport for a minor.
Persons with dual citizenship or who are temporary residents of a given country are also entitled to apply for a passport. However, it is worth bearing in mind that some countries may apply specific requirements or restrictions in the context of issuing passports in situations where the applicant has dual nationality or is a temporary resident. For this reason, it is advisable to familiarise yourself in advance with the regulations applicable in the country concerned and to check whether there are any specific requirements for applicants with dual citizenship.
Such careful preparation for the passport application process will help to avoid potential problems and ensure that the entire procedure goes smoothly and in accordance with the applicable regulations.
What documents should I prepare when applying for a Polish passport?
When preparing to apply for a passport, the first step is to carefully prepare the relevant documents. According to the information available in the official Service of the Republic of Poland, the following documents are necessary to obtain a passport:
– An application for a passport, which can be obtained at a passport point.
– One colour photograph, valid and up-to-date. The photograph should have been taken no longer than 6 months before the application, as an out-of-date photograph may cause difficulties at the airport.
– Proof of payment for the passport. If you are benefiting from a discount, it is necessary to enclose a document proving your entitlement to the discount, such as a student card or other document proving that the fee is waived.
– A valid passport if you already have one or a valid ID card if you do not have a passport.
– An abbreviated or full copy of the Polish marriage certificate if there has been a change of name after the marriage abroad.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to be prepared with any additional documents, as the official may ask for additional information if you have any doubts about your identity, nationality or notice inconsistencies in the personal data contained in the documents submitted. When applying for a passport, diligence and completeness of documents are key to a smooth process of obtaining this important travel document.
How much should I pay for my passport?
The standard fee for issuing a passport is 140 zloty. However, it is possible to benefit from a 50% discount, which means that you will only have to pay 70 zloty. This discount is available if one of the following conditions is met:
– Being a pupil or student.
– Being a pensioner or a person with a disability.
– Being supported by a spouse who is a pensioner or a person with a disability.
– Being in a nursing home or care facility.
– Receiving a permanent benefit from social assistance.
– Being a veteran or a victim of war and post-war repression.
– Being a parent or spouse of a parent in a large family and having a nationwide Large Family Card.
In addition, a discount of as much as 75% (i.e. PLN 35 for the issuance of a passport) is available to those who:
– Are under 26 years of age, are studying or studying, and are children from a large family with a nationwide Large Family Card.
– Are children with disabilities from a large family holding a nationwide Large Family Card.
On the other hand, they do not have to pay for the issue of a passport:
– Persons who are over 70 years of age.
– Persons residing in nursing homes or care institutions, travelling abroad for long-term treatment or surgery.
– Persons receiving a permanent social assistance allowance, travelling abroad for long-term treatment or surgery.
– Persons whose passport has a technical defect.
– Soldiers assigned to serve outside the country (excluding professional soldiers).
How long does it take to get a Polish passport?
The procedure for obtaining a Polish passport usually takes about 30 days, so be prepared to wait a month for the document to be issued. If you need a passport urgently, there is an option to obtain a temporary passport, which is issued as soon as possible, but only in special situations.
After applying for a passport, it is necessary to collect the finished document in person at the same point where it was submitted. At the time of collection, the biometric data contained in the passport must be carefully checked to ensure that it is correct, such as fingerprints and a photograph of the face. The official will provide an electronic reader to verify this information. It is a good idea to make sure everything matches your personal details before you leave the passport point.
How long is a Polish passport valid?
A Polish passport is normally valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If a temporary passport is issued we have 12 months to issue a permanent biometric passport. You can find out even more about the Polish passport or Polish citizenship by visiting https://fivetoeurope.com/services-we-offer/.