How I Became Polish Citizen: A Journey Through the President’s Pathway
Fifteen years after arriving in Poland, I became a citizen through the President’s pathway. Here’s a brief look at that journey.
The path to citizenship was far from straightforward, marked by a series of challenges, personal growth, and unwavering dedication. I want to share with you the step-by-step journey that led to my Polish citizenship, a journey that began in 2009 and culminated in 2023.
Arrival and Early Years in Poland
In 2009, I arrived in Poland as a student, eager to pursue a degree in computer engineering. By early 2014, I had completed my studies, earning my degree and setting the stage for the next chapter of my life. However, my journey wasn’t just about academics; it was about integrating into Polish society and contributing to the community. During my time in Poland, I started a blog, Polonyadan.com ("From Poland" in English), where I shared everything there was to know about Poland with the Turkish-speaking world. Over the years, this blog grew into a significant platform, connecting thousands of people with information about Poland and fostering a vibrant online community.
A Setback: The Reset Button
After graduating, I moved to New York to pursue my master's degree. I was aware of a critical Polish regulation: if you spend more than six months outside the country, all the days you’ve accumulated toward citizenship or permanent residency are reset. When I returned to Poland in 2016, it was as if I was starting from scratch. This was a significant setback, especially considering the years of work I had put into promoting Poland through my blog and various projects.
Rebuilding My Life in Poland
Back in Poland, I began working in a company and took my first steps into the field of marketing. This was a pivotal moment for me, transitioning from an engineering background to marketing—a journey I’ve detailed in another blog post you can read here. I continued to represent Poland in every way possible, even participating in international festivals where I proudly showcased Polish culture.
I knew that obtaining citizenship would still be a long shot because I first needed to secure a permanent residency. Fortunately, I had already achieved a B1 level certification in Polish, which is a prerequisite for permanent residency unless you're married to a Polish citizen or have refugee status.
The Turning Point: Seeking Citizenship Through the President
In 2023, my Polish lawyer, who had become both a legal advisor and a family friend, suggested an unconventional path to citizenship: applying directly through the President of Poland. Normally, obtaining citizenship before 2025 would have been impossible, but the idea of being granted citizenship by the President was both exciting and humbling.
We embarked on the process, which involved gathering a mountain of documents, including at least 15 letters of recommendation from respected Polish friends and colleagues. Every document had to be notarized, and although the Polish language certification wasn't mandatory, it certainly helped to demonstrate my commitment to integrating into Polish society. We also submitted extensive records of my contributions to Poland, including details about my companies, tax declarations, and more.
The Waiting Game and the Joyful News
After submitting the application, we began the waiting game, which lasted about 6-7 months. Given the complexity of the process, I wasn’t expecting a quick resolution. However, our lawyer’s expertise and the strong references from my Polish friends made a significant difference. Eventually, we received the news we had been hoping for: my application had been approved. The feeling of being recognized as a citizen by the President of Poland was beyond anything I had imagined.
Who Can Apply for Citizenship Through the President’s Pathway?
Technically, anyone living in Poland can apply for citizenship through the President. However, in practice, this path is typically reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to the country. The application process involves multiple government agencies, and your name must stand out for your contributions to Polish society—whether in business, culture, sports, or another field.
The Typical Path to Citizenship
For those wondering, there are more traditional routes to Polish citizenship. Typically, after living in Poland for five years, you can apply for permanent residency, provided you have been working and paying taxes for the last three years. After obtaining permanent residency, you must wait an additional three years before applying for citizenship. However, as I’ve shared, there are various paths and requirements, depending on your specific circumstances.
The Advantages of Polish Citizenship
Becoming a Polish citizen comes with countless advantages. Poland’s passport is highly regarded globally, granting visa-free or e-visa access to many countries, including the United States and Canada. Additionally, as an EU citizen, I now have the freedom to live, work, and establish businesses in any EU country.
Looking Ahead
My journey to Polish citizenship is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the importance of contributing to the community. While I continue to invest in Poland and grow my businesses across Europe and the United States, this citizenship marks the beginning of new opportunities and challenges.
I’m excited about the future and the upcoming startup projects and investment plans. This is just the beginning, so please stay tuned to my blog for more updates, and thank you for your continued support!
For more official information on the process and requirements for obtaining Polish citizenship, I recommend visiting the official government websites. You can find detailed guidance here.