The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a draft amendment to the Karta Polaka Act. The latest version is dated 18 August 2026. The government plans to adopt it in Q4 2026, after which it goes to the Sejm. For now, the current rules apply.
What would change
- No more Polonia certificates. You would no longer be able to apply on the basis of a certificate from a Polish or Polonia organisation alone. The ministry points to doubtful certificates.
- An application fee for issuing, extending and replacing the Karta. The amount has not been announced.
- Former Polish citizens who renounced citizenship would not get the Karta.
- No more Kartas for people of special merit without documents of Polish origin.
- The settlement allowance would be a one-off payment by the voivode instead of payments over 9 months.
- Changes to the rights of Karta holders and more data in the application.
What it means for you
The consul interview does not change. The consul still checks your knowledge of Polish and of Polish traditions. If you have documents proving your ancestors' Polish origin and plan to apply, don't put it off. If your application was going to rely on a Polonia certificate, follow the progress of the bill.
Source: draft act UD368 on gov.pl (in Polish). As of 27 October 2026.