The Pole's Card is a document confirming belonging to the Polish people. Its holder has rights arising from the Law on the Pole's Card, adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of Poland on September 7, 2007. The law came into effect in the last days of March 2008.
A person holding the Pole's Card has the right to:
* receive free of charge a long-term visa for multiple crossings of Poland's borders;
* legally work in Poland without needing a work permit;
* engage in entrepreneurial activity in Poland on the same basis as Polish citizens;
* use the free education system of primary, secondary, and higher levels in Poland on the same basis as Polish citizens, and also apply for financial aid and scholarships intended for foreigners studying in Poland;
* in urgent cases, use the free healthcare system just like Polish citizens;
* a 37% discount on railway travel within Poland;
* free admission to state museums in Poland;
* receive financial resources intended to support Poles abroad from the Polish state budget or from the budget of local self-government.
Possession of the Pole's Card is not a basis for obtaining Polish citizenship, permanent residence, or the right to visa-free crossing of the borders of the Republic of Poland.
The Pole's Card may be granted to a person who considers themselves belonging to the Polish people and at the same time:
* considers Polish their native language and knows it at least at a basic level;
* knows and upholds Polish traditions and customs;
* in the presence of a consul of the Republic of Poland or an authorized officer, submits a written declaration of belonging to the Polish people;
* proves that at least one of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were of Polish nationality or had Polish citizenship; or submits a written reference from a Polish organization confirming their active participation in promoting Polish language and culture for at least the last three years.
Only a person who does not have Polish citizenship or permanent residence in the Republic of Poland and who is a citizen of the following states can obtain the Pole's Card: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
The Pole's Card can also be obtained by a person whose Polish origin is confirmed in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Repatriation of November 9, 2000. Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Pole's Card?
The Pole's Card can be obtained at a Polish consulate on the basis of a written application. No consular fee is charged – the Pole's Card is issued free of charge.
The Pole's Card is issued by a Polish consul or their authorized representative in a ceremonial setting. In case of loss or damage to the card, a duplicate can be obtained upon the holder's application.
What should be stated in the application, and what documents must be presented besides the application?
The application must state: the applicant's first and last name; date and place of birth; gender; address of residence; citizenship and nationality of the applicant and their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, if the person seeking the Pole's Card refers to their origin.
A copy of the applicant's identity document must be attached to the application, as well as copies of documents confirming the data contained in the application, so visit a copy center in advance. These may include, for example: Polish identity documents; civil status records or their copies; birth certificates; school diplomas; documents confirming military service in Polish military formations; a document confirming deportation or imprisonment with a record of Polish citizenship or origin of the victim of deportation or prisoner; a document on rehabilitation of the deportee with a record of Polish origin; a foreign identity document containing a record of the person's Polish nationality; a reference from a Polish organization about active involvement in promoting Polish culture, language or the Polish minority; a legally binding resolution on Polish origin adopted in accordance with the provisions of the repatriation law (a list of Polish organizations entitled to provide such references is available at the consular section of the embassy).
For deserving persons, a Polish consul may issue the Pole's Card without providing references. Also, the consul assesses the level of Polish language knowledge during the conversation.
What is the validity period of the Pole's Card?
The Pole's Card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. No later than three months before its expiration, an application for renewal for the next 10 years must be submitted. The Pole's Card also becomes invalid if its holder obtains Polish citizenship or settles in the territory of the Republic of Poland.
How to use the card?
To exercise the rights granted by the Pole's Card, it must be presented together with an identity document.
In what case can the issuance of a card be refused?
The consul may refuse to grant a Pole's Card if:
* the applicant submits documents containing false personal data or fake information, or forges documents, or uses a genuine document for improper purposes;
* the applicant repatriated from the territory of the Polish People's Republic under the repatriation agreements of 1944-1957 to one of the countries party to these agreements;
* the applicant is a citizen of Poland;
* the applicant acts to the detriment of the security, defense, public order, or fundamental interests of the Republic of Poland.
In what cases can a Pole's Card become invalid?
A Pole's Card may be declared invalid if its holder behaves offensively towards the Republic of Poland or Poles, harms the Polish state, as well as in the event of acquiring Polish citizenship, moving to Poland, or renouncing the Pole's Card. In these cases, the holder is obliged to return the document to the consul.
In what case can a child receive a Pole's Card?
If both parents have a Pole's Card, or one of them does (but in this case the consent of the other is required), the consul will also grant a Pole's Card for the child. The consent of the other parent is not required if they have been deprived of parental rights. If the child has reached 16 years of age, they must personally express consent to receive a Pole's Card. A Pole's Card issued to a minor becomes invalid one year after the date they reach the age of majority. To avoid this, it is necessary to submit an application for its renewal for the next 10 years no later than three months before the expiry of the Pole's Card.
Support
The Foundation 'Help to Poles in the East' will help all those who wish to prepare for a meeting with the consul. In April 2008, special branches of the foundation will be established in the territories with the largest Polish population, whose task will be direct assistance in filing a petition for a Pole's Card. For over 15 years, the foundation has supported Polish communities in their educational, media, cultural, and social activities. Address: ul. Jazdоw 10A, 00-467 Warsaw. Tel.: + 48-22628-55-57. www.pol.org.pl
Coordinates of the Consulates General of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine:
Kyiv, 60 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho St.
tel.: (044) 284-00-33
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.kijowkg.polemb.net
Kharkiv, 16 Artema St.
tel.: (057) 757-88-01
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.charkowkg.polemb.net
Lviv, 110 Ivana Franka St.
tel.: (0322) 97-08-61, 76-05-47
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.konsulat.lviv.ua
Lutsk, 7 Kafedralna St.
tel.: (0332) 77-06-10 (-11, -12)
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.konsulat.lutsk.ua
Odesa, 2/1 Uspenska St.
tel.: (048) 729-44-13, 729-39-36
E-mail: [email protected]