Legal Requirements
Polish B1 Certificate for Karta Pobytu and Citizenship
If you are planning to settle in Poland permanently, you will likely need to prove your Polish language skills. Here is a breakdown of the language requirements for permanent residency and citizenship.
Karta Pobytu Stałego (Permanent Residency)
To apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu Stałego) in Poland, you must demonstrate Polish language proficiency at the B1 level or higher. The most common way to prove this is by passing the official State Certification Exam in Polish as a Foreign Language.
Polish Citizenship
Similarly, applying for Polish citizenship (Uznanie za obywatela polskiego) requires a B1 Polish language certificate. The language requirement ensures that new citizens can integrate and function independently in Polish society.
Exemptions
You may be exempt from taking the state exam if you have graduated from a school or university in Poland where the language of instruction was Polish, or if you hold a school-leaving certificate from a Polish school abroad. Always verify current exemption rules with your local Urząd Wojewódzki.
Common questions
- Is B1 usually enough for permanent residence?
- B1 is the commonly referenced minimum for many permanent residence and citizenship paths, but your case may depend on current rules and documents. Confirm with the relevant office or adviser.
- Does PolishReady issue the certificate?
- No. Certificates are issued after passing the official state exam at an authorized center. PolishReady only helps with preparation.
- Where do I register for the certificate exam?
- Register directly with an authorized examination center. Check the center page for dates, fees, available levels, and required documents.