Document translation for Polish citizenship: complete guide
Submitting documents for Polish citizenship and not sure which ones need to be translated and how? The voivode (wojewoda) who considers the application for grant of citizenship accepts only translations made by a Polish sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły) entered in the Ministry of Justice register. An ordinary or notarial translation without the sworn translator's seal is not valid for citizenship.
In this article we walk you through: which documents are most often required to be translated for Polish citizenship, how to arrange sworn translation for the voivode, in what order to prepare your documents and what mistakes to avoid. The information will be useful for those applying for citizenship by naturalization or on other grounds.
What we'll tell you in this article
What documents are needed for Polish citizenship
The exact list of documents for Polish citizenship depends on the ground (naturalization, descent, repatriation, etc.) and your situation. The voivode publishes current lists on their websites. Typically required are: a valid passport or residence permit; birth certificate; marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable); documents proving legal residence in Poland; certificates of no criminal record; documents on income or employment; proof of knowledge of Polish (if required). Any document issued in a language other than Polish must be translated by a sworn translator into Polish.
Sworn translation for the voivode
The voivode considering the application for grant of citizenship accepts only translations made by a Polish sworn translator with seal and signature. The translator must be entered in the Polish Ministry of Justice register. Such a translation has legal force and is recognized by all Polish authorities, including voivode offices.
The translation is made from the original document or a certified copy. Each page of the translation is stamped and signed by the translator. If the document is multi-page (e.g. a residence extract for several years), all pages are translated and numbered. The voivode does not accept translations made in another country or without the sworn translator's seal — order the translation in advance from a Polish bureau.
For translation of documents for residence card, citizenship and other purposes you can contact a translation bureau with sworn translators. You can find out turnaround and terms via the button below.
Need sworn translation of documents for citizenship? We can help prepare the full set on time.
Which documents are most often translated for citizenship
Most often translated for Polish citizenship are: birth certificate; marriage/divorce/death of spouse certificates (if applicable); certificates of no criminal record from country of origin or previous residence; education documents (diplomas, certificates); residence extracts; court decisions (e.g. on deprivation of parental rights, if required). The exact set depends on the ground and voivode requirements in your region.
Certificates and statements
The birth certificate is one of the main documents for citizenship. It must be translated in full, including all annotations and apostille (if any). A certificate of no criminal record issued abroad is also translated by a sworn translator. For some countries the voivode may require an apostille or legalization — check on the voivode's website. For translation of birth, marriage, divorce and other civil status certificates we offer a certificate translation service.
Order of preparing documents
First confirm on the voivode's website the full list of documents for your ground and situation. Then gather originals or certified copies. Documents issued in a language other than Polish should be sent for sworn translation. After receiving the translation, check that each page has the translator's stamp and signature, the data matches the original and there are no typos.
Documents must be submitted in the order and within the time limits set by the voivode: often appointment booking opens several weeks in advance. Do not leave the translation to the last moment: consideration of a citizenship application can take months, but an incomplete set of documents or an incorrect translation will delay the procedure even more.
Common mistakes and useful tips
Mistake 1: Submitting to the voivode a translation without the sworn translator's seal or made in another country. Such a translation will not be accepted. Always order translation from a Polish sworn translator.
Mistake 2: Translating the wrong documents or in the wrong scope. The voivode may require a full residence extract translation or only certain pages — check the requirements. Extra translation will not hurt, but a missing one will delay consideration of the application.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about apostille or legalization. For documents from many countries the voivode requires an apostille (or consular legalization). First affix the apostille in the country that issued the document, then take the document for sworn translation in Poland.
Tip: Keep copies of all translated documents. Consideration of a citizenship application takes a long time, and you may need copies for other purposes. For translation of documents for residence card and other procedures you can contact a translation bureau.
Want to know turnaround and terms for document translation for citizenship? Use the calculator or contact us.
If you need sworn translation of documents for citizenship, you can find out the cost of translation by clicking the button below
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sworn translation required for Polish citizenship?
Yes. The voivode considering the application for grant of citizenship accepts only translations made by a Polish sworn translator with seal and signature. An ordinary or notarial translation without the sworn translator's seal is not accepted.
Which documents are most often translated for citizenship?
Usually translated are birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), certificates of no criminal record, education documents, residence extracts. The exact list depends on the ground and voivode requirements.
Is an apostille needed on documents for Polish citizenship?
It depends on the country that issued the document. For many countries the voivode requires an apostille on certificates and statements. First affix the apostille in the country of issue, then order sworn translation in Poland.
How long does sworn translation for citizenship take?
Turnaround depends on volume and bureau workload. Usually from a few working days to one or two weeks. Consideration of a citizenship application takes months, so it is better to order the translation in advance.
Can documents for citizenship be translated in another country?
The voivode accepts only translations by Polish sworn translators. A translation made in your country of residence without the seal of a Polish sworn translator will not be accepted.