Poland lists nationality reform plan with a higher language threshold and citizenship test
Project UD491, registered on 27 October, sets out proposed changes to recognition and restoration of citizenship rather than new rules already in force.
Poland registered nationality-law project UD491 in its government legislative work programme on 27 October, with cabinet adoption planned for the 4th quarter of 2026. The Interior Ministry’s proposals would raise the Polish-language threshold for recognition as a citizen from B1 to B2 and introduce a loyalty declaration and citizenship knowledge test.[1]
The plan also envisages a longer minimum period of lawful residence, a centre of life and tax residence in Poland, and income, accommodation and livelihood requirements. The entry does not specify the proposed residence period or minimum income, so figures from separate presidential or parliamentary proposals should not be attributed to UD491.[1]
For citizenship restoration under article 38, the proposed application deadline is 31 December 2030. The plan also addresses revocation of decisions involving false documents, statements or concealed facts. These are legislative intentions, not proof of enactment or commencement.[1]
Official sources
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.