A post-secondary school no longer counts for Polish citizenship
Since 1 July 2025, a certificate from a Polish post-secondary school (szkoła policealna) no longer proves Polish in citizenship recognition proceedings. The transition period ended on 30 June 2026. Polish is proven with the state B1 certificate or a school-leaving certificate.
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What changed
Since 1 July 2025, Article 30(2a) of the Polish Citizenship Act says that a certificate from a szkoła policealna does not prove knowledge of Polish. It was added by the act of 4 April 2025 on removing irregularities in the visa system (the act, Sejm).
The transition period is over. A certificate from a post-secondary school completed by 30 June 2025 was accepted in proceedings started between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 (Mazowiecki UW, Powroty). According to the Mazowiecki voivodeship office, those who applied before 1 July 2025 may still rely on such a certificate.
The same applies to EU long-term residence: a post-secondary school certificate was accepted only in proceedings started by 30 June 2026, and only for a school completed by 30 June 2025 (MOS).
What proves Polish now
Citizenship recognition needs an official document proving Polish at B1 or higher (Dolnośląski UW):
- the state certificate at B1 or higher — the State Commission’s exam (certyfikatpolski.pl);
- a certificate from a school in Poland (other than a post-secondary school);
- a certificate from a school abroad taught in Polish.
What to do
- 01
Check your level
The free test shows how far you are from B1.
Take the level test → - 02
Pick a session
All session dates and when the centres open registration are in the calendar.
B1 exam dates → - 03
Prepare
B1 exam preparation — every module of the exam and practice tasks.
B1 exam preparation →
Questions
Since when does a post-secondary school no longer prove Polish for citizenship?
Since 1 July 2025 (Article 30(2a) of the Polish Citizenship Act). The transition period for certificates obtained by 30 June 2025 ended on 30 June 2026.
What proves Polish for citizenship now?
The state certificate at B1 or higher, a certificate from a school in Poland (other than a post-secondary school) or from a school abroad taught in Polish.
Does this apply to EU long-term residence?
Yes. A post-secondary school certificate was accepted only in proceedings started by 30 June 2026, for a school completed by 30 June 2025.
When can I take the B1 exam?
There are several sessions a year. All session dates and when the centres open registration are in the B1 exam calendar on our site.