Poland Grants Record 19,135 Foreigners Citizenship in 2025 – Ukrainian, Belarusian, Russian, Vietnamese, Turkish nationals top list

Warsaw, May 16, 2026 — Poland has set a new record for naturalizations, granting citizenship to 19,135 foreigners in 2025. This represents a 17% increase compared to the previous year and nearly five times more than a decade ago, according to official data from the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.

The sharp rise reflects Poland’s sustained high levels of immigration, particularly from neighboring countries, as the country continues to integrate large numbers of newcomers into its society and economy.

Poland grants record 19,135 foreigners citizenship in 2025 – largest group Ukrainians.

Top Nationalities Receiving Polish Citizenship

• Ukrainians: 10,295 (over 53% of total grants) — by far the largest group, driven by long-term settlement following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

• Belarusians: 6,519

• Russians: 763

• Vietnamese: 497

• Turks: 116

Other notable groups included smaller numbers from Armenia, India, and various countries in Asia and Africa.

Driving Factors Behind the Record

Poland has experienced one of the largest immigration waves in its modern history over the past few years. Millions of Ukrainians arrived seeking safety and employment, while significant numbers of Belarusians, Georgians, Indians, Nepalese, and others have come for work opportunities. Many of these long-term residents, especially those who have lived in Poland for the required years, are now eligible for and successfully obtaining citizenship.

The record naturalizations come even as the Polish government prepares sweeping reforms to make future citizenship harder to obtain. Proposed changes include extending the residence requirement to 8 years, introducing a civic knowledge exam, stricter language requirements, and a formal loyalty declaration.

Dual Reality: Record Grants Alongside Tightening Rules

While 2025 marked a peak in successful applications processed under existing rules, early 2026 data already shows a slowdown in presidential discretionary grants. Experts suggest this reflects both administrative backlogs and the government’s shifting policy direction toward greater emphasis on cultural integration and loyalty.

Poland operates a dual-track citizenship system: administrative naturalization for long-term residents and discretionary presidential grants. The bulk of 2025’s record figure came through the administrative route.

Broader Context

The surge in citizenship grants highlights Poland’s transformation from a country of emigration to one of significant immigration. Foreign workers now play a vital role in key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, and services. At the same time, rapid demographic changes are prompting intense public and political debate about national identity, integration, and the future of Polish citizenship.

For many newcomers, especially Ukrainians and Belarusians who have built lives in Poland, obtaining citizenship represents the final step in long-term integration and full participation in Polish society.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, and analysis of Polish residence permits, work visas, and citizenship pathways, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/poland