Archive: Szkoła Policealna Diploma and the Transition Period to 30 June 2026

Update: The transitional possibility described in this article expired on 30 June 2026. The article remains available for archival purposes. Current Polish-language evidence requirements should be checked before submitting a new application.

For many foreigners planning to apply for Polish citizenship, the year 2026 brings significant changes.

Particularly for those with a Szkoła Policealna diploma who meet the Polish language requirement, June 30, 2026 may be a critical turning point.

So if you haven't yet completed the required residence period, can you still apply?

We explain in detail this topic that has recently been discussed by lawyers and migration experts.

What's Changing?

According to the new regulations, in some cases a Szkoła Policealna diploma will no longer be usable as proof of Polish language proficiency in citizenship applications.

However, there is an important transitional provision.

According to the general accepted interpretation:

✅ If the diploma was obtained before July 1, 2025

and

✅ If the citizenship application is submitted by June 30, 2026

The Szkoła Policealna diploma can be evaluated within the existing rules.

For this reason, many people are planning to submit their applications before the deadline.

If Your 3-Year EULT Period Has Not Yet Expired?

One of the most frequently asked questions is:

"I have Long-Term EU Residence (EULT), but I haven't yet completed 3 years. Can I apply?"

Similarly, some people:

• have not completed 10 years of residence,
• recently obtained EULT card,
• are a few months short

are wondering what they should do.

Are Conditions Examined at the Time of Application or at the Time of Decision?

This is one of the important discussions in citizenship applications.

The conditions for the particular basis of recognition as a Polish citizen should be assessed before filing. It should not be assumed as a general rule that a missing condition can safely be completed only while the case is pending.

For this reason, some people:

Filing time must be assessed separately for the chosen recognition basis and each requirement; an application should not be filed early solely because the procedure is expected to take a long time.

How Long Do Citizenship Processes Actually Take?

Although the law anticipates shorter decision-making periods for the administration, in practice many states' citizenship files can take quite long.

Actual processing time may vary by authority and case; it is not a safe basis for assuming that a missing condition can be completed later.

Is It Possible to Suspend a File?

In some cases, the applicant can request that the ongoing process be suspended for a certain period.

This strategy is being evaluated by some lawyers for applications during the transition period.

However, each file is different and the results of a suspension request may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the case.

For this reason, professional evaluation is important.

Who Should Particularly Check Their Situation?

During the transition period, the opportunity to apply before 30 June 2026 could have been particularly important for:

✅ Those with a Szkoła Policealna diploma

✅ EULT holders who have not yet completed 3 years

✅ Those approaching 10 years of residence

✅ Those planning citizenship applications but will be affected by the new regulations

Can Applying Early Provide an Advantage?

During the transition period, it could have provided an advantage in some cases.

Because opening an application can provide the opportunity to benefit from some transitional provisions.

However, each file's:

• residence history,
• residence type,
• diploma date,
• citizenship basis

must be evaluated separately.

For this reason, there is no single solution applicable to all applications.

What Do We Recommend as Kalaycı Consulting?

If:

• You have a Szkoła Policealna diploma,
• You are considering citizenship,
• You have an EULT card,
• But you have not yet completed the required periods,

it may be beneficial to have your file analyzed individually.

After 30 June 2026, the transitional exception expired, so current language-evidence rules apply to new applications.

The transition period has ended; current requirements should be checked separately before a new application is filed.