The Karta Polaka is neither a visa nor a right of entry, but a document confirming belonging to the Polish nation; and it opens the shortest route to an EU passport in the registry. The holder is entitled to permanent residence (zezwolenie na pobyt stały) straight away, and after one year of continuous residence on that permit — to recognition as a Polish citizen (uznanie za obywatela polskiego). There is no need to give up the RF passport: Polish law recognises multiple citizenship. While you hold the card you already get strong rights: studying at public universities in Polish is free, on the same terms as Polish citizens, plus eligibility for scholarships (the Anders Programme, NAWA); work and business without a work permit; and a settlement allowance for up to 9 months when applying for permanent residence. ⚠️ The main practical barrier is the consular interview in Polish, including knowledge of traditions, plus the difficulty of booking a consular appointment for residents of Russia: after a series of mutual consulate closures, the queue and logistics are a task of their own.
Path — Poland · updated 2026-07-29
Timing depends on an external condition — not predictable in advance
Timing depends on an external condition — not predictable in advance