Pole's card is a document confirming that a person belongs to the Polish nation. You can get the card in your country, without leaving Poland. A Pole's card gives a person certain non-civilian preferences, in particular, the opportunity to study for free and work legally, obtain a long-term visa, and engage in entrepreneurial activities in Poland.
Who is eligible for a Pole's card
A Pole's card can be obtained by a person who declares that he belongs to the Polish people and meets certain requirements. An applicant for a document must consider Polish as his mother tongue and know it at least at a minimum level. Significance is also attached to the extent to which a person knows and respects Polish customs.
The main requirement that Poland makes to “candidates for the position of Poles” is the presence of Polish relatives in a direct ascending line. Both the origin and the fact that the relatives have Polish citizenship are counted. Only mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers (both) are taken into account.
The Polish authorities may also consider an application from a person who has been active in Polish organizations over the past three years. Such work includes the organization of events aimed at the preservation and development of culture and language or work for the benefit of a national idea.
A Pole's card is issued to Poles living in Eastern Europe and who do not have citizenship or a residence permit in the Republic of Poland. A person with special merit can receive a document directly from the hands of the consul, without confirming any information.
List of documents
The embassy must submit documents concerning the origin or citizenship of the applicant's relatives. These can be Polish identity documents, acts of civil status, birth and baptism certificates. Documents confirming the fact of serving in military units, the fact of being in prison, documents on rehabilitation, foreign documents indicating nationality, certificates issued by public organizations, official decisions issued on the basis of the law on repatriation are taken into account.
Owner rights
The Pole cardholder is exempt from visa fees. He also has the right to legally work and study. If the holder of the document wants to engage in entrepreneurial activity, he will be able to do so on the same conditions as Polish citizens.
In the event that a Pole card holder needs urgent medical care in Poland, it will be provided to him. Also, holders of this document are provided with benefits for the use of public transport in the amount of 37%, the right to free visits to state museums and receive financial assistance intended to support Poles abroad.
