Polish and Romanian Citizenship by Descent: Document Checklist

Every Polish or Romanian citizenship file starts the same way: you find out what your family already has. This checklist lists the categories of evidence most files draw on, so you can see where you stand before you order a single record.

It names the categories. It does not tell you which ones your case needs, from which office, in what format, or in what order. That depends on your family, and it is what the Roadmap Call settles.

Before you order anything

• ☐ Write down every ancestor in the line, with every spelling of their name and every date you have.
• ☐ Note which country each person was born in, and when. Borders moved.
• ☐ Ask older relatives for documents. Passports, certificates, letters and photographs all help.
• ☐ Do not order, translate or apostille anything yet.

Poland: categories of evidence

For each generation from the Polish ancestor to you:

• ☐ Birth records
• ☐ Marriage records
• ☐ Death records, where relevant
• ☐ Evidence your ancestor held Polish citizenship, such as passports, identity papers, military records or residence records
• ☐ Immigration and naturalization records for any ancestor who emigrated
• ☐ Documents explaining name changes or spelling differences
• ☐ Your own identity documents and your parents' where available
• ☐ Translations of foreign-language documents into Polish, by the right kind of translator
• ☐ Apostilles where documents were issued outside the EU

Romania: categories of evidence

• ☐ Proof of your ancestor's Romanian citizenship or birth in a qualifying territory
• ☐ Civil-status chain from that ancestor to you: birth, marriage and death records
• ☐ Your own birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, and valid identification
• ☐ Documents explaining name changes or spelling differences
• ☐ Proof of B1 Romanian, or proof you are exempt
• ☐ Certified translations by an approved translator
• ☐ Apostilles where required

Three things this checklist can't tell you

First, whether a link in your chain is a problem. A foreign naturalization date, military service or a gap in the records can matter, and each needs checking against real documents. Second, how old a document may be before an authority treats it as outdated. Third, which route fits your case. Getting any of these wrong costs months and real money.

Rules and consulate requirements change. Confirm the current list with the consulate you will file at.

Want a copy you can print?

Email me at [email protected] and I'll send you the checklist to tick off. It also tells me what you're working with, so my reply can point you to the right next step.

Where to start

If you are not sure you qualify, take the two-minute eligibility quiz. If you already know you do and want your family's exact list in the right order, the Roadmap Call delivers it in writing.

For what each step costs, see the Polish cost guide and the Romanian cost guide.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Take the 2-minute eligibility quiz