The foundation of constitutional rights and freedoms is the principle of human dignity. It is referred to in the introduction to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, as well as in Article 30 of the Constitution. This is because being a citizen of Poland is not only about having identity documents, but also about participating in society and enjoying a wide range of privileges. That's why we'll take a look at a few aspects of being a citizen of Poland and why it's so important. However, if you would like to learn even more or find out more about how to apply for Polish citizenship, we refer you to https://fivetoeurope.com/blog/ where you will find a lot of useful information.
Polish citizenship - what is it?
Polish citizenship is a legal status which confers upon a person full rights, but also obligations resulting from membership in the Republic of Poland. The citizenship may be acquired by birth on the territory of Poland, by descent from a Polish citizen, by naturalisation or as a result of other circumstances provided for by law.
Citizenship Obligations
Being a citizen of Poland entails certain duties that are crucial to the maintenance of society and the state. The main civic responsibilities are primarily:
- Paying taxes - Every citizen is obliged to pay taxes on a regular basis. Taxes are necessary to finance various areas of public life, such as health care, education or infrastructure.
- Participating in elections - Polish citizens have the right to participate in elections and to elect their representatives in governing bodies. It is worth remembering that this is not only a right, but also a civic duty. After all, by casting their vote, citizens have a say in shaping policies and decisions taken by the government.
- Defence of the country - Every citizen of Poland is obliged to report for military service in the event of war or a threat to the country's security. Citizens can also join uniformed services, such as the army or the police, to defend and protect Poland's interests.
- Respect for the law - Citizens have a duty to respect the laws and regulations of Poland. Respect for the law is essential to maintain social order and ensure the harmonious functioning of the state.
In addition to their duties, Polish citizens of course also have many rights, which are guaranteed by the Constitution as well as other legal acts. Here are some important civic rights:
- Freedom of speech - Every citizen has the right to freely express his or her opinions and beliefs. Freedom of speech is one of the cornerstones of a democratic society and allows citizens to express their views and criticise the authorities.
- Right to education - Every citizen has the right to free and compulsory education. The state provides education at various levels, from kindergarten to secondary and higher education.
- Health care - Polish citizens have the right to free health care. The state finances the health care system, which provides access to doctors and hospitals for all citizens.
- Social rights - Poland guarantees certain social rights for its citizens, such as family benefits, unemployment benefits and pensions. These benefits help to secure basic needs and improve the quality of life.
Benefits of Polish citizenship
Finally, having Polish citizenship is also associated with many benefits, both on a social and personal area. The most important of these include:
- Freedom of travel - Having a Polish passport gives citizens the freedom to travel to many countries without having to apply for a visa. The Polish passport is recognised as one of the most valuable passports in the world, allowing easy border crossings.
- EU privileges - Poland is a member of the European Union, which means that citizens have access to a variety of privileges, such as the right to work and live in other member states, consular protection when travelling abroad and the ability to benefit from EU programmes.
- Access to education and healthcare - Polish citizenship provides access to free education and healthcare in Poland. Citizens can benefit from a wide range of medical and educational services without having to pay additional fees.
- Rights to real estate - Polish citizens have full rights to acquire and own real estate in the country. Having Polish citizenship facilitates the process of buying property and gives legal certainty.
So, as we can see, living as a Polish citizen brings with it many duties, rights and benefits. Having Polish citizenship entails full participation in the social and political life of the country. Civic duties, such as paying taxes or participating in elections, are an integral part of being a Pole. At the same time, citizens have a number of rights, such as freedom of speech or the right to education, which guarantee freedom and protection of their interests. The benefits of Polish citizenship, such as freedom of travel and access to education or healthcare, make being a Polish citizen a valuable and desirable legal status. Therefore, it is worth appreciating and nurturing one's citizenship by actively participating in the life of society, taking advantage of the privileges to which one is entitled.
