Karta Polaka – how to prepare for the interview with the consul

What level of Polish you need for the Karta Polaka

The Act on the Karta Polaka refers to ‘at least a basic knowledge of the Polish language’ and does not refer to the A1–C2 scale. Level B1 is not required – this is a common myth. B1 applies to other cases, for example recognition as a Polish citizen or an EU long-term resident permit. We have put all the language requirements for foreigners in one table.

A basic knowledge does not mean a few memorised phrases, however. The consul conducts an ordinary conversation, and it is immediately clear whether you understand the question or only recognise familiar words.

Who checks your knowledge of the language, and how

You can prove your knowledge of Polish with a document or in an interview. The document can be a certificate from the state exam, a certificate of completing a school or university studies in Poland, or a certificate from a school abroad where Polish is the language of instruction. If you do not have such a document, your language is assessed during the interview by the consul or – if the case is handled by the voivode (the regional government representative) – by the voivode.

The interview checks two things at once: language and knowledge of Poland. This is because the act also requires knowledge and cultivation of Polish traditions and customs. The other conditions for granting the Karta are set out in Article 2 of the act – this page is about the language and knowledge that the interview checks.

What ‘basic knowledge’ means in practice

The provision does not specify a level, so a good reference point for learning is the range of level A2: simple but independent speaking on familiar topics. This is what it looks like in the interview:

Five steps before the interview with the consul

It is best to prepare for the language and the content of the interview at the same time, because the consul asks about history and traditions in Polish.

1. Check your level – take the placement test so you know where to start.
2. Go through the typical topics – we have collected them together with sample answers. This is not an official list, just topics that come up in such interviews.
3. Learn the basics of history – you will find the most important dates and figures in our short history of Poland.
4. Get to know holidays and customs – start with our overview of Polish traditions and holidays.
5. Speak out loud – the most useful thing is a mock interview with a teacher on the ‘Karta Polaka’ course, with feedback after every answer.

Good to know: the decision to grant the Karta Polaka is made by the consul or the voivode. No school can guarantee it – but a school can prepare you well for the interview.

Are the Karta Polaka rules changing?

As of 3 October 2026, the consolidated text of the act applies (Dz.U. 2026 item 76). The most recent amendment came into force on 1 June 2025. The reform of the Karta Polaka announced in 2026 is so far only a draft – until it is passed, the rules described here apply. If you are thinking about the next steps, see how the Karta Polaka leads to citizenship.