Job Discussion Forums

[michiganteacher]

Hello all, I am an American and I�m working in Madrid as an English teacher. My mother was born in Poland, so everyone�s been telling me to try and apply for Polish citizenship. I have two questions, first what is Poland�s status with the EU as far as non-EU citizens go, because I�ve been told that I couldn�t work as an EU citizen (if I were to get Polish citizenship) until next May. Does anyone have any answers? I�m looking to work in Italy, Poland or possibly Spain again, next year. So if I became a Polish citizen, for example this spring, could I work as an EU citizen next year in Spain, Poland or Italy.
Second, if I become a Polish citizen, would I have to serve a term in the Polish military. I am 25 and I do not speak Polish, I�ve heard these could possibly be factors in that. Any info would be a great help, thanks!

Any info on working in Gdansk, also? Good, bad?

[Alex Shulgin]

Did you mother have citizenship? If she has never had Polish citizenship then you'll find it hard to get Polish citizenship yourself.

If you do get citizenship you will still need to get work permits to work in Spain and Italy. Only UK, Eire and Sweden have waived the need for Poles to have work permits, the rest of the EU still thinks permits are needed.

Your age won't have any effect on the need to do military service. 25 is prime time as far as the army here are concerned. Your lack of Polish language might have some effect but I've never heard of it being used as an excuse for avoiding military service!

[michiganteacher]

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, my mother, still, has Polish citizenship. My only, actual, concern with getting citizenship is having to serve a term in the military. How likely do you think it is that I would be asked to serve in the military, because if it is fairly likely, and considering I would probably still have to apply for work permits, I might just forget the whole thing. Thanks again

[stillnosheep]

Ring the Polish Embassy. Ask them. They'll tell you.

[misteradventure]

Military service might not be so bad. (I did it - just not in Poland.) Poland is no committed to shipping anyone anywhere and, given your age and the fact you don't speak the language, you might even be given teaching duties once you learn the language!)

An open mind always adds to the adventure. You might not have to serve until you actually return to Poland.... if ever. Talk to the Polish Embassy, don't rely on us!