Getting a passport for a minor can be a real challenge, especially when the case involves a child born outside the country. Many people wonder: how to apply for child passport in a situation that isn’t always straightforward? The key to the process is correctly submitted passport application and meeting the formal requirements set out in the regulations. In this article, we explain the key rules and the step-by-step process as well as indicate which documents are required and which authorities are responsible for handling the case.
Preliminary requirements – a passport for a baby born abroad
When applying for a passport in Poland, it’s important to understand the Polish passport requirements. A passport for a child born abroad can be issued if the child meets the citizenship requirements. A child automatically becomes a Polish citizen if at least one parent holds citizenship, regardless of the place of birth (including outside the European Union). Otherwise, there’s no point in submitting a passport application for the child because legally, the process of passport issuance cannot be started.
How to get a passport for a baby born abroad?
Everything you need to know to apply for a child’s first passport
Below, we outline the entire process for obtaining passport documents, which, once issued by the relevant authorities, will be ready to use as intended: most often for the child to travel together with their parents.
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Child registration and PESEL number
The first step is registering the birth certificate, followed by obtaining a PESEL number (personal identification number). If the child already has a PESEL, it should be included in the passport application for a child. The required information includes the child’s surname and PESEL number as well as the date of birth as indicated by the PESEL, that is, the minor’s actual date of birth.
If the child does not have a PESEL number, the date of birth is entered instead. Regulations include wording such as “if assigned” or “if assigned, or otherwise”, or “if issued” to provide flexibility for applicants in various situations.
Required documents and translations
The primary document is the child’s foreign birth certificate. In many cases, a certified translation of the certificate is required, along with its legalization or an apostille, depending on the country of birth. All documents must comply with Polish law to ensure smooth registration of the child.
The role of a sworn translator
A sworn translator produces translations that meet formal standards and ensures all details are accurate, which is necessary to issue a Polish birth certificate. They can also help to translate any additional statements or consents required for the procedure.
| A professional translation increases the chances of a smooth process. |
1. Identity card
For a child, it is possible to obtain documents such as various types of identification cards or a valid national identity card, but they cannot be used as a substitute for a passport when travelling abroad. A national identity card can be used for border crossings only within the EU, while other types of identification cards are generally not accepted as official identification at any border.
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2. Who submits an application?
A parent submits the passport application; however, the law also allows a legal guardian or a court-appointed guardian to submit it on the child’s behalf at the office.
Who submits a passport application for a child?
3. Consent for issuing a passport
From perspective of the official receiving the application, obtaining consent for issuing a child’s passport is mandatory. As a rule, the consent of both parents is required, although there are exceptions, for example:
- when the other parent is unknown, or
- when it is not possible to obtain such a consent.
The consent must be submitted in writing, recorded electronically and signed using a qualified electronic signature.
4. Child’s presence and photo
The child must be present when submitting the application, depending on their age: presence is mandatory for children aged 5 and older. Children under the age of 5 are not required to be present at the office or consulate.
A correct passport photo for the application must show the person facing the camera directly, looking straight ahead, with no head covering. Facial visibility is regulated by law: the eyes must be clearly visible and the entire face fully shown. The background must be plain and light, the lighting even, and dark-lensed glasses are not allowed.
5. Fees and how to collect the document
If you’re wondering how much are children’s passports in Poland, you must know that the rules regarding fees for a passport and a temporary passport are set out in the Regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration on Passport Documents.
The standard fee for a passport is PLN 140, while temporary passports cost around PLN 30. Reduced fees apply for certain categories, including younger children. Families holding a Large Family Card (Karta Dużej Rodziny) may also benefit from additional discounts. Before visiting the passport office, it’s a good idea to check the current Polish passport cost to avoid surprises.
Once the passport office has verified the application, the child’s passport or passport for a minor is issued.
Summary and recommendations
If you need to apply for a child’s first passport, you must carefully prepare and properly submit the documents. A sworn translator plays an essential role throughout the process, ensuring that all foreign documents are legally recognised in Poland.
A recommended solution is to use the services of the Office of the Sworn Translator of the English Language, Jacek Kasprzyk, where language proficiency meets legal expertise. This way, translations are fully accepted by Polish offices, and legal and terminology differences are properly handled, avoiding any uncertainty.
Expert support is particularly valuable regardless of the situation, from obtaining Polish citizenship for a child born abroad, to granting citizenship to a child from another country, or managing procedures involving a foreign parent. With professional help, the process can be completed efficiently and without stress.