If you’re a US citizen of Polish descent, you’ve probably heard the warnings: “Get a Polish passport and you’ll lose your American one.” Or maybe someone told you that you’ll have to pay double taxes or serve in the Polish army. These myths keep many people from pursuing their heritage through Karta Polaka or Polish citizenship. Let’s set the record straight.
First, the good news: the United States allows dual nationality. The US Supreme Court has long held that Americans can hold citizenship in another country without losing their US citizenship. You do not need to renounce your US passport to get Karta Polaka or even a Polish passport. The only way you lose US citizenship is by voluntarily renouncing it with the intent to give it up—something the US government rarely assumes. So applying for Karta Polaka will not trigger any loss of your US rights. For a step-by-step overview of the process, see our Karta Polaka steps guide.
What about taxes? The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. If you get Polish citizenship, you still file US taxes. But the US has tax treaties with Poland to prevent double taxation. You may owe Polish taxes on income earned in Poland, but you’ll likely get a foreign tax credit on your US return. For most people, the tax impact is minimal—certainly not a reason to avoid claiming your heritage. For more on required documents, check our documents checklist.
Military service is another common worry. Poland does not have mandatory military service for dual citizens living abroad. Even if you reside in Poland, there are deferments and exemptions. The US and Poland are allies, and serving in one country’s military generally does not affect your US citizenship. In fact, many Polish-Americans serve proudly in the US armed forces. If you’re considering applying for Karta Polaka, don’t let these myths hold you back. Visit our eligibility page to see if you qualify, and start your journey with confidence.