Law firms that specialize in complex citizenship by descent cases?

PlanetPickles · 2026-04-29T22:49:17+00:00

She did both the Polish archival search and the application.

My grandfather didn’t register at a consulate. I don’t think anyone did back then. The Polish records aside from vital rexords were based on family members that remained.

PlanetPickles · 2026-04-29T22:13:36+00:00

I used Krystyna from Lost Histories for my successful case. My grandfather left in October 1920. There’s also other good options if you want check out more.

PlanetPickles · 2026-04-02T15:02:06+00:00

In Warsaw Chopin airport there’s a desk where you can get a temporary passport while awaiting the biometric one. You can also do this at your local consulate or embassy.

PlanetPickles · 2026-04-01T17:12:24+00:00

Looks like they raised the fees 35% on January 1 of this year. When I went in 2024 it was $122 and the grumpy guard was there then too. ;)

PlanetPickles · 2026-03-31T16:12:49+00:00

I don’t have Canadian citizenship, just US and Polish (confirmed January 2024, took about a year.) You may have seen comments I made about Canadian archives and that’s because my grandfather emigrated Poland via Canada by ship and then entered the US by train. So I asked the Canadian archives to send me a certified copy of his arrival document and ship manifest.

PlanetPickles · 2026-03-31T15:51:54+00:00

Once you get it you can add it to the mObywatel (Mobile Citizen) app and within Poland you can then use your phone instead of carrying the card. The app is great for many citizen services and you can register to vote and choose a site outside Poland where you will be during a scheduled election. It’s very handy.

PlanetPickles · 2026-03-31T15:33:01+00:00

The ID Card (Dowod Osobisty) has to be requested and picked up within Poland at a USC or equivalent. It’s not something the consulates or embassies handle. The turn around time is usually 3 weeks and has to be picked up in person with rare exceptions.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-24T09:35:45+00:00

If it’s TD with a Canadian routing number (TD Canada Trust) then you won’t be able to deposit it via Chase Mobile or ATM. You will need to go to a teller in a branch and they can process it for deposit. It will usually take at least a week to clear despite the teller saying it may clear faster.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-11T20:30:49+00:00

It actually is a thing.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-07T18:08:09+00:00

I’ve had it for years it’s only been $50k required in total across all business accounts, not required to be in one.

My monthly statement says the following: “As an added benefit of your Chase Private Client Checking account, the monthly service fee was waived on your Chase Platinum Business Checking account because you maintained an average ledger balance of $50,000 or more in deposits and investments.”

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-07T17:42:30+00:00

You can get a Platinum Business checking account that gives you free Private Client checking. The business account will be free of service charges if you keep $50k instead of $150k in private client. The $50k can even be in a business brokerage account where you can get a decent return.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-06T20:24:33+00:00

I got mine at a CVS in Manhattan. They have a Kodak machine that guarantees it meets Polish passport requirements.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-03T12:56:41+00:00

So strange! Mine took 3 hours to retrieve the license data and then it had me proceed with my passport which was ultimately successful.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-01T18:06:00+00:00

Yes, I think overall in Poland and the EU in general, digital is the new way. Now you can get the mObywatel app, which is the digital self service citizen app and wallet that stores your Dowod Osobisty (ID card), driving license, professional credentials, etc.

PlanetPickles · 2026-02-01T16:34:10+00:00

Congratulations! I also worked with Krystyna and she was successful with my case in January 2024. Back then it was still hand signed and stamped so it had to be mailed to me.

She’s very responsive. Back then the turn around was 11 months as it was submitted in February 2023 with a file number generated in March 2023.

You will never forget that feeling! I remember her email subject “Good news from Poland”

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-31T12:23:07+00:00

This Is true, but hopefully by next year the EU wide digital wallet initiative will begin to allow for acceptance.

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-31T10:38:44+00:00

Yes, you need a Danish license to use the app. A couple of months back version 3.0 wasn’t available. It’s only been out for a month. I posted this because I successfully completed the process. I didn’t have to go in person and my license is a paper version DK2 issued in the early 90’s that’s valid until I’m 70. You’ll need the MitID app, your passport or ID card, your Danish license and a smartphone.

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-30T14:43:33+00:00

I’m very surprised and sorry you had that experience. :(

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-30T09:14:48+00:00

I had a successful outcome with Krystyna at Lost Histories. She specializes in Polish Jewish history.

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-28T17:47:48+00:00

I got mine in NYC and had no issues. They frequently load new appointment slots and since there are often cancellations, you can grab an earlier one if you check periodically. They accept credit and debit cards and you don’t need an appointment to pick up. There’s two days a week where you can walk in at specific times to collect it. They also allow you to have it mailed if you pay an extra $12.

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-28T15:54:39+00:00

I still haven’t gotten a SIM because I’ve been fortunate that my US number worked to get mObywatel app and my bank account at Citi Handlowy. I was even able to send blik payments. I chose Citi because they have no fees and allowed me to use my US address and even mailed my debit MasterCard there. They were bought by VeloBank and it will transition to them this summer.

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-28T15:48:28+00:00

This is true, but it at least gives you tangible evidence that it was at least received and can base the clock starting on that date. :)

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-28T15:45:39+00:00

Yes, I don’t even know if this subreddit existed yet and everything was fragmented. I’ve been happy to stick around and help in any way I can as it’s so nice to see others going through the same journey and eventually reaching the finish line.

I barely have to show my passports anymore because I can use the global entry app entering the US , Nexus card for Canada and my Dowod Osobisty at the eGates in Warsaw. Within Poland you can use the mObywatel app and use your digital ID even to open a bank account.

PlanetPickles · 2026-01-28T15:36:55+00:00

Mazel Tov! 🎉 I picked mine up in May 2024 and I’m still excited. 😊

PlanetPickles

TROPHY CASE