Are you a foreign national and considering divorce in Poland? Do you live in Warsaw, Kraków, or another city in Poland with your spouse? Are you wondering which court has jurisdiction, how much a divorce in Poland costs, or what your rights are regarding children and marital property?

An international divorce involving a foreign citizen and a spouse living in Poland may seem complex. However, with a well-prepared legal strategy and the support of an English-speaking lawyer in Poland, the process can be handled efficiently and effectively.

In this practical guide, you will find everything you need to know about divorce in Poland for foreign nationals.

Can a foreign national get divorced in Poland?

Yes. A foreign citizen can initiate divorce proceedings before a Polish court in many situations. A Polish court will generally have jurisdiction when the spouses live in Poland, the last common residence was in Poland, one of the spouses habitually resides in Poland, the children live in Poland, or one of the spouses holds Polish citizenship.

Even if the marriage was concluded abroad, a divorce in Poland is often still possible. This situation commonly applies to international couples living in Poland or dividing their lives between different countries.

Which court handles international divorce cases in Poland?

In Poland, divorce cases are heard by Regional Courts (Sąd Okręgowy). Jurisdiction is usually determined based on the last common residence of the spouses, the place of residence of the defendant, or in some cases the place of residence of the claimant.

In international divorce cases, EU regulations on jurisdiction may also apply and play an important role in determining the competent court.

Which law applies to divorce in Poland?

In most cases, when a divorce is filed before a Polish court, Polish law will apply.

Under Polish law, a divorce may be granted if there is a complete and permanent breakdown of the marital relationship. The court examines in particular emotional breakdown, physical separation, and economic separation between spouses.

The court may grant a no-fault divorce, attribute fault to one spouse, or find both spouses at fault. The issue of fault may influence certain financial consequences of the divorce.

How much does a divorce in Poland cost?

The cost of divorce proceedings in Poland depends mainly on the level of conflict between spouses, whether minor children are involved, claims for child or spousal support, division of marital assets, and the need for expert opinions or witness evidence.

Typical costs include court fees, legal fees (lawyer’s fees), sworn translations of documents, and expert reports if required.

In amicable divorces, costs are generally significantly lower than in contested proceedings.

How long does a divorce in Poland take?

The duration of an international divorce in Poland depends on the complexity of the case. An uncontested divorce may be finalized within a few months. However, proceedings involving parental disputes, assets located in multiple countries, allegations of fault, or significant financial conflicts can take considerably longer.

A well-prepared legal strategy often helps significantly shorten the proceedings.

Do you need to travel to Poland for the divorce?

Not always. In many international cases, it is possible to be represented by a lawyer in Poland, handle certain formalities remotely, limit personal travel, and in some situations participate in hearings via videoconference.

However, the court may still require the personal attendance of the parties at a hearing. For clients living abroad, proper procedural planning from the outset is essential to minimize logistical burdens.

What documents are required for divorce in Poland?

To initiate divorce proceedings in Poland, the following documents are typically required: marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates if applicable, proof of income, documents regarding family circumstances, and documents concerning marital assets.

Foreign documents usually must be translated into Polish by a sworn translator. A complete and well-prepared file helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Child custody in international divorce cases in Poland

When minor children are involved, the Polish court decides on parental authority, the child’s place of residence, visitation rights, and child support (maintenance).

In international cases, disputes involving children are often the most sensitive aspect of the proceedings.

Division of assets after divorce in Poland

Divorce does not automatically mean division of marital property. Property division may take place amicably between the parties, before a notary, or in separate court proceedings.

In international marriages, assets are often located in different countries such as real estate abroad, bank accounts in Poland, foreign companies, or international investments. A thorough cross-border asset analysis is therefore essential.

Recognition of Polish divorce judgments abroad

Divorce judgments issued by Polish courts are recognized in other European Union countries under EU regulations. This ensures legal effectiveness of the decision across most European jurisdictions.