Registry corrects marital status for Polish wives

29 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Lublin registry updated Jolanta and Alicja’s records, a step for same-sex marriage recognition in Poland as transcriptions roll out.

A civil registry in Lublin has finally corrected the marital status of Jolanta and Alicja Sienkiewicz-Prochowicz. The move marks a small but meaningful advance for same-sex marriage recognition in Poland.

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What happened in Lublin and why it matters

On July 31 the women received a Polish marriage certificate. However, the PESEL registry still listed them as single. Consequently, they faced a legal mismatch between registers. Moreover, Miłość Nie Wyklucza and supporters pressured the city and the ministry. Therefore, the Lubelski Urząd Stanu Cywilnego updated the PESEL entries this week. The couple called the change an enormous relief.

Administrative confusion: transcriptions, PESEL and separate registers

Poland now allows transcriptions of foreign same-sex marriage certificates. However, register systems remain separate. In fact, the court ordered the transcription into the Baza Usług Stanu Cywilnego. Yet the PESEL database did not update at first. Consequently, one official document showed marriage while another did not. This mismatch created daily practical problems. For example, social security (ZUS) and public health insurance (NFZ) often rely on PESEL data. Therefore, administrative delays can block benefits, spousal registration, and official records.

Why same-sex marriage recognition in Poland matters in practice

The case shows uneven implementation across cities. In Warsaw similar transcriptions proceeded with PESEL updates. However, Lublin stalled and cited a court ruling. Moreover, activists say the city delayed without legal basis. Miłość Nie Wyklucza escalated the case to the Ministry. Consequently, the registry corrected the entries after the ministry intervened. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski reported that 84 same-sex couples already transcribed foreign marriage certificates. Therefore, municipalities now face an operational test of new rules.

What this means for expats and married couples

First, keep your foreign marriage certificate and the Polish transcription document. Second, ask the local USC for both the BUSC entry and the PESEL update. Moreover, check ZUS and NFZ records after PESEL changes. Third, contact Miłość Nie Wyklucza or an expert lawyer if a registry refuses updates. In addition, expect differences between cities. Consequently, prepare for extra steps when registering your marriage in Poland.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you married abroad, transcribe your marriage at a Polish Urząd Stanu Cywilnego. PESEL is your national identification number used by ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health). Therefore, update PESEL after transcription to avoid problems with benefits, healthcare registration, and administrative forms. Keep certified copies, ask for written confirmation of registry entries, and contact NGOs like Miłość Nie Wyklucza or your embassy for help.

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