Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Poland under strict conditions. The Polish Civil Code permits marriages between cousins, but only if they meet medical and administrative prerequisites, including genetic counseling and prior approval from local civil registry offices (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego). Recent 2026 amendments to the Ustawa Prawo o Aktach Stanu Cywilnego reinforce these checks to align with EU public health directives.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Poland
- Genetic Screening Requirement: Applicants must submit a genetic compatibility report from a state-approved laboratory (Pracownia Genetyczna) to the Urząd Stanu Cywilnego. Reports older than 6 months are invalid under 2026 amendments.
- Civil Registry Approval: The local Urząd Stanu Cywilnego conducts a mandatory interview to assess the couple’s understanding of potential hereditary risks. Approval is discretionary and may be denied if risks are deemed excessive.
- Age and Consent Provisions: Both parties must be at least 18 years old, with no exceptions for minors. Consent must be verified in person, per Kodeks Rodzinny i Opiekuńczy Article 12.
Non-compliance with these regulations voids the marriage retroactively. The Prokuratura may investigate cases where genetic risks were concealed. Foreign cousin marriages are recognized only if they comply with Polish law upon registration.