Security clearance in Poland – how to obtain it, how long vetting takes and how long it is valid

Who needs a security clearance

Under the Polish Act of 5 August 2010 on the Protection of Classified Information (consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2025, item 1209), access to information classified as “confidential”, “secret” or “top secret” is granted only to persons who hold a valid clearance of the appropriate level and have completed classified-information training.

This applies not only to public administration and the armed forces. Clearances are also needed by staff of companies performing classified contracts – including defence, military and critical-infrastructure construction, ICT, security systems and logistics. A company applying for an industrial security certificate must also ensure that the persons named in the application, including its management and its security officer, hold clearances.

Classification levels and types of vetting

The type of vetting depends on the classification level of the information the person will access.

• “restricted” – no clearance is needed; access is granted by written authorisation of the head of the organisation after training,
• “confidential” – ordinary vetting, conducted by the organisation's classified information security officer on the written instruction of its head,
• “secret” and “top secret” – extended vetting, conducted by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) or the Military Counter-intelligence Service (SKW) at the request of the head of the organisation.

How the procedure works – step by step

• The head of the organisation identifies positions and tasks requiring access and the relevant classification level.
• The person concerned gives written consent and completes the personnel security questionnaire set out in the annex to the Act.
• The security officer (ordinary vetting) or ABW/SKW (extended vetting) verifies the questionnaire, including criminal records and service registers; extended vetting also covers, among other things, the person's financial situation.
• If doubts arise, the person may be invited to an explanatory interview.
• The procedure ends with the issue of a clearance, a decision refusing it, or discontinuation.

How long vetting takes

The Act provides that vetting should be completed within 3 months of its commencement. In practice – especially in extended vetting by ABW and SKW – it can take longer, so the application should be filed well ahead of the planned start of work or of the classified contract.

The most common cause of delay is an incomplete or inaccurate questionnaire. It must be completed truthfully and in full – providing false information or concealing relevant facts may in itself justify refusal.

How long a clearance is valid

Under Article 29 of the Act, a clearance is issued for:

• 10 years – “confidential”,
• 7 years – “secret”,
• 5 years – “top secret”.

Renewal and control vetting

A clearance for a higher level also covers lower levels. To keep access uninterrupted, the next vetting procedure should be initiated at least 6 months before the current clearance expires.

If new information emerges during the validity period suggesting that the person may no longer guarantee confidentiality, control vetting is initiated.

Refusal – what next

A refusal may be appealed within 14 days of delivery. In ordinary vetting the appeal is heard by the Head of ABW or the Head of SKW, and in extended vetting by the Prime Minister. The second-instance decision may be challenged before the administrative court.

The appeal does not require reasons, but a well-prepared position addressing the grounds for refusal improves the chances of success.

How we can help

We help organisations and companies set up personnel security: identifying positions requiring access, preparing documentation and procedures, delivering training, assisting persons with the questionnaire and representing them in appeals and before the administrative court.

Other services

• Training
• Secret registries
• Industrial Security Certificate