Access to Archives

How to get access to archive collections

In all Polish archives access to material is free of charge and can take place on the premises on days and during the hours specified by each archive individually. 

State archives also conduct research (inquires) on commission from institutions and private persons. The majority of such services is free of charge or require a revenue stamp. However, some inquires commissioned by private persons (and pertaining to geneaological and property records) are subject to payment according to a price list applicable in every state archive.

There is no necessity to obtain the permission of the General Director of State Archives for foreigners wishing to use certain records to genealogical and property matters kept in the state archives. In such cases permission is given by the director of the particular state archives (from 3 July 2000).

Here You can search a town in Central/Eastern Europe, and here is a list of state archives in Poland.

Archival records are made available to the public 30 years after the date of their origin. In justified cases the head of a given archive can grant permission for access before the end of the required period. Charges are made for the reproduction of archival material (microfilms, photocopies, xerox copies).

Share Link: