Military qualification in 2027 will start on 1 February and run until 30 April. This follows from an announcement by the Ministry of National Defence (MON), reported by Rzeczpospolita on 27 October. Up to 245,000 people are to appear before the boards.
Summonses will go mainly to men born in 2008. The boards will also see people previously found temporarily unfit for service, and volunteers without a set fitness category.
Qualification will also cover women born between 2000 and 2008 who hold qualifications useful to the armed forces or are completing studies in selected fields. These include medicine, psychology, computer science, rehabilitation and veterinary medicine.
According to the Defence24 portal, the dates and groups are set by an annual MON regulation, issued in agreement with the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) under the Homeland Defence Act. In July the draft for 2027 was at the inter-ministerial consultation stage.
What it means for Poles in the UK
Qualification applies to Polish citizens, including those living in the UK. Parents of 18- and 19-year-olds born in 2008 should check whether a summons has been sent to an old address in Poland. If your son or daughter studies or works in the UK, it is worth contacting the military recruitment centre in advance and asking about the rules and the date of attendance.
Our assessment
This is an annual procedure, not a call-up. The board assesses fitness for service and assigns a category. We believe the biggest risk for Poles abroad is a missed summons, because failing to attend can lead to penalties. It is better to clarify the matter in advance.
What to do
- Check information on qualification on the website of the Ministry of National Defence.
- Update your registered and contact address in Poland, or ask family to collect your post.
- If in doubt, ask the military recruitment centre for your registered address or the Polish consulate in the UK.
Sources: Rzeczpospolita, rp.pl (27 October 2026); Defence24 (16 July 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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