Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that same-sex marriages legally concluded in other EU member states must be recognized for administrative and residency purposes. The decision is seen as a significant step forward for LGBT rights in the country.

The court overturned a previous refusal by a government agency to transcribe a foreign marriage certificate of a same-sex couple into the Polish civil registry. The case had been closely watched by public authorities and rights organizations seeking clarity on how European rulings should be applied domestically.

Activists say the judgment offers a practical route to progress at a time when legislative reform remains politically blocked. LGBT groups have increasingly focused on enforcing European court decisions rather than pursuing new national legislation.

The ruling follows a 2025 judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which held that member states must recognize marriages legally contracted elsewhere in the bloc for residency and family life rights. Polish registry offices are now required to comply.