The Polish territorial administration is undergoing crucial changes. From January 1, 2026 The map of the country will be enriched by six fresh cities, which is the consequence of a draft regulation by the Ministry of Interior and Administration. This decision, preceded by proposals from local governments and public consultations, aims not only to change the image, but above all to open fresh improvement perspectives for these towns. Giving city position to local communities is an chance to increase prestige, investment attractiveness and easier access to EU and national funds for urban development. This is simply a concrete benefit that can actually affect the quality of life of local residents and the dynamics of the local economy.
Which towns will gain city status? Meet List
Since the fresh year, specifically from 1 January 2026, six towns will officially change their status, becoming full cities. 3 of them are located in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, which emphasizes the dynamic improvement of the region. These are:
- Stanisławów (Minski District, Mazowieckie Province)
- Upper Malkinia (Ostrowski County, Mazowieckie Province)
- Old-born (powiat płocki, woj. mazowieckie)
The another 3 towns that will shortly become urban are:
- Janów Podlaski (Bial, Lublin)
- Borders (Głubczycki County, Opole Province)
- Janów (powiat Częstochowa, woj. śląskie)
The granting of urban rights to these towns is the consequence of a long-term process, including an analysis of gathering urban and demographic criteria, as well as affirmative results of consultation with local communities. This is an crucial step that reflects the improvement and ambition of these regions.
What does city position mean in practice? Benefits for residents and investors
Applying for city position is not just a substance of prestige, although this aspect is frequently highlighted by local governments and residents. Above all, the granting of urban rights opens the way to a number of concrete benefits that can importantly affect the improvement of the area. The towns gain fresh visual identification, which can attract tourists and fresh residents. More importantly, however, city position frequently involves more investment attractiveness. possible investors are more willing to invest capital in urban centres, seeing them as more improvement possible and infrastructure access.
A key component is besides the anticipation of applying for funds dedicated to urban areas. EU funds and national support programmes frequently have separate budgets for cities, allowing for larger infrastructure, revitalization and social projects. This straight translates into better road quality, modernisation of public buildings, improvement of transport, education or culture. For residents this means a real improvement in surviving conditions and fresh career prospects. The public consultation that precedes specified decisions ensures that changes are in line with the expectations of local communities.
Changes in municipalities' boundaries and names: Additional decisions of the Ministry of abroad Affairs
The draft regulation of the Ministry of Interior and Administration includes not only granting city rights, but besides a number of another crucial changes in the territorial division of Poland. As of January 1, 2026, the borders of certain municipalities and cities will be adjusted, which responds to the requests of local governments to optimise the management and improvement of their areas. For example, in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship the changes will include areas between Rytro and Piwnicza Zdrój, Zemborrzyce and Strusz, and Niepołomice and Kłaje. In the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, borders will be corrected between Zakrzyw commune and Radom, while in Silesia between Radzionkowe and Piekar Śląski. These modifications are designed to improve the functioning of the administration and to adapt the boundaries to the actual social and economical needs.
In addition, in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship from next year The municipality of Nowe Miasto Lubawskie will change its name to the commune of Bratian. specified changes, although little spectacular than giving city status, are equally crucial for local communities, affecting their identity and regular functioning. All these decisions are the consequence of detailed analyses and consultations aimed at best matching the administrative structure with the dynamically changing reality.
The changes made to the territorial division of the state that will enter into force at the beginning of 2026 are strategical decisions of the Ministry of Interior and Administration to advance sustainable local development. Giving city position to six localities and adjusting the boundaries of municipalities and cities are concrete actions that open up fresh opportunities for local governments and residents. Thanks to them, these towns can number on increased attractiveness, easier access to funds and increased prestige, which in the long word will translate into improved quality of life and economical dynamics in the regions. This is an crucial step towards modernising the Polish administration and making better usage of the possible of local communities.
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The Ministry of abroad Affairs has decided. Six fresh cities in Poland! Changes since 2026
