How to Get an Amateur Radio License from UKE in Poland
An amateur radio station operated by SP2FAX in Poland. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Amateur radio activity in Poland is regulated by the Urząd Komunikacji Elektronicznej (UKE), which falls under the Ministry of Digital Affairs. To transmit on amateur bands, a Polish resident must hold a valid operator's certificate issued by UKE and have a call sign registered in the national database.
The certification pathway is defined under the Rozporządzenie Ministra Cyfryzacji, which establishes two certificate categories aligned with the CEPT HAREC framework.
Licence Categories
Poland operates a two-tier licence system:
| Category | Equivalent | Band Access | Max Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | CEPT HAREC Class 1 | All amateur bands including HF | Up to 750 W (PEP) |
| Category B | CEPT Novice / Class 2 | VHF and UHF bands only | Up to 100 W (PEP) |
Category A is the full HAREC-compliant licence. It grants access to all frequency allocations including the HF shortwave bands (160 m through 10 m), as well as VHF, UHF, and microwave amateur allocations. Category B is restricted to VHF and above, which makes it suitable for local FM voice communication but excludes DX (long-distance shortwave) operation.
Examination Requirements
Candidates for Category A must pass a written examination covering:
- Radio wave propagation principles
- Transmitter and receiver circuit theory
- Antenna and feedline fundamentals
- Measurement methods and test equipment
- Polish telecommunications law and UKE regulations
- Operating procedures and international Q-codes
- Safety when working with RF and mains electricity
The examination for Category B covers a reduced syllabus focused on VHF/UHF operation, safety, and basic regulations. Morse code is no longer required for any category in Poland, in line with the 2003 revision of ITU regulations.
Examination dates and locations are listed on the UKE website under the "Amatorska służba radiokomunikacyjna" section. Exams are conducted in Polish. The examination fee is set by the relevant rozporządzenie and is subject to periodic revision.
Documentation to Submit
Applications for the examination and subsequent licence are submitted to the relevant UKE regional office (Delegatura). The standard documentation package includes:
- Completed application form (Wniosek o wydanie świadectwa operatora)
- Proof of identity (PESEL number required for Polish residents)
- Proof of payment of the examination fee
- For Category A upgrades from Category B: copy of existing Category B certificate
An SO2R (Single Operator 2 Radio) contest station setup. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Call Sign Assignment
After passing the examination and receiving the operator's certificate, the holder must apply separately for a call sign. Polish call signs follow the format SP + region number + letters (e.g., SP5ABC). The prefix SP is assigned to Poland under the ITU Table of Allocation of International Call Sign Series.
The region numbers correspond to geographic areas: SP1 covers the Szczecin area, SP2 the Bydgoszcz/Toruń region, through to SP9 for the Kraków/Małopolska area. The SP0 prefix is used for special event stations.
Operating Without a Licence
Transmitting on amateur frequencies without a valid UKE certificate and call sign constitutes a violation of the Polish Prawo telekomunikacyjne (Telecommunications Law). UKE has the authority to issue fines and confiscate equipment. Receiving only (SWL — Short Wave Listening) does not require a licence.
Upgrading from Category B to Category A
Category B holders who wish to access the HF bands must sit the full Category A examination. There is no partial credit arrangement; the complete Category A syllabus must be passed. Existing Category B licensees retain their call sign after upgrading.
Reciprocal Licensing for Visitors
Holders of CEPT HAREC Class 1 licences from other European countries may operate in Poland temporarily under the CEPT T/R 61-01 recommendation, using their home call sign with the /SP suffix. Stays exceeding a defined period (typically 3 months) require a formal Polish licence application. Non-CEPT licence holders must apply to UKE for an individual visiting operator permit.