Foreign-born population – 2024 | 2.4% of the population | |
0.9 million, 53% women | Evolution since 2014: +51% |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, 180 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Poland (excluding EU citizens), ‑1.8% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 73% labour migrants, 11.1% family members (including accompanying family) and 15.8% other migrants. Around 24 000 short-term permits were issued to international students and 206 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 105 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 14% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Belarus and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2021.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 87%, to reach around 14 000. The majority of applicants came from Ukraine (6 100), Belarus (3 600) and Ethiopia (500). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Ukraine (4 500) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑500). Of the 8 580 decisions taken in 2024, 82% were positive.
Emigration of Polish citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑1% in 2023, to 136 000. Approximately 40% of this group migrated to Germany, 19% to the Netherlands and 6% to Switzerland.
In October 2024, the Polish Council of Ministers adopted the “Regain Control. Ensure Security.” Migration Strategy for 2025‑2030, emphasising national security, controlled migration, and selective labour migration. The strategy outlines a number of key areas of intervention, including regulations of the rules of entry and residence of foreigners, access to international protection, conditions to access the labour market to meet demand in shortage occupations, integration, educational migration, citizenship and repatriation, and diaspora policy.
In line with the migration strategy, in April 2025 Poland adopted a reform to streamline employment procedures for foreign nationals to facilitate employment and increase security in the labour market. Key changes include an elimination of a labour market test in favour of a “protected professions” list, that can be adopted if harsh conditions in the local labour market arise, a shift to fully digitalised procedures for the issuing of work permits, and stricter compliance requirements for employers. Employment contracts must always be submitted to authorities prior to the commencement of work, and a minimum employment threshold has been introduced to qualify for a work permit. In addition, fast-track processing will be available for employers who are deemed crucial to the Polish economy or who are hiring in shortage occupations. Foreign nationals under family visit or study (non-degree) visas or visa-free entries will no longer be allowed to work. These changes will come into effect on 1 June 2025.
The migration strategy also introduces stricter regulations for the issuing of student visas, including increased verification of educational background and language skills, to prevent the use of student status as a pretext for legal residence in the EU. Since July 2025, a new law stipulates that foreign students need to prove B2‑level proficiency in the language of study, and university leaders will be obliged to notify the authorities when international students fail to attend studies. The share of international students will also be capped to not exceed 50% of the total number of students at all universities.
In March 2025, the Polish Parliament passed a legislation allowing for the temporary suspension of the right to apply for asylum for individuals entering the country irregularly, particularly along the border with Belarus. This measure, justified by the government as a response to the instrumentalisation of migration by neighbouring states, allows for a restriction of rights for up to 60 renewable days in the event of a “serious and real threat to security”. Certain categories remain protected, including minors and their families, pregnant women, people requiring special care, people deemed at “real risk of harm” if returned over the border, and citizens of the country carrying out the instrumentalisation.
For further information: migrant.info.pl | www.emn.gov.pl | www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en.
