Adriana Sas
Research expert covering the Polish market
Ukrainians in Poland - statistics & facts
Despite political differences, Ukraine and Poland are united by factors ranging from national security to economic cooperation and labor migration, to name a few. One of the main reasons Ukrainians chose Poland as a country for labor emigration was its geographic and cultural proximity, as well as its low language barrier. However, the situation significantly changed after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The war forced the exodus of millions of Ukrainians. In the early stages of the war, Poland became the country that took in the highest number of refugees in Europe. As of September 2023, their number surpassed 968 thousand.
Most Ukrainians are satisfied with their work despite the language barrier and problems with legalizing their stay. Many of them have decided to open their businesses in Poland. In 2023, Ukrainian companies accounted for the most significant percentage of companies with foreign capital. For comparison, in April 2022 alone, the number of sole proprietorships increased by 186 percent compared to the previous month.
In contrast, most Ukrainians like living in Poland, stating that the standard of living has increased since their arrival. However, homesickness was their biggest concern, triggering the desire to return to their homeland. After the war ends, one in five Ukrainian citizens plan to stay in Poland, and one in four plans to return to Ukraine. However, most did not encounter any lack of dislike or kindness from Poles during their stay.
Ukrainians working in Poland
As of April 2022, almost four million Ukrainians lived in Poland, mostly in major cities. This makes them the largest immigrant group in the country. However, the war is not the only reason people emigrate to Poland. For years, Ukrainians have been a steady source of temporary immigration, mainly for labor reasons. The number of those who received work permits in Poland intensified after 2015.Most Ukrainians are satisfied with their work despite the language barrier and problems with legalizing their stay. Many of them have decided to open their businesses in Poland. In 2023, Ukrainian companies accounted for the most significant percentage of companies with foreign capital. For comparison, in April 2022 alone, the number of sole proprietorships increased by 186 percent compared to the previous month.
Perception of Poles and Ukrainians by both nations
After February 2022, nine out of ten Poles agreed to accept Ukrainian refugees; after the events of 2014, this percentage was much lower. Slowly, however, support for refugees from Ukraine is beginning to wane. Most Poles favor their return to Ukraine as soon as possible. The support offered for refugees by the Polish government has also become an issue. While Poles appreciate the admission of Ukrainian children to Polish schools, the financial assistance is met with criticism. Many Poles also fear a rise in nationalism and crime, and the unresolved historical issues surrounding the Volhynia tragedy during World War II remain a bone of contention.In contrast, most Ukrainians like living in Poland, stating that the standard of living has increased since their arrival. However, homesickness was their biggest concern, triggering the desire to return to their homeland. After the war ends, one in five Ukrainian citizens plan to stay in Poland, and one in four plans to return to Ukraine. However, most did not encounter any lack of dislike or kindness from Poles during their stay.
