According to new data from Statistics Poland (GUS), around 1.5 million Polish citizens were living abroad for 12 months or longer at the end of 2024—about 22,000 more than the previous year. The figures exclude seasonal migrants and focus on those who have likely changed their official country of residence.
The largest increases were recorded in the Netherlands, with 28,000 more Polish emigrants (a 26.6% rise), and in Switzerland, with an increase of 8,000 people (up 39.1%). In contrast, the UK saw a sharp drop of 132,000 Polish residents (down 24.1%), followed by declines in Germany (10,000) and Italy (8,000).
Dr. Paweł Strzelecki of the Warsaw School of Economics said the shifts reflect changes in economic conditions and residency policies, particularly after the UK’s exit from the EU.
“The UK drop is mainly due to Brexit-related challenges like economic slowdown, travel restrictions, and difficulties legalizing employment,” Strzelecki told PAP.
He noted that countries with high purchasing power and low unemployment—such as Switzerland and the Netherlands—are increasingly attracting long-term Polish migrants. In contrast, Italy’s appeal has declined as its average wage now offers only marginally higher purchasing power than in Poland, alongside a much higher unemployment rate.
Overall, 94% of long-term Polish emigrants in 2024 lived in other European countries.
(jh)
Source: PAP