Poland is entering a crucial phase in the transformation of its migration and integration policies. This shift is reflected in legislative proposals and the public debate ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. The candidates’ views on immigration range from restrictive measures to open-door approaches. One example is the ruling PiS party’s proposal to extend the required residency period for foreigners seeking Polish citizenship—a move that, according to experts from Smart Solutions HR, appears to be more of a political maneuver than a long-term policy strategy. With rising right-wing tendencies, what are the implications for Poland’s labor market? Experts caution that curbing labor migration could have serious consequences for the economy.
Ten Years Instead of Three
Poland’s migration policy is undergoing a slow but significant transformation. Just days ago, four new laws were published in the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, introducing key changes to the legalization of foreign workers, which will come into force on June 1, 2025.
A proposed amendment to the Polish Citizenship Act was submitted just weeks before the election, sparking renewed debate over labor migration and the role of immigrants in the Polish workforce. The bill aims to extend the required period of residence before a foreigner may apply for citizenship from 3 to 10 years. The proposal justifies this change by citing the need for a “deeper connection” between the applicant and the Polish state and references countries like Italy and Austria, where longer residence periods are in place. It also points to the large influx of Ukrainian citizens—estimated at 1.5 million in 2023—as a key factor.
However, the proposal, which would effectively restrict immigration, is seen as controversial given Poland’s demographic challenges and labor shortages. Experts warn that it may lead to the marginalization of foreigners and make integration more difficult.
“The current three-year requirement applies only to permanent or long-term residents, and it typically takes 5–7 years to obtain such status. So, in practice, foreigners already wait around eight years. After the proposed changes, the actual wait time could stretch to 15 or even 17 years,” says Tetiana Hrynchyshyn, a legalization specialist at Smart Solutions HR.
“The amendment will especially impact those without Polish roots or a Polish spouse. For them, the path to citizenship will become far longer and more complex, which may lead to their marginalization and limited participation in Polish society, politics, and the economy.”
Poland Losing Appeal for Foreigners?
Lengthening the citizenship wait could discourage many immigrants from pursuing it, which would reduce Poland’s ability to leverage a diverse workforce.
“Extending the waiting period to 10 years, when many EU countries require only five—such as Germany, France, Portugal, or Ireland—may deter foreigners from applying for a Polish passport,” warns Hrynchyshyn.
“This could harm Poland’s image as a destination for migrants and result in a loss of valuable human capital to more welcoming countries, ultimately affecting the economy and labor market.”
The reduced availability of foreign workers may cause significant challenges, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on migrant labor such as logistics, construction, agriculture, and services. Given Poland’s aging population and shrinking workforce, meeting growing labor demands will be increasingly difficult. Statistics from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) project that by 2030, the working-age population in Poland will shrink by more than 1.5 million.
“The proposal is meant to address migration-related threats, but in the context of Europe’s demographic reality, it seems short-sighted and ineffective,” says Natalia Myskova, Managing Director at Smart Solutions HR.
“Countries like Germany, Portugal, and Spain are simplifying citizenship procedures, sometimes reducing them to as little as five years—or even three if the immigrant works, knows the language, and pays taxes. In 2024, Germany shortened the standard naturalization period from eight to five years, and in special integration cases, even to three.
Meanwhile, Poland, instead of competing for people and talent, is shutting its doors. A 10-year requirement may signal to immigrants that, even if they’re integrated and contributing to society, they still won’t be viewed as full members.”
Integration Over Barriers
As of the end of March 2025, 829,900 people were registered as unemployed in Poland—a 2% decrease month-over-month, but a slight increase compared to March 2024. The unemployment rate held steady at 5.3%, mirroring last year’s figure. With a limited local labor pool, Polish employers are increasingly turning to foreign workers, especially in flexible, seasonal, and logistics-heavy roles. Restrictive migration policies could pose a threat not only to the job market but also to Poland’s social development and innovation capacity. Long waits for citizenship and tighter migration rules may weaken the workforce and slow economic growth.
“At Smart Solutions, we believe these changes are politically motivated and not part of a coherent long-term strategy,” Myskova concludes.
“Countries with more flexible naturalization rules are attracting both workers and entrepreneurs, who bring innovation and drive growth. Rather than building barriers, we need effective integration systems that reward commitment, employment, language skills, and civic engagement. Yes, migration controls matter, but in the face of growing demographic challenges, Poland needs immigrants to support its economy and fill workforce gaps.”
Sources: Central Statistical Office (GUS), Smart Solutions HR, Managerplus.pl
