In recent years, the number of foreign workers employed in Poland has been steadily increasing. According to data from ZUS (Poland’s Social Insurance Institution), as of November 2024, over 1.2 million foreigners were registered in the social security system. While Ukrainians still dominate, workers from South America and Asia are becoming more prominent. These changes bring new challenges, as highlighted by experts at Smart Solutions HR.
New Migration Trends
For several years, Poland has seen a significant influx of immigrants from Ukraine. However, according to reports from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), their share of the total number of foreigners working in Poland is gradually decreasing. Over the past two years, this share has dropped by 6 percentage points. Data published by the Office for Foreigners in early January 2025 shows that Ukrainians still submit the most applications for residence permits in Poland, with 286,000 applications in 2024.
Colombians now rank fourth, with 18,000 applications in 2024, and their presence in Poland has grown nearly fiftyfold over the past few years. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of work permits issued to Colombians surged by 352%. Additionally, the number of positive decisions regarding temporary or permanent residency is also rising. In 2024, approximately 3,000 Colombians were granted legal residence in Poland, compared to fewer than 1,000 in 2023. As of January 2025, nearly 300 applications have already been approved, with over 1,600 pending review—a figure likely to grow.
Filipinos make up another significant group of immigrants whose numbers in Poland have increased considerably. In the first half of 2024, 20,500 work permits were issued to Filipino workers, compared to 13,000 for the entire year of 2023. Similar to Colombians, Filipinos are also awaiting decisions not only on work permits but also on residency permits. Last year, 9,000 residency applications were filed by Filipinos, and in January 2025, around 300 positive decisions have already been issued.
“The changes in the structure of foreign workers in Poland clearly highlight the growing importance of employees from South America and Asia in our labor market,” says Tetiana Hrynczyszyn, a legalization specialist at Smart Solutions. “From the perspective of legalizing residence and work, this means administrative procedures need to adapt to the specifics of these new migrant groups. The increase in applications for work and residence permits may lead to longer waiting times for official decisions, posing challenges for both employers and candidates,” she explains.
A New Talent Source
“South American markets, including Colombia and Argentina, are becoming increasingly important sources of new talent,” says Natalia Myskova, Head of the Delivery Department at Smart Solutions. “Workers from these countries quickly adapt to the demands of the Polish labor market. Their dedication and strong work ethic help fill labor shortages and meet growing competition from Western Europe.”
Smart Solutions experts note that workers from South America and Asia demonstrate a strong willingness to learn new skills and commit to long-term collaboration, making them attractive candidates for employers.
“After years of integrating employees from various countries, we’ve observed that workers from these regions stand out for their good command of English and high adaptability. This makes them highly sought after by Polish employers. Their experience in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and services makes them valuable additions to the Polish labor market,” explains Natalia Myskova.
Challenges in the Recruitment Process
Employing foreign workers still comes with numerous challenges. Complex visa procedures, long waiting times for work permits, and unclear regulations can lead to delays in recruitment processes. Formal requirements and the need to tailor documentation to the specificities of each worker’s country of origin often present barriers for businesses. Additionally, cultural and language differences can affect workplace integration and efficiency.
“Support in legalization processes, simplified visa procedures, clear regulations, and better alignment of administrative policies with business needs are key factors for the effective integration of foreign workers and ensuring employment stability in Poland,” emphasizes Tetiana Hrynczyszyn. “Both businesses and government institutions should focus on creating solutions that enable faster adaptation of foreign workers, which will positively impact their professional performance and long-term commitment to the Polish labor market,” she adds.
Effective Integration and Managing Diversity
Leveraging the potential of workers from different countries fosters innovation, improves efficiency, and enhances team stability. Faced with challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers, Poland’s economy is increasingly harnessing the advantages of an international workforce. Effective diversity management enables companies to build a competitive edge, strengthen trust, and engage employees in achieving common goals.
“Our experience shows that the key to success with international teams lies not only in providing appropriate training but also in creating an environment that embraces diversity and promotes cross-cultural collaboration,” adds Natalia Myskova.
Sources of data: ZUS, GUS, Office for Foreigners, and internal analysis.
Source: Manager Plus
