According to the estimated data from the Polish Community Association, around 21 million Poles and people of Polish descent live outside of Poland. Polish emigration – so, where do they go most often and why?
For Poles, emigration has been a common phenomenon for years. The reasons are varied, but the predominant ones have always been economic, meaning labor migration.
Labor migration directions of Poles in the European Union
It is definitely easier for a Pole to find a job within the European Union, due to EU regulations and geographical proximity. Polish labor migration to European countries can last a few months, but some people decide to build their future in another country and take permanent work there. According to research by GI Group, 13.3% of Poles are considering labor migration in the next year.
Below, we present an estimated number of Poles residing in other EU countries, such as:
- Germany – approx. 2 million people
- France – approx. 1 million
- Sweden – approx. 200 thousand
- Netherlands – approx. 187 thousand
- Lithuania – approx. 183 thousand
- Ireland – approx. 100 thousand
- Italy – approx. 100 thousand
- Belgium – approx. 70 thousand
This list certainly includes Spain, where there are currently 85 thousand Poles. Spain is becoming an increasingly popular destination due to favorable weather and investment conditions for Poles.
Countries outside the EU with a large group of Poles:
- Norway – 110 thousand
- Iceland – 23 thousand
- UK (Great Britain) – 700 thousand (before Brexit, this number was significantly higher)
Polish emigration to Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries
The most popular destinations for Poles seeking work are Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries.
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The main reasons for emigration to these countries include: proximity to Poland’s borders, a stable job market, high wages, high demand for workers, and simply, a better quality of life. Due to the large Polish community in these countries, it is easier to settle in.
It is worth noting that in Norway and Iceland, Poles are the largest ethnic minority.
All of these countries are open to immigrants, which is an additional advantage when dealing with employment formalities and organizing life.
Poles worldwide
Poles abroad rank sixth in the world in terms of population size relative to the native population. The largest concentration of Poles is in the United States. There are as many as 10 million of Poles there, with about 1 million in Chicago. The largest wave of emigration to the USA occurred during Soviet times.
Below, we present where else you can find Poles:
Country – Population – Main Concentrations
- Brazil – approx. 3 million – Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina, Curitiba
- Belarus – approx. 1.2 million – Vitebsk and Minsk regions
- Canada – approx. 1 million – Toronto, Edmonton
- Russian Federation – approx. 300 thousand – Moscow, St. Petersburg
- Argentina – approx. 350 thousand – Buenos Aires, Rosario
- Australia – approx. 200 thousand – Melbourne, Sydney
Nowadays, labor emigration to another continent is more complicated and, above all, expensive. Therefore, most people choose to migrate within the European Union.
If you’re considering labor migration, take the first step with us and check out job offers abroad with europa.jobs.
