The Polish labor market is becoming increasingly dependent on foreign workers, who are filling labor shortages in key sectors of the economy. Migrants now account for 6–10% of the total workforce, and some sectors would effectively be unable to operate as usual without them. Learn more about the distribution of foreign workers by industry, region, and city in Poland

Order a work guide and receive step-by-step instructions for obtaining a work visa to any country

GET THE GUIDE

Foreign workers account for between 6% and 10% of the total workforce in Poland—and this figure continues to rise. According to a study by the Institute of Public Affairs, Deloitte, and Ipsos, migrants have become a significant resource for the Polish economy: they fill labor shortages, boost consumer demand, and support the social security system.

Where exactly are foreign workers concentrated, which industries depend on them the most, and why do Poland’s western regions lead in terms of migrant numbers—we’ll cover all this in the article below.

Want to learn how to legally find employment in Poland and what documents are required?

The Visit World portal has developed a practical guide containing all the latest information on work permits, application requirements, and the rights of foreign workers.

Why Poland needs foreign workers: ZUS figures

The number of Polish citizens registered in the ZUS social insurance system is steadily declining:

• 2023 — a decrease of 75,000 people;
• 2024 — a decrease of 59,000 people;
• the first three quarters of 2025 — a decrease of nearly 90,000 people.

Despite this, the total number of insured workers remains relatively stable. The balance is maintained thanks to the steady growth in the number of foreign employees registering in the system.

Migrants also generate additional consumer demand: they purchase goods and services, which stimulates the domestic economy and positively impacts GDP. At the same time, the demographic profile of foreign workers places less of a burden on the state budget compared to Polish citizens—the majority of migrants are of working age.

Where in Europe are household incomes growing the fastest in 2026? — find out by following the link.

Age of foreign workers in Poland: who comes to work

The demographic structure of migrants differs significantly from that of Polish workers. As of the end of September 2025, 56% of foreigners were under 40, while among Polish citizens, the corresponding figure was only 41%.

The largest gap was recorded in the 25–39 age group: 46% among foreigners versus 34% among Poles. However, among workers over 55, migrants account for only 9%—among Polish citizens, this share reaches 19%.

This age structure is beneficial for the state. Young workers actively pay taxes and social contributions, require expensive medical services less often, and do not yet receive pension payments.

By the way, demand for temporary workers has surged in Poland.

Visit World services for tourists, migrants, and expats: Insurance | Guides | Legal advice

Top sectors in Poland by share of foreign workers

The distribution of migrants across economic sectors is uneven. The highest concentration of foreigners is found in administrative and support services—by the end of 2024, their share in this sector reached about 25%. This category includes cleaning, facility security, reception work, contact centers, staffing agencies, travel companies, equipment and car rentals, as well as general office positions.

Next in the ranking:

1. Hospitality and food service — 16% foreign workers.
2. Transportation and logistics — 14%.
3. Construction — 11%.
4. IT, telecommunications, and media — 10%.

Industrial production and trade deserve special attention. The share of foreign workers here is relatively small — 7% and 4%, respectively. However, in absolute terms, these sectors are among the largest employers of migrants: approximately 195,000 people in manufacturing and 88,000 in trade.

In our previous article, we reported that new rules for calculating work experience are in effect in Poland.

Sectors with minimal foreign presence in Poland

A low share of migrants persists in sectors with strict regulatory requirements regarding qualifications, licensing, or citizenship. These include public administration, the defense sector, education, and healthcare. It is precisely these regulatory restrictions that remain the main barrier to the employment of foreigners in these fields.

Which Polish provinces and cities lead in terms of the number of migrants?

The highest concentration of foreign workers is observed in the western regions of Poland and in large urban agglomerations.

Leading provinces by share of foreigners (2024):

• Lubusz — 10%;
• Lower Silesia — 6%;
• West Pomerania — 6%;
• Pomerania — 6%;
• Greater Poland — 6%.

Voivodeships with the lowest share:

• Subcarpathia — 2%;
• Świętokrzyskie — 2%;
• Lublin — 2%;
• Kuyavian-Pomeranian — 2%;
• Warmian-Masurian — 2%.

In terms of the absolute number of employed migrants, the Mazovian Voivodeship leads with 210,000 people, followed by Lower Silesian — 123,000, and Greater Poland — 113,000. The fewest foreign workers are registered in the Świętokrzyskie (9,000), Warmian-Masurian (14,000), and Subcarpathian (14,000) provinces.

In which European countries do people most often work on weekends — read here.

Polish cities with the highest share of foreign workers

Among major cities, the highest percentage of migrants is found in Wrocław (16%), Gożów Wielkopolski (14%), Szczecin (14%), Warsaw (13%), Zielona Góra (13%), Poznań (13%), Opole (12%), Gdańsk (12%), Kraków (12%), and Łódź (11%).

Even higher rates have been recorded in certain cities with county rights: Świnoujście — 18%, Legnica — 14%, and Słupsk — 14%.

Are you planning to find a job in Poland or already looking for vacancies?

The Visit World portal has prepared a detailed guide to help you navigate the paperwork, work permits, and the specifics of Polish labor law.

Order the guide on the Visit World website and prepare to enter the Polish labor market with a full understanding of the process!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the EU countries leading in remote work.

Photo: Magnific

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal consultation on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance worldwide.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.