Poland
An academic perspective on immigration, demographic change and social cohesion, viewed through Poland’s national experience.
Migration and demographic change in Poland
Poland’s population stood at around 37.35 million in November 2025, representing a decline of roughly 1.08 million since 31 December 2017, mainly due to low fertility and net migration.
On the one hand, Poland is grappling with an exceptionally low fertility rate, accompanied by a marked decline in marriage rates. The fertility rate fell to just 1.1 children per woman in 2024, the lowest in modern Polish history, compared with about 1.4 in 2019 and 1.3 in 2014.
The population rose in 2022 by about 2.2%, but only due to a temporary spike related to the Ukraine conflict. Between March and April 2022, Poland granted temporary protection to over 1.1 million people; net migration totalled about 967,700. Poland received more refugees during those two months than any other country.
Some of these individuals subsequently left Poland, either returning to Ukraine or moving onwards, including to Germany. In 2023 the population fell by about 0.3% and has continued to decline since. Projections vary, including a total population of around 36.2 million by 2035, or under 27 million by 2070.
By 2024, foreign-born residents accounted for about 2.4% of the population, up about 51% since 2019. Most migrants came from Ukraine, with others coming from Belarus, Germany, Georgia and Bulgaria.
By the end of 2024, roughly 1.5 million Poles were living abroad, mainly in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.
Interview from Poland
This interview explores perceptions of migration, the demographic and societal forces shaping public debate, and recommendations based on Poland’s national experience.
Sources and further information
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01
General demographic and population data from Statistics Poland, the country’s official statistical authority.
Statistics Poland – Basic Data -
02
Historical and comparative data on net migration in Poland.
Macrotrends – Poland Net Migration -
03
World Bank data on net migration in Poland.
World Bank – Net Migration -
04
World Bank data on Poland’s total fertility rate.
World Bank – Fertility Rate -
05
Population growth, migration and long-term demographic estimates for Poland.
Our World in Data – Poland Population and Demography -
06
Information on immigration trends and international migration in Poland from the OECD.
OECD – International Migration Outlook 2025: Poland -
07
Official information on the number and destinations of Polish citizens temporarily living abroad between 2019 and 2024.
Statistics Poland – Emigration for Temporary Stay -
08
Eurostat data concerning people receiving temporary protection and asylum-related migration indicators in Poland.
Eurostat – Temporary Protection and Asylum Data
Explore perspectives from across Europe
Compare national experiences and examine how migration, integration and demographic change are understood across different European societies.