In February, we conducted extensive research on the perception of foreigners settling in Poland. In recent years, Poland has been attracting more and more foreigners, transforming from a typical emigration country into an immigration country, i.e. one where more people come than leave. There is no exact data on the number of foreigners staying in Poland, although according to some estimates it has almost reached 4 million. Official statistics indicate that they are most often citizens of Ukraine, followed by Belarus and Georgia.

Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of Poles declaring personal knowledge of a foreigner living in Poland increased very significantly, i.e. from 40% to 57%. Over the past two years, this percentage has stabilized.

Do you personally know a foreigner living in Poland?

Assessments of the effects of the presence of foreigners in Poland are varied – neither unequivocally positive nor negative. Two-thirds of respondents (69%) agree with the opinion that foreigners excessively burden the social benefits system. Almost the same number of people (66%) share the belief that their presence contributes to the increase in crime in the country. Over half (55%) believe that foreigners lower wages on the labour market. At the same time, however, almost two-thirds (65%) are aware that foreigners contribute to the state budget by paying taxes, and over half (51%) share the belief that our country needs foreigners because Polish society is aging. Almost half (48%) agree with the opinion that foreigners are necessary for the development of the Polish economy (however, 42% of respondents have the opposite opinion). Almost half (49%) question the belief that foreigners contribute to the lower quality of education in Polish schools.

Do you agree with the following statements?

Regarding who should be allowed to settle in Poland, Poles indicate that we should first and foremost accept people we need, and only then those who need it themselves. The majority of respondents (52%) agreed that foreigners with professional qualifications that are in demand in our country should be allowed to settle in Poland. Over two-fifths (43%) are in favour of accepting family members of foreigners already living in Poland. Almost the same number (42%) believe that young people who want to work and start families here should be allowed to settle in Poland. Two-fifths (40%) believe that foreigners who are close to Poles in terms of culture or religion should be accepted. Slightly fewer people (36%) are open to the influx of refugees into Poland - people fleeing various threats. One in ten believes that anyone who is willing should be able to settle in Poland. Only 6% are against foreigners settling in Poland at all.

In your opinion, what kind of foreigners should be allowed to settle in Poland?
Please indicate as many answers as you like