Why Are Poles Returning from Emigration? Explained by Dr Paweł Dobrzański, WUEB Professor

In 2024, the number of individuals registered for permanent residence in Poland after having previously lived abroad increased by as much as 30% compared to the previous year. This data clearly indicates a growing trend of Polish nationals returning from emigration. What are the underlying reasons for this phenomenon? Expert insight is provided by Dr Paweł Dobrzański, Professor at the Wroclaw University of Economics and Business.

In the article “They’re Exchanging Euros for Zlotys. Poles Are Packing Their Bags in the Opposite Direction,” published on Bankier.pl, the return of Polish emigrants is presented as a rational decision from an economic standpoint. The author of the article highlights, among other things, the positive migration balance for permanent residence, which reached +9.3 thousand last year. In other words, significantly more people are coming back to Poland than leaving. What explains this trend?

Dr Paweł Dobrzański, WUEB Professor, draws attention to Poland’s remarkable economic progress over the past three decades:

“Many economists describe Poland as a ‘regional leader’ and a case of ‘transformational success’—a view shared by many Poles living abroad. Between 1989 and 2024, Poland’s GDP grew by over 300%, which is the highest rate in Central and Eastern Europe.”

This surge in GDP has translated into a noticeable improvement in quality of life. According to the WUEB expert, this is one of the key drivers behind the return of the Polish diaspora. In addition, the growing sense of economic patriotism plays an important role:

“The increase in returns to Poland is influenced by rising wages, lower living costs, and a growing sense of economic patriotism, supported by programmes designed to ease reintegration. Poles also value the opportunity for their children to receive education in Polish and the access to free healthcare. Poland is beginning to benefit from its ‘emigration capital.’ We are witnessing the tangible effects of the diaspora, which intensified between 2020 and 2025. This phenomenon has economic, social, and cultural dimensions.”

Safety and security are also key considerations. According to Dr Dobrzański, Poland is perceived as a country that does not face the same societal challenges that have emerged in many Western nations due to shifting demographics:

“Poland is widely regarded as a very safe and culturally homogenous country, which is a distinct advantage in the context of migration-related challenges experienced by other European nations.”

Read the full article on Bankier.pl: https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Zamienili-euro-na-zlotowki-Masowo-wracaja-do-Polski-8983637.html 

Author: Sebastian Rogalski