The Polish labor market continues to undergo a significant transformation, driven by a steadily increasing influx of international talent. By the end of October 2025, the number of foreigners working in Poland reached 1,139,400, marking a 7.1% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth is not merely a long-term trend but remains dynamic in the short term as well, with a 0.9% rise recorded just since September 2025. Consequently, foreigners now represent 6.9% of the total workforce in Poland, a figure that underscores their vital and expanding role in sustaining the national economy.
The demographic breakdown of this group reveals a slight shift in gender dynamics, with men continuing to hold a majority share of 59.9%. This represents a 0.4 percentage point increase over the previous year. While the numbers of both men and women are rising, the growth rate for men has been more pronounced, climbing 7.8% annually compared to a 6.0% increase for women. On a month-to-month basis, the trends remained consistent with September figures, showing modest growth across both genders.
Flexible employment remains a cornerstone of the professional activity for many international workers. As of October 31, 2025, approximately 441,300 foreigners were employed under mandate contracts (umowa zlecenia) and related agreements. This segment saw a 6.3% year-on-year increase and a 0.9% uptick from the preceding month. The prevalence of these contracts highlights the ongoing demand for adaptable labor solutions within the Polish market.
Citizens of Ukraine remain the most prominent nationality within this workforce. By the end of October, their numbers reached 767,100, reflecting a 7.3% annual growth and a 1.1% monthly increase. Accounting for 67.3% of all foreign workers in Poland, the Ukrainian community’s share of the market grew by 0.1 percentage points in both yearly and monthly comparisons. Despite this heavy concentration, the diversity of the labor market is striking; workers currently represent more than 150 different countries, proving that Poland’s economic appeal extends far beyond its immediate neighbors.
Geographically, the distribution of foreign workers is heavily influenced by regional economic strength. The Warsaw capital region serves as the primary hub, housing 20.2%—or one in five—of all working foreigners. In stark contrast, the Świętokrzyskie region recorded the lowest concentration, accounting for only 0.8% of the total population. This disparity confirms that international talent flows primarily toward the largest economic centers where the demand for labor is most acute.
These comprehensive statistics include individuals employed within the national economy as well as those on mandate contracts subject to social or health insurance. While the data excludes specific contract types like task-specific contracts (umowa o dzieło) or harvest assistance, 2025 marks a shift in reporting to include owners and co-owners of agricultural holdings and helping family members.
Source Note: This report was prepared based on data provided by the Statistics Poland (GUS).
