It is a fact: Poland attracts many foreigners – both for short visits, such as tourism, and for longer stays to pursue studies, work, or seek refuge from armed conflicts in their home countries. Foreigners staying in Poland apply for temporary residence permits, permanent residence permits, or long-term EU resident permits. Interest in migration to Poland continues to grow, and as a result, leading to an increasing number of applications for the legalization of stay. This article focuses on the latest data for 2024 data on migration in Poland and the Lubelskie Voivodeship.
Foreigners in Poland: Who Are They And Where Do They Come From?
According to data from the Office for Foreigners, the number of foreigners holding valid residence permits in Poland is steadily increasing. In 2024, over 510,000 applications for residence permits were registered, marking a significant rise compared to 2023. The largest groups of applicants were:
- Ukraine: 286,000
- Belarus: 48,000
- Georgia: 19,000
- Colombia: 18,000
- India: 16,000
Furthermore, 397,000 individuals received decisions regarding the legalization of their stay. Of these, 347,000 were granted residence permits in Poland (positive decisions). In particular, these were citizens of:
- Ukraine: 218,000
- Belarus: 42,000
- India: 10,000
- Georgia: 8,000
- Turkey: 5,000
The statistics also show that 26,000 appeals against decisions regarding the legalization of stay were submitted to the Office for Foreigners.
Increase in Applications for International Protection
Data from 2024 indicates that 17,000 foreigners applied for international protection in Poland, including over 3,000 children. The majority of applications were submitted by citizens of:
- Ukraine: 7,000
- Belarus: 4,000
- Russia: 900
- Somalia: 600
- Eritrea: 500
The Head of the Office for Foreigners issued nearly 12,000 decisions on applications for international protection. Meanwhile, 7,000 individuals were granted refugee status or complementary protection, with the majority being citizens of Ukraine and Belarus.
Regional Statistics: Lubelskie Voivodeship
Due to its geographical location, the Lubelskie Voivodeship plays a key role in the process of legalizing the stay of foreigners. According to statistics from the Lubelskie Voivodeship Office in Lublin, in 2024, the region registered 15,472 applications for temporary residence, 1,256 applications for permanent residence, and 418 applications for long-term EU resident permits. Additionally, the Lubelskie Voivode issued 5,730 work permits. It is worth noting that 1,726 applications were submitted by foreigners seeking residence permits for university studies. The majority of these applications came from citizens of Ukraine and Belarus, but there is also a growing number from citizens of Asian and African countries.
Who Most Often Obtains a Residence Permit in Poland?
Data from the Migracje.gov.pl portal shows that the majority of residence permits in Poland are granted to citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and India. The main reasons for staying include work, studies, and family reunification. More and more foreigners are choosing Poland as a destination for long-term stays.
Summary
The legalization of stay for foreigners in Poland is a complex process that requires coordination between government institutions. Both at the national level and in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, migration statistics continue to evolve dynamically. The growing number of applications for international protection and temporary residence indicates that Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreigners.
As the 2024 Migration Strategy and upcoming legal changes take effect, their impact on migration trends remains to be seen. We will continue to monitor developments and keep you informed about the most important updates.