Ukrainian refugees are Poland’s economic engine: over $25 billion added to GDP in 2024
12 June 18:12
Ukrainians who took refuge in Poland after the outbreak of a full-scale war have become not only a social but also a powerful economic factor. In 2024, Ukrainian refugees added almost 100 billion zlotys (approximately $25 billion) to Polish GDP, which is eight times more than Poland spent on aid to Ukraine during the three years of war, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
These data are published in the study “Analysis of the impact of Ukrainian refugees on the Polish economy”, which was conducted by the consulting company Deloitte on behalf of the UNHCR. According to the report, 69% of able-bodied Ukrainians in Poland are already employed. This is only slightly less than among Polish citizens (75%).
However, many Ukrainians are not working in their specialty. Only a third of refugees with higher education hold positions that match their qualifications. Restrictions, such as the requirement to have Polish citizenship for some professions, hinder their career development and force them to retrain.
Despite this, the economic contribution of Ukrainians is growing every year:
- in 2022 – 1.5% of Poland’s GDP,
- у 2023 – 2,3%,
- in 2024 – 2.7% (almost PLN 98.7 billion).
In the long term (by 2030), this effect could reach 3.2% of GDP growth. Also, Ukrainians’ participation in the labor market could reduce unemployment by 0.1 percentage points and increase real wages by 0.25%.
Overall, in 2022-2025, Ukrainians generated over PLN 328.6 billion for the Polish economy. For comparison, over the same period, Poland provided humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of approximately $2.3 billion.
“Those who consider refugees a burden for the economy should think again. By allowing Ukrainians to work and start businesses, Poland increased its GDP by 2.7% in 2024 alone,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR Representative in Poland.
According to official data from the Office for Foreigners in Poland, as of the end of February 2025, 1.55 million Ukrainian citizens (temporary or permanent residents) legally reside in the country. This is the largest group among foreigners in Poland, accounting for about 78% of all foreigners.
At the same time, the United Nations International Agency (AP News) estimates the total number of Ukrainians in Poland-including temporary refugees-at about 2 million, of which almost 1 million are still in refugee status .
