Foreign Employment Statistics in Poland
Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) has released updated figures on foreign employment in the country as of late January 2026. According to the report, 1.119 million foreigners were employed in Poland—a 7.1% rise compared to the previous year. However, this number dropped by 1.9% from December 2025, suggesting a slight month-over-month decline.
Breakdown of the Foreign Workforce
Men made up 59.9% of all employed foreigners, a share that edged up by 0.2% year-over-year and 0.1% compared to the end of December 2025. The total number of male workers increased by 7.4% from January 2025 but fell by 1.8% since December 2025. Female employment rose by 6.6% year-over-year, yet declined by 2.1% from the end of December 2025.
Ukrainian citizens continue to form the largest group of foreign workers in Poland. As of late January 2026, 757,700 Ukrainians were employed in the country—an 8.0% increase (55,900 people) compared to January 2025. Still, this figure decreased by 1.8% (14,100 people) from the end of December 2025. Belarusian nationals represent the second-largest group, followed by citizens of India, Georgia, Colombia, and the Philippines among other significant nationalities.
The year-over-year growth in foreign employment highlights sustained demand for labor in Poland, likely driven by economic expansion and workforce shortages. The modest decline from December 2025 may reflect seasonal fluctuations or shifts in immigration policy. Ukrainians’ continued dominance in these statistics underscores their critical role in Poland’s economy, especially amid ongoing labor market challenges.