More than half of the Ukrainian refugees currently living in Poland are considering returning home. However, only 8% are ready to do so in the near future, while 43% will wait for the end of the war. Previously, experts named security and prospects in Ukraine as the key conditions for returning. This is reported by InPoland citing a survey by the Ukrainian Rating Group.
How many Ukrainians plan to return from Poland
According to the survey results, a total of 51% of the participating Ukrainian refugees intend to return to Ukraine.
At the same time, most of them are not ready to go home right now. 43% of all respondents plan to return after the war ends, while only 8% are ready to take such a step in the near future.
Meanwhile, 26% of the respondents stated that they do not plan to return to Ukraine at all. Another 23% are still undecided about their future.
The results show that even after the end of the war, the return of Ukrainians from Poland will not be automatic. A significant portion of people have already found employment and integrated into Polish society.
As of March 2026, the number of officially employed citizens of Ukraine reached a record 784 thousand. Ukrainians account for about 68% of all foreigners working in the country.
What will make Ukrainians return home
The main condition for returning remains security. Along with stability in Ukraine, it was named a determining factor by 71% of the survey participants.
This means that the end of hostilities alone may not be sufficient for some refugees. People will assess how safe it is to live in Ukraine and whether they can plan their future several years ahead.
The duration of their stay abroad also plays an important role. Over the years of the full-scale war, many Ukrainians have found permanent jobs in Poland, rented or purchased housing, and their children have started studying in Polish schools.
The survey was conducted from August 21 to 25 using online questionnaires. It involved 1000 Ukrainians who left due to the full-scale war and settled in Poland.
It is worth noting that a previous study by the National Bank of Poland also showed that the decision to return heavily depends on the degree of integration: Inkorr reported how many Ukrainians will return after peace.