New migrant integration measures and statistics in Poland

NGOs launch Social Patronage Coalition

A network of NGOs in Poland formally launched the Social Patronage Coalition, with the aim of promoting community sponsorship initiatives (for example: forms of support for the adaptation and integration of migrants provided by private individuals). The coalition has been operating informally since 2023. Its activities are currently funded by the European Union under the Stronger Roots programme.

The network brings together 7 NGOs already implementing social patronage programmes: Stowarzyszenie Nomada, Klub Inteligencji Katolickiej, Towarzystwo Inicjatyw Twórczych "ę", Fundacja MultiArt, Fundacja Ładne Historie and Fundacja Polskie Forum Migracyjne, supported by Pathways International and Stefan Batory Foundation. The network is open to new members interested in implementing community sponsorship programmes.

Planned expansion of access to Polish language certification exams

The government adopted a draft amendment to the Act on the Polish language and the Act on the National Agency for Academic Exchange, aimed at improving the organisation and accessibility of state Polish language certification exams for third-country nationals (TCNs).

Key changes include increasing the maximum number of candidates per exam session from 20 to 30, and expanding the pool of eligible examiners to include university graduates with relevant experience in teaching Polish as a foreign language, even without a degree in Polish philology. These measures are intended to facilitate the formation of examination boards and improve exam availability. Oversight of graded exam papers will also be strengthened.

The reform responds to growing demand for official Polish language certification, particularly at B1 level, which is required for EU long-term residence and citizenship applications, as well as study purposes. The number of candidates rose from 2 800 in 2017 to 27 000 in 2025.

Changes in number of universal child allowance beneficiaries

In 2025, approximately 325 300 migrant children received the 800+ child benefit - Poland's universal child allowance grant -, which amounts to PLN 800 per month (EUR 187), representing a 6.5% decrease compared with the previous year. Total expenditure exceeded PLN 3.2 billion.

The majority of beneficiaries were children displaced from Ukraine (262 800), followed by children from Belarus (23 400), Romania (5 800), Russia (3 700), Vietnam and India (2 500 each), Georgia (1 700), Bulgaria (1 700), Moldova (1 000) and Armenia (731).

The decline is linked to stricter eligibility rules and the gradual introduction of integration-related conditions. These include requirements such as school attendance for children and labour market participation for parents. Employment-related conditions for people displaced from Ukraine entered into force in February 2026, with similar rules for other non-EU nationals scheduled from June 2026.

New residence card for temporary protection holders from Ukraine

Poland's Office for Foreigners published guidelines on obtaining a CUKR residence card, a special temporary residence permit for holders of temporary protection from Ukraine. This card will be valid for 3 years and will replace temporary protection. To qualify, applicants must have a valid UKR PESEL on the day of application and on the day the voivode issues the CUKR residence card, and they must have held UKR status for at least 365 days.

Obtaining the CUKR residence card will result in the loss of access to temporary protection benefits. At the same time, it will provide full access to the Polish labour market and allow for running a business under the same conditions as Polish citizens. Moreover, the period of stay based on its possession will count towards the time required to obtain permanent residence rights. Applications will only be possible online, through the soon to be launched Case Management Module (MOS) portal.

Government Action Plan 2026-2029 on migrant integration and labour market policy

The Government Action Plan for 2026-2029 outlines the development of migration policy instruments focused on labour market and education-related integration. A key objective is to strengthen the inclusion of third-country nationals (TCNs) in Poland's labour market through more structured policy measures.

For 2026, the plan includes proposals to introduce incentives for employers supporting the integration of migrant workers, alongside a review of procedures for recognising foreign professional qualifications. Ongoing measures aim to address labour shortages by facilitating the recruitment of skilled migrants.

The plan also provides for a decision by 2028 on the possible introduction of a points-based migration system. It is presented as an annex to the Poland Development Strategy until 2035, currently under consultation.

Naturalisations increase amid planned tightening of citizenship rules

The Ministry of Interior and Administration published data on citizenship applications in recent years. In 2025, the number of third-country nationals (TCNs) acquiring Polish citizenship increased to 19 111, up from 16 342 the previous year (a 17% rise). The majority of cases were granted through recognition by voivodes, which increased from 14 828 to 18 115, while citizenship granted by the President declined from 1 514 to 996.

Ukrainian nationals accounted for the largest share of new citizens (10 187), followed by citizens of Belarus (6 506), Russia (762), Vietnam (497) and Turkey (116).

At the same time, legislative work is underway to tighten naturalisation rules, with draft proposals submitted by the President and opposition parties, while the government is also preparing its own reform package.

Poland now among EU leaders in naturalisation rates

According to the latest Eurostat statistics, Poland's naturalisation rate - measured as citizenship acquisitions per 100 resident non-nationals - has reached 3.7%, exceeding the EU average of 2.7%. Poland ranked joint fifth in the EU alongside Belgium, behind Sweden (7.5%), Italy (4.1%), and Spain and the Netherlands (3.9% each).

In 2024, Poland granted citizenship to 16 100 foreigners, a 36.4% increase compared with the previous year and nearly 4 times more than a decade ago. The vast majority (98.8%) were TCNs, primarily from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, while smaller numbers originated from EU countries such as Germany, Romania, and Sweden. Poland was also the second-largest recipient of Ukrainian naturalisations in the EU after Germany, accounting for 23.5% of cases.

Study examines residence intentions of people displaced from Ukraine

According to a survey presented in a recent publication from the Polish Economic Institute (Polski Instytut Ekonomiczny), the integration of people displaced from Ukraine in Poland is most advanced in the economic sphere, while progress in cultural (language and cultural knowledge), socio-political (social ties and legal status), and identity-based (sense of belonging) dimensions is slower. The findings also show that economic integration does not necessarily translate into broader social or cultural integration.

Around 40% of respondents expressed an intention to settle permanently in Poland. This decision is most strongly linked to identity and socio-political factors, including residence security, attachment to Poland, and relationships with Polish citizens, rather than purely economic conditions. Cultural and social integration tends to be stronger among those working in the service sector and among individuals who have lived in Poland for more than four years.

Low reported discrimination among migrants in public services

According to newly released Eurostat data from the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) survey for 2024, 2.7% of foreign-born residents in Poland reported experiencing discrimination when interacting with public services or administrative offices. This is among the lowest rates in the EU-27, with only Hungary (2.2%), Croatia (1.9%), and Italy (1.5%) recording lower levels.

In public spaces, 4.2% of foreign-born residents in Poland reported discrimination. This remains below the EU average (7.7%) although is significantly higher than the rate reported among native-born residents.