Ukrainian refugees raised Poland’s GDP by 2.4% in 2025, finds UN study
At the same time, their growing presence in the labour market had no negative impact on employment or wages.
A new UNHCR and Deloitte report reveals that Ukrainian refugees significantly boosted Poland's economy in 2025, contributing 2.4% to the country's GDP, equivalent to 94 billion zloty (€21.5 billion). The refugee population in Poland has seen a rapid increase in employment, surpassing that of Polish citizens, yet their entry has not negatively impacted other workers' employment or wages.
The report indicates that Ukrainians' economic integration in Poland is advancing, with their employment rate rising from 61% in 2023 to 76% in 2025, which is slightly higher than the Polish citizen rate. While Ukrainians are more likely to be employed on precarious contracts and often work in positions they are overqualified for, their median wage remains at around 85% of the Poland average.
The influx of Ukrainian refugees has also contributed positively to Poland's public finances, with government revenues increasing by 2.6% due to refugee-related economic activity. Despite the initial stress on the healthcare system, the report notes that healthcare expenditures on refugees remain lower per capita than those on Polish residents, and the arrival of Ukrainian healthcare professionals has bolstered the country's overstretched hospitals.
Ukrainians primarily support themselves through work, contributing more in taxes than they receive in benefits. The report also highlights a shift in attitudes among Poles, with a growing majority favoring permanent residency for Ukrainians in Poland.
Written by urgent.news from Notes from Poland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
