Ukrainian refugees contributed $24 billion to Poland's GDP

The impact of Ukrainian refugees on Poland’s economy continues to grow. According to a new study by UNHCR and Deloitte, in 2025 their contribution to the country’s GDP amounted to about 2.4%, which is equivalent to approximately 94 billion zlotys or $24.1 billion.

Employment of Ukrainians

One of the key factors behind this contribution is employment. The share of employed Ukrainian refugees of working age rose to 76%, whereas in 2024 it stood at about 69%.

Thus, in just one year, the rate increased by approximately 7%. Ukrainians are increasingly transitioning from receiving social assistance to generating income through wages, paying taxes and social contributions, and their own consumption.

At the same time, the study found no convincing evidence of Ukrainians massively displacing Poles from jobs or reducing their earnings.

The impact of Ukrainian refugees on the Polish economy is manifested through:

• an increase in the labor supply;

• filling vacancies in sectors with labor shortages;

• entrepreneurial activity;

• specialization;

• additional domestic demand.

Consequently, the Polish economy gains not only more workers but also additional levels of production and consumption. 

Impact on GDP

At the same time, the estimated contribution of Ukrainian refugees to GDP has decreased slightly—from about 2.7% in 2024 to 2.4% in 2025. However, this does not indicate a weakening of integration. On the contrary, the employment rate continues to grow rapidly.

These changes reflect a gradual transition from the initial economic impact of mass migration to a more stable model, in which Ukrainians are already integrated into the Polish labor market and economy.

The updated study was released on October 1, 2026, according to Oleksandr Kostyuk, director of the Virtus International Center for Scientific Research. 
 

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