Foreign specialists in Poland: the sectors driving the country’s new wave of international talent

In which industries do foreigners work in Poland?

Poland’s labour market has become increasingly international, with over 1,045,000 foreign nationals employed as of January 2025 – a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year.

According to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), foreigners now represent around 6.4% of the entire workforce, coming from more than 150 different countries. The largest group continues to be Ukrainians, accounting for 67% of all foreign workers (around 701,800 people), followed by citizens of Belarus (10.9%), Georgia (2.2%), India (2%), Colombia (1.5%), and the Philippines (1.4%). This growing diversity reflects both Poland’s economic expansion and its increasing appeal as a destination for those seeking stability and career opportunities within the EU.

Foreigners in Poland find employment across a wide range of sectors, including construction, production, logistics, hospitality, agriculture, and care services. The largest share still belongs to physical and manual work, where there is constant demand for staff, simple recruitment procedures, and minimal language barriers.

However, the structure of foreign employment is gradually shifting. More migrants are entering healthcare, customer service, and IT, while seasonal work in agriculture remains an important entry point for newcomers. As companies face ongoing labour shortages, particularly in blue-collar roles, foreign employees have become an essential part of maintaining Poland’s economic momentum – and their contribution continues to grow every year.

Not just seasonal and physical jobs: How specialists from abroad work in Poland

While many foreign workers in Poland are employed in sectors such as logistics, agriculture or construction, the country is increasingly attracting highly qualified specialists who occupy roles far beyond manual labour.

A prime example is the SyVento BioTech facility near Kraków, part of the business portfolio of Michał Sołowow, Poland’s richest entrepreneur. The company focuses on developing next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapies, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and cleanroom infrastructure that meets the highest international standards. As reported by money.pl, SyVento employs more than 100 international experts from countries such as the USA, Japan, Spain, New Zealand, and Ukraine. Many of them bring experience from leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions abroad.

Beyond biotech, the rise of sectors including IT, engineering, and business services is also driving demand for foreign specialists. Global corporations operating in cities like Warsaw, Wrocław, Kraków, and Gdańsk regularly recruit professionals from abroad for roles in:

• software development,
• cybersecurity,
• finance,
• data analysis.

In these industries, fluency in English and technical expertise often outweigh a full command of Polish. For many skilled foreigners, Poland is no longer just a place to work temporarily – it is a destination offering stable employment, modern working conditions, and a path toward long-term career growth in the heart of Europe.

The prospects for foreigners working in Poland

Opportunities for foreigners seeking work in Poland continue to look bright and full of potential, with the number of legally employed non-Polish workers steadily increasing year after year. According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), over 1 million foreigners are currently active in the Polish workforce, and this figure is expected to keep growing as the economy expands. Labour shortages in key sectors (including construction, logistics, healthcare, and technology) mean that companies are becoming more open to hiring specialists from abroad.

Furthermore, as Poland continues to attract foreign investment and international corporations, there is a rising demand for professionals with language skills and global experience. This shift is particularly visible in modern business services, IT, and engineering, where foreign employees are valued for their ability to navigate multicultural environments and contribute international perspectives.

At the same time, structural changes in the economy suggest that foreign workers will play an even more significant role in the coming years. The green transformation, expansion of the renewable energy sector, and rapid development of digital industries will create new opportunities for qualified specialists – from software developers and engineers to technicians and analysts.

The Polish government and EU-funded initiatives are also focusing on improving integration tools, such as:

• simplified residence procedures,
• language training,
• professional certification programs for newcomers.

Result? Poland is not only becoming a place where foreigners come to earn money, but also a country where they can build stable, long-term careers, develop professionally, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic and social growth.

The role of the EU Blue Card in attracting foreign talent

An important factor shaping Poland’s attractiveness to skilled professionals from abroad is the EU Blue Card program – a residence and work permit designed for highly qualified non-EU specialists.

The initiative makes it easier for experts in fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance to live and work in Poland under transparent and stable legal conditions. To qualify, applicants must hold a university degree or equivalent qualifications and have an employment contract offering a salary at least 50% higher than the national average. Once granted, the Blue Card allows its holder not only to work in Poland but also to move freely within other EU member states after a certain period, making it one of the most attractive pathways for international professionals seeking long-term opportunities in Europe.

In recent years, the Polish government has streamlined Blue Card procedures, responding to the growing demand for specialists in:

• digital transformation,
• renewable energy,
• advanced manufacturing.

This policy shift positions Poland as a serious competitor for global talent within the EU labour market. For many non-European experts, the Blue Card represents a gateway to both professional stability and personal development – offering access to social benefits, family reunification rights, and simplified renewal processes. As the Polish economy continues to evolve toward innovation-driven industries, programs like the EU Blue Card are expected to play a key role in bridging the skills gap and strengthening the country’s international competitiveness.

Key takeaways

• Over one million foreigners are now legally employed in Poland, representing around 6.4% of the total workforce, with Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Georgians forming the largest groups.
• Poland is increasingly seen as a destination for qualified professionals, not only for temporary or seasonal labour. The example of SyVento BioTech near Kraków, which employs international experts to develop mRNA-based vaccines and therapies, illustrates this shift.
• The Polish labour market continues to struggle with workforce shortages, particularly in technical and healthcare sectors, creating opportunities for skilled migrants to build long-term careers.
• As the country moves toward green energy, digitalization, and innovation, demand for foreign engineers, analysts, and IT specialists is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.
• Integration support, including language training, simplified residence procedures, and multicultural HR practices, will be key to ensuring that foreign workers can thrive and contribute effectively to Poland’s economic development.