Ukrainian refugees in Poland have brought significant dividends to the Polish economy over the past three years. In 2024, their contribution to the country’s gross domestic product was almost PLN 100 billion, or 2.7% of GDP.
This is according to a study by Deloitte commissioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The authors of the analytics assessed the financial and social impact of Ukrainians staying in Poland in 2022-2025, including the impact on the labour market, employment and public spending.
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According to the results, in 2023, the contribution of Ukrainians to Poland’s GDP reached 1.37%, and the following year – 2.7%, which equates to almost PLN 100 billion or USD 25 billion. In total, over the period from 2022 to 2025, Ukrainians helped generate about PLN 328.6 billion in GDP.
The positive impact on the Polish labour market is also highlighted. According to the study, 69% of Ukrainians of working age already have a job, which is only slightly lower than the employment rate among Poles (75%). At the same time, the entry of Ukrainians into the market did not cause an increase in unemployment or pressure on wages. On the contrary, it has stimulated productivity and supported domestic employment.
Despite the positive trends, many Ukrainians are forced to work outside their speciality. Only a third of specialists with higher education have jobs that match their qualifications. The main reasons for this gap remain bureaucratic and legal barriers, such as the requirement of Polish citizenship to work in regulated professions.
Deloitte analysts predict that by 2030, the contribution of Ukrainians may increase to 3.2% of Poland’s GDP. This will be possible due to the acquisition of new skills, adaptation to the local market, and balanced development of the labour market.
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