More Poles leaving Germany than immigrating for the first time in 25 years

In 2024, more Poles left Germany than entered for the first time in 25 years. Nearly 9,000 more Poles departed than arrived, resulting in a negative migration balance. This decline reflects broader trends across the region, with similar patterns seen in Romania and Bulgaria.

Andrzej Kubisiak from the Polish Economic Institute noted that the negative balance indicates a shift in factors driving migration. Kubisiak suggested that Germany's stagnant economy and recent crises made it less attractive. Meanwhile, working conditions and wages in Poland have improved significantly, closing the economic gap with Germany.

Many returnees are expected to invest in Poland, strengthening its economy.