Poles Returning from Emigration

Poles often return from abroad for economic reasons. Most emigrants left our country due to high unemployment, low wages, and a high cost of living. Today, this situation has changed. GDP in Poland increased by over 300% between 1989 and 2024. The unemployment rate also decreased – from 9-10% in 2010 to 3.2% in 2026. Therefore, emigrants today no longer perceive as much difference in the standard of living in Poland and abroad as they did just a few years ago.

Economic reasons aren't the only factor influencing returns from emigration. Many Poles emphasize free healthcare, the high standard of education in Polish schools, and street safety. Furthermore, members of the Polish diaspora, even after many years, miss their homeland and plan to return – even if it means lower wages and adjustment difficulties.

In recent years, we've observed a very positive trend – more Poles are returning to the country than leaving. This applies not only to students and those leaving for several years, but also to those who have previously decided to live abroad permanently. How many Poles are returning from emigration? It's difficult to provide a specific number, as many people fail to comply with the registration requirements, which distorts the statistics. However, we can estimate that in 2024 alone, 19,500 people who had previously lived abroad registered for permanent residence. This is 30% more than in 2023.

For those planning to return from emigration, a return relief is available, allowing them to benefit from income tax exemption after transferring their place of residence to Poland. This relief is available only to individuals who changed their tax residence to Poland after December 31, 2021, and meet all the conditions specified in the Personal Income Tax Act. This primarily applies to individuals who:

• have not resided in Poland for the required period prior to their return;
• have Polish citizenship, a Pole's Card, or citizenship of an EU, EEA, or Swiss state; or meet the requirements for previous residence in certain countries;
• have a document confirming their place of residence for tax purposes;
• have not previously used this relief, even partially.

The relief covers selected income up to the limit specified in the regulations and can be used for four consecutive tax years – from the year of return to Poland or the following year. The relief applies to income earned under an employment contract, a contract of mandate, maternity benefits, and business activities taxed according to the tax scale, a flat-rate tax, a lump sum tax, or under the IP Box. It does not, however, apply to income earned under management contracts or similar agreements.

Many Poles planning to return from emigration wonder how their children will adapt to their new school. This is usually not a problem – even if the student doesn't speak Polish well. For such children, a preparatory class can be set up at the school, for those facing difficulties related to cultural differences or insufficient knowledge of the Polish language. These classes meet in groups of a maximum of 15 people. Classes can be combined – sometimes students from different grades and ages attend simultaneously. It's also worth considering that, due to the recent Russian aggression against Ukraine, many refugee children have found themselves in Polish schools. Schools therefore have developed procedures for managing classes where some students don't speak Polish.

What is the procedure like from the formal perspective? A child can start attending classes either in the new school year or join during the current one. To apply for admission, documents confirming that they have completed compulsory schooling abroad and a certified translation (made by a sworn translator) must be submitted. The principal of the facility will decide which class the child will be placed in, taking into account their age and the material covered at the foreign facility.

It's worth remembering that Poles returning from abroad aren't just young people who emigrated briefly to earn a living. This group also includes people who emigrated many years ago, and even descendants of wartime emigrants who have never seen their homeland. Poles often start families abroad, and their spouses express a desire to move to Poland despite not having a Polish passport. Many people living abroad also feel part of Polish society but lack documents certifying their Polish origin. How can citizenship be handled in such situations? There are several options, depending on the specific situation.

Confirming Polish citizenship – if your ancestors were Polish citizens, this is a good place to start: you may be entitled to citizenship by operation of law, even if you've never held a Polish ID. Simply submit an application to the voivode responsible for your place of residence or last residence in Poland, or through a consul.

Restoration of Polish citizenship – this is a special procedure for individuals who lost their Polish citizenship before January 1, 1999. This applies, among others, to individuals whose Polish citizenship was revoked for acting to the detriment of the Polish People's Republic. The application must be submitted to the Minister of Internal Affairs or through a consul.

Polish citizenship for foreigners – one can apply for the granting of Polish citizenship by the President of the Republic of Poland or for the granting of Polish citizenship. Both procedures require submitting an application and collecting numerous documents.

Poles' returns from abroad also require completing formalities. Polish citizens are required to register. Failure to comply with this requirement does not result in any penalties, but registration facilitates many procedures. Individuals who do not hold a Polish passport but hold EU citizenship are required to register at the Voivodeship Office. Failure to do so may result in a fine. If you are not a citizen of the Republic of Poland or any other EU country, legalizing a foreigner's stay depends on the specific case. Contact us and we will discuss the necessary steps. Comprehensive services for foreigners are our specialty.

Are Poles returning from emigration? Yes, Poles are returning from emigration is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon, and decisions to relocate to Poland stem from both the improved quality of life in Poland and changing conditions abroad. Increasingly, not only earnings are becoming important, but also access to public services, a sense of security, and the desire to re-establish roots in their homeland. While it's difficult to clearly determine how many Poles are returning from emigration, available data shows the growing scale of this trend. Returning from emigration, however, is associated not only with the emotional decision to return but also with the need to sort out tax, educational, citizenship, and residence issues. A well-planned return allows for a more peaceful and faster transition to Polish life. If necessary, the Office for Citizenship Affairs offers power of attorney to represent foreigners and individuals arriving in Poland after a long absence.