Vietnamese in Poland – what does their community look like?

The Vietnamese in Poland are a large group that has become an almost permanent part of our society. Among them are the descendants of students who came to Europe in the 1950s and stayed on to raise families. A new generation of immigrants, for whom Poland is a good place to work or study, can also be spotted on the streets. There are also many political refugees. What is the Vietnamese community like in Poland? How do the Vietnamese live, where do they work, and how do they integrate into Polish society? You'll find the answers in the post below.

Contents:

Vietnamese in Poland – a history of migration
Vietnamese in Warsaw and other cities
The Vietnamese community in Poland – culture and everyday life
Status of Vietnamese in Poland

Vietnamese in Poland – a history of migration

Vietnamese people arrived in Poland at the very beginning of international relations between the two countries in 1950. The first immigrants were students. Vietnam supported university exchanges, which were intended to result in the acquisition of highly qualified specialists who would become a driving force for the country's reconstruction. Many young people did indeed return to their homeland, but some remained in Poland, considering it their new home.

The largest wave of migration occurred during the Vietnam War, when communist bloc countries actively engaged in aid efforts. These were primarily young Vietnamese intelligentsia who had the opportunity to complete their studies in Poland. Large numbers of immigrants also arrived in the 1980s and 1990s, and even today, Poland remains an attractive destination for immigrants from Asia. Currently, Poland is the third largest center of Vietnamese immigration in Europe (after Germany and France).

Vietnamese in Warsaw and other cities

Vietnamese people in Poland constitute the fourth largest immigrant group in Poland . They typically congregate in large cities such as Warsaw, Szczecin, Łódź, Poznań, Kraków, and Katowice, where they form a strongly integrated but open community. The largest number of Vietnamese live in Warsaw – as many as 1,708 people, according to data from the Public Information Bulletin of the Capital City of Warsaw from 2019 (making them the second largest national minority after Ukrainians). Vietnamese people in Warsaw most often choose districts such as Ochota, Włochy, Wola, and Mokotów.

The Vietnamese community in Poland – culture and everyday life

Vietnamese people in Poland rarely experience racism, which usually takes the form of verbal abuse. They are perceived by the general public as friendly and peaceful. This is undoubtedly due to police statistics – crime rates among this immigrant group are exceptionally low. Those who have lived in Poland for a long time are often well integrated into the local community and speak Polish fluently. Despite this, they readily maintain contact with their compatriots.

Opposition organizations also operate in Poland , condemning the communist regime in Vietnam. Several Vietnamese newspapers are also published here.

According to data from the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, 42.90% of Vietnamese in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship are employed in services and trade . Vietnamese fast-food restaurants and massage parlors are particularly popular in Warsaw, reinforcing the positive reputation of Asian immigrants as entrepreneurs. 33.75% of Vietnamese are industrial workers and craftsmen. This group also includes scientists, highly skilled specialists, and IT specialists.

Status of Vietnamese in Poland

According to the Office for Repatriation and Foreigners, the Vietnamese minority in Poland numbers over 40,000. However, it's difficult to precisely estimate their number, as many Vietnamese reside in Poland illegally. There are many reasons for this. Often, immigrants—especially those who have recently arrived in Europe—are unaware of their rights and do not receive sufficient legal support. The language barrier also plays a significant role.

The Citizenship Office is open to all foreigners interested in legalizing their stay and work in Poland. We will clarify any uncertainties, advise on how to submit applications, and help gather all the necessary documents. We will also, if necessary, assist in appealing a negative decision. Vietnamese citizens who do not speak Polish fluently can count on a power of attorney to represent the foreigner, which our office provides.

Summary

The Vietnamese community in Poland is one of the largest immigrant groups successfully integrating into Polish society. The origins of this migration date back to the 1950s, when Vietnamese arrived primarily as students and later settled permanently. In recent decades, the number of Vietnamese in Poland has grown, and our country has become one of the three main centers of Vietnamese immigration in Europe. Today, Vietnamese in Warsaw and other major cities form strong and integrated communities and maintain ties with their compatriots.

All Vietnamese seeking to legalize their stay and work can contact our law firm – comprehensive services for foreigners are our specialty. We not only advise but also actively represent the interests of foreigners . We also help foreigners obtain Polish citizenship and provide support in obtaining residence permits and other documents entitling them to legal residence in Poland.