1,820 new labour immigrants from Poland in 2025. Inflow to Norway has slowed
Comparison of first-time labour immigration by Poles: approximately 11,300 in 2007 and 1,820 in 2025
MojaNorwegia.pl / dane SSB
In 2025, Statistics Norway (SSB) recorded 1,820 first-time immigrations of Polish citizens for work-related reasons. Poles remained the largest group of new labour immigrants from outside the Nordic countries. However, the scale of the inflow is much smaller than during the years of the emigration boom.
Lowest inflow in two decades
The report published in June and revised in August 2026 shows a broader change. In total, around 10,500 new labour immigrants from countries outside the Nordic region were recorded. There has not been such a low figure since 2005.
For Polish citizens, the difference is best illustrated by three figures:
Sources: SSB, data for 2025, SSB, historical analysis.
For Polish citizens, the difference is best illustrated by three figures:
- 2007: approximately 11,300 first-time immigrations for work-related reasons.
- 2011: approximately 9,100.
- 2025: 1,820.
Sources: SSB, data for 2025, SSB, historical analysis.
More than 111,000 residents from Poland
Poles remain the largest group of immigrants in Norway. As of 1 January 2026, SSB reported:
In 2025, the group of immigrants from Poland increased by approximately 360 people. According to SSB, a smaller increase was last recorded in 2003. This is still growth, although much slower than in the past.
Sources: SSB, population data, SSB, growth rate.
- 111,740 immigrants from Poland;
- 18,032 people born in Norway to immigrant parents from Poland, counted in a separate category.
In 2025, the group of immigrants from Poland increased by approximately 360 people. According to SSB, a smaller increase was last recorded in 2003. This is still growth, although much slower than in the past.
Sources: SSB, population data, SSB, growth rate.
Does this mean mass returns?
These data do not show how many Poles returned to Poland. The inflow of new residents and departures from Norway are different measures. A person leaving Norway may also move to another country.
Describing the scale of returns would require separate data on the destinations of those leaving. Inflow statistics also do not explain individual decisions to stay or leave.
The cost of living, career prospects and family circumstances are matters to discuss with specific individuals. They are not conclusions that can be drawn from the number of arrivals alone.
Describing the scale of returns would require separate data on the destinations of those leaving. Inflow statistics also do not explain individual decisions to stay or leave.
The cost of living, career prospects and family circumstances are matters to discuss with specific individuals. They are not conclusions that can be drawn from the number of arrivals alone.
What about rotational workers?
The figure of 1,820 does not include all Poles taking up work in Norway. It refers to first-time immigration for work-related reasons.
Rotational workers who are formally resident abroad constitute a separate group. This is an important distinction for people commuting for contract work.
Source: SSB, scope of labour immigration data.
And what does it look like in your circle: are more people planning to come, stay permanently, or considering returning to Poland?
Rotational workers who are formally resident abroad constitute a separate group. This is an important distinction for people commuting for contract work.
Source: SSB, scope of labour immigration data.
And what does it look like in your circle: are more people planning to come, stay permanently, or considering returning to Poland?
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