The Escape of Poles from Norway Is a Myth? The Number of Poles by the Fjords Is Growing
Poles and Ukrainians are among the largest groups of migrants in Norway, according to the latest research by the Central Statistical Bureau (SSB). Both nationalities are at the forefront in the overall analysis and in migration statistics for 2024.
Norway's migration balance is clearly positive, though not as high as in previous years.
Fot. Øystein Løwer/Avinor (zdjęcie poglądowe)
For years, Poles have ranked at the top of Norway's migration statistics. In 2024, 4,071 Poles arrived in the land of the fjords, while 2,467 decided to leave. This results in a net migration of 1,604 people. Last year, this was the third highest figure among all nationalities.
The highest positive migration balance was recorded for Ukrainians (14,802). A total of 20,289 Ukrainians chose to come to Norway, while 5,487 left the country. Syrians took second place (net migration 2,399). Only 91 Syrians left Norway, while 2,490 arrived.
The highest positive migration balance was recorded for Ukrainians (14,802). A total of 20,289 Ukrainians chose to come to Norway, while 5,487 left the country. Syrians took second place (net migration 2,399). Only 91 Syrians left Norway, while 2,490 arrived.
Poles have surpassed, among others, Swedes, Romanians, as well as newcomers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license
Poles Still the Largest Minority in Norway
According to data published in March 2025, Poles remain the largest immigrant minority in the land of the fjords:
1. Poles – 111,376
2. Ukrainians – 79,624
3. Lithuanians – 43,077
4. Syrians – 40,774
5. Swedes – 37,213
6. Somalis – 27,658
7. Germans – 27,379
8. Eritreans – 25,523
9. Filipinos – 25,319
10. Pakistanis – 24,244.
At the end of Q4 2024, Norway's population was 5,594,340. The share of immigrants in the population was 17.3 percent. This means that 967,820 people had citizenship other than Norwegian.
1. Poles – 111,376
2. Ukrainians – 79,624
3. Lithuanians – 43,077
4. Syrians – 40,774
5. Swedes – 37,213
6. Somalis – 27,658
7. Germans – 27,379
8. Eritreans – 25,523
9. Filipinos – 25,319
10. Pakistanis – 24,244.
At the end of Q4 2024, Norway's population was 5,594,340. The share of immigrants in the population was 17.3 percent. This means that 967,820 people had citizenship other than Norwegian.
The data indicates that migration to Norway will continue its upward trend, and the integration of immigrants will become an important challenge for Norwegian society. Both migration policy and initiatives supporting the adaptation of newcomers will be crucial.
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