WARSAW—For years, Poland was a country that few immigrants considered as a destination. A nation shaped by its own history of emigration, it now finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a growing influx of newcomers seeking a future within its borders.
Yet, Poland’s immigration system remains unprepared, overwhelmed, and, in some cases, seemingly indifferent.
To understand the intricacies of this issue, I sat down with Maciej Bartnik, a Warsaw-based immigration attorney who has spent years navigating the country’s bureaucratic maze on behalf of foreign clients. His perspective sheds light on the contradictions within Poland’s approach to immigration—its aspirations to be an attractive destination versus the realities of an inefficient system.
A System Built for a Different Time
“I’m surprised that so many people want to come to Poland,” Bartnik admitted. “The immigration system we have now was designed when almost no one wanted to stay here. It was not built to handle the demand we are seeing today.”
Poland’s rapid economic growth and relative stability have made it an appealing choice, not just for its neighbors but for people from all over the world. However, as Bartnik points out, the system’s inefficiencies have resulted in chaos. Waiting times for residency permits can stretch from eight months to over two years. “There are cities where the backlog is so bad that even the most straightforward cases are delayed for years,” he said.
The sudden influx of immigrants, particularly following the war in Ukraine, has put unprecedented pressure on immigration offices. While Poland extended an open-door policy to Ukrainian refugees, other applicants have found themselves entangled in an opaque, sluggish process.
The Debate Over ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Immigrants
The discussion on immigration in Poland often falls into simplistic binaries: legal versus illegal, good versus bad, desirable versus undesirable. Bartnik believes this framing is flawed.
“When people say they are against immigration, I always ask them—what do you mean exactly?” he said. “Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting with friends, and one of them said, ‘I don’t like immigrants.’ But his girlfriend was French, we were in an Indian restaurant, and we had an Arab friend at the table. When I pointed it out, he said, ‘Oh no, that’s different.’ But it’s not different.”
This paradox is reflected in Poland’s official stance. The government frequently makes sweeping declarations about controlling immigration while quietly benefiting from the economic contributions of foreign workers. “Poland’s economy needs immigrants,” Bartnik asserted. “Our unemployment rate is low, our birthrate is declining, and yet, our policies do not reflect this reality.”
Bureaucratic Roadblocks and Political Agendas
Beyond inefficiencies, Poland’s immigration policies often seem arbitrary. Some nationalities face significantly higher hurdles than others when applying for visas or residence permits. “For certain countries, getting a Polish visa is nearly impossible,” Bartnik said. “Even booking an appointment at an embassy can be a challenge.”
These inconsistencies raise uncomfortable questions about discrimination within the system. While Bartnik does not believe outright racial or ethnic bias is the driving force, he acknowledges that the process is far from neutral. “In theory, all cases should be evaluated equally,” he explained. “In practice, the process is so convoluted and discretionary that outcomes can vary widely.”
He also noted that, at times, political motivations overshadow the actual needs of the country. “The government’s stance on immigration changes depending on public sentiment,” he said. “Politicians exploit people’s fears, painting immigrants as a threat rather than a necessary part of Poland’s future.”
The Emotional Toll on Immigrants
For those trying to build a life in Poland, these systemic failures have real consequences. As an immigrant myself, I shared with Bartnik the frustration of being categorized alongside illegal entrants or criminals simply for being foreign. “It’s hurtful,” I told him. “I pay taxes, contribute to society, yet I sometimes feel unwelcome.”
Bartnik was sympathetic but unsurprised. “Most of the people making these decisions about immigration have never actually spoken to an immigrant,” he said. “They deal with cases as paperwork, not as human lives.”
What Needs to Change?
When asked how Poland could improve its immigration system, Bartnik’s answer was clear: more funding, more personnel, and a smarter approach. “We spend a lot on national security, but immigration should also be a priority,” he said. “The more efficient the system, the better it will be for both immigrants and Polish society.”
Additionally, he emphasized the need for transparency. Many foreigners struggle simply because they do not fully understand Poland’s immigration rules. “If we want people to follow the rules, we need to make the rules clearer,” he said. “There’s too much confusion.”
Despite the obstacles, Bartnik remains optimistic. “Poland is changing,” he said. “It’s becoming a more attractive country. But we need to decide: do we want to embrace this new reality, or do we want to remain stuck in an outdated mindset?”
A Nation at a Crossroads
Poland’s immigration debate is far from settled. While some argue for tighter restrictions, others recognize that the country’s long-term economic and demographic future depends on a well-managed, fair system. The challenge now is whether Poland can move beyond outdated policies and embrace its new reality as a country where people do not just leave—but also arrive.
For those hoping to make Poland their home, patience and resilience remain the key survival skills. “Be prepared,” Bartnik advised. “Gather your documents, understand the process, and most importantly—be patient. Change takes time.”
But for a growing number of immigrants, time is precisely what they do not have.
