Polish Prospects: Germans Embrace Warsaw's Growth

The sun sets over the historic streets of Warsaw, casting a warm orange glow that seems to reflect the optimism of its newest residents. Among them, Germans like Kevin Wörner, who moved from Berlin to Warsaw last year, are finding a new beginning. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, 4,941 people emigrated from Germany to Poland in 2025, the highest figure since the coronavirus pandemic, far surpassing moves to the United Kingdom, Italy, or Spain.

Kevin, whose mother is from Poland, speaks with enthusiasm. 'There is an incredible sense of a new beginning here. Everyone here is very optimistic.' He contrasts this with the constant negative narratives he hears from friends in Germany. 'It just gets you down,' he says.

For Christine Schmitt, another German in Warsaw, the appeal lies in the practical benefits. She praises Poland’s BLIK mobile payment system and mObywatel digital government app. 'Germany should take a cue from Poland and show a little more pragmatism,' she argues. She points out that in Poland, 'investment in infrastructure and its expansion, the level of digitalization is high, trains run on time, and railway stations are in excellent condition.'