Polish immigrants in Denmark: from “beetroot girls” to skilled expats

This working paper offers a rare, long-term perspective on Polish migration to Denmark, combining historical analysis with new empirical insights from the PREMIUM_EU project. It traces how a fragmented and often overlooked diaspora has evolved into Denmark’s largest immigrant group, while raising important questions about labour markets, integration, and regional development.

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Why this matters

The study fills a notable gap in migration research. Despite the size and economic relevance of Polish migrants in Denmark, the topic has received limited sustained attention, particularly in recent decades. By linking historical migration patterns with contemporary labour mobility and fieldwork data, the paper provides a more complete understanding of how migration systems evolve over time and how they shape local economies and communities. It is particularly relevant for policymakers working on labour shortages, integration, and regional revitalisation.

 

Key findings

1. Polish migration to Denmark dates back to the late 19th century and has developed in distinct waves with limited continuity between them


2. Poles are now the largest immigrant group in Denmark, with a significant increase following EU accession and recent labour demand


3. Migration is strongly linked to the construction sector and large infrastructure projects


4. Many Polish workers engage in circular migration, limiting long-term settlement and integration


5. Working conditions can be demanding, with evidence of segmentation and exposure to exploitation in parts of the labour market


6. Language barriers and low unionisation rates contribute to weak integration and limited social interaction with Danish society


7. At the same time, new opportunities for regional development are emerging, particularly in depopulating areas linked to major projects

 

Main takeaway

Migration is not a static or uniform process. In the Danish case, Polish mobility is shaped by a combination of historical legacies, labour market structures, and policy conditions, resulting in a form of mobility that supports economic growth but does not automatically translate into long-term integration. This creates both opportunities and constraints for regions seeking to use migration as a development strategy.