As Polskie Radio notes, these are people who do not come to earn more through physical labor than in Ukraine. Young, well-educated Ukrainians come, who are hired by international companies. The latter very often relocate entire departments from eastern Ukraine. Also, many Ukrainian newcomers start their own businesses here.
"People initially thought we moved because of the war in Ukraine, but we planned our move back in early 2013. Moreover, the main reason for moving was business. Euromaidan and other events were just a coincidence."
"I read statistics: 5,000 Ukrainians come to Wrocław every month. Recently, I submitted an application to the local Office for Foreigners to invite my father. I was served by a very nice and helpful woman. According to her, this year 70% more Ukrainians came to Wrocław than last year."
"It was my husband's idea to move to a better country to live, develop, and raise children in a better place. Poland is a country where you can quickly and inexpensively open your own company, it is close, so our relatives are also close. That's why we decided to move here."
"Our office is in Warsaw, but we work from home in Wrocław. These days, everything can be done via the Internet. We first came here in November 2013, we wanted to see the city. We were choosing between Warsaw, Krakow, and Wrocław. When we arrived, our friends told us about planned investments in this city, which became the European Capital of Culture in 2016. We were very interested – if the city is developing, if foreign investment is coming in, then you can count on something in terms of business."
"My grandfather Rafał was Polish, he was deported during Stalin's times. My father did not hide that his father was Polish. I have all the necessary documents, on the basis of which we decided to move. Grandfather, when he was still alive, really wanted someone from the family to return to Poland. Based on my documents, I applied for a residence permit. To do this, I had to pass an exam on the Polish language and history. I studied information about Polish kings, how the country developed, its outstanding personalities. Once I talked to my neighbor Tomek, he told me that even he doesn't remember all that."
"I heard a story about a girl who opened a coffee shop in Krakow. It took two days for everything. They looked at the premises and said she could start working from the next day. In Ukraine, unfortunately, it's not that simple. There, to get a permit, you need to spend a lot of effort, money, and time."
"I am an entrepreneur, I sell various handmade crafts online. There are several other projects that, one might say, are part of our family business."
"If a country is poor, people think that those who leave go to earn money through physical labor – cleaning, building. Poles think the same about Ukrainians. Germans, in turn, think that about Poles, and so on. But we didn't think about that when we moved. We haven't encountered such examples."
"In our circle, there are many entrepreneurs and programmers who, by the way, earn very well. Wives, in turn, take care of children, do handicrafts, something for themselves, attend various courses – for example, floristry or cosmetology. Again, for themselves, not to improve the family's financial situation."
"More and more people are coming here who invest in the local economy. Sometimes friends call me and say: 'I sold an apartment in Kyiv, maybe you can advise where I can invest.' I, in turn, invite them to real estate exhibitions that take place in Wrocław four times a year. More and more Ukrainians are coming here with money."
"When you live in a foreign country, of course, you want to have a close soul nearby, someone who can help or advise if needed. As it was in the beginning, for example, when we were looking for a dentist. Now we know who is the best. Many specialists have come from Ukraine. So we can go to our hairdresser, auto mechanic, lawyer, or accountant."