Wroclaw – A city of contrasts that attracts Ukrainians

Wroclaw is likely one of Poland’s most appealing cities for migrants, writes Oleksandr MARTYNIUK

.The majority of Ukrainians find the unique ambience of the capital of Lower Silesia fascinating, as it blends thousands of years of history with modern life. Its cultural identity has been moulded by Polish, Czech and German influences as it has been under the control of different nations throughout the centuries.

A big city means more opportunities (Wroclaw is the third largest city in Poland). Ukrainians living here have already taken a liking to it. It has everything you need for a comfortable life: a well-developed infrastructure, jobs, educational institutions and entertainment. There are also plenty of recreational spots and attractions for families and kids.

History has made Wroclaw a multinational city, with Ukrainians making up its largest foreign community. The number of Ukrainians living here was estimated to be between 80,000 and 100,000 before the full-scale invasion. Following the events of 24 February 2022, their numbers increased to 200,000-250,000. It is quite easy to adapt in a city where 20-25 per cent of the population are your fellow kin, and the inhabitants are hospitable and friendly. After the Russian attack, they actively helped the refugees, and their support continues to this day. Poles and Ukrainians stand side by side, marching on the streets to protest against Russian aggression and express their solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The latest demonstration was sparked by the shelling of the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv – Polish citizens organised the action to express their outrage at the ongoing violation of international law and the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

Another reason why migrants often choose Wroclaw is its geographical location. The German and Czech borders are only a few hours’ drive away. This proximity is one of the reasons for the region’s rapid development, which, in turn, generates numerous employment opportunities. Over the past decade, lots of industrial facilities have been built around the city, creating tens of thousands of jobs. In general, Ukrainians say they have no difficulty finding work in Wroclaw. There is a large number of industrial enterprises here (not only local but also foreign), and the service sector is well-developed. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the number of Ukrainian companies in the city has soared, increasing the chances of finding yourself working with a team of compatriots.

The average salary in Wroclaw is between PLN 5,500 and 6,000, which makes it one of the highest pay in the country. Ukrainians work mostly in warehouses, factories, construction, shops, services and logistics. Ukrainian women also excel in beauty-related work. Anyone who has the motivation can find employment here.

A large city makes it easier to find accommodation, too. While rents in Wroclaw are not cheap, they are affordable. Plus, it is worth noting that locals have no trouble renting flats to Ukrainians. Studio apartments are priced from PLN 2,000, excluding utilities, and rooms can be rented for PLN 1,400-1,500 per month. The city’s transport network is quite convenient. Buses and trams provide public transport, and you can easily travel to any part of Wroclaw during the day or at night.

Wroclaw is also a major railway hub. The main railway station offers connections to numerous cities in Poland and across Europe. Just 10 kilometres from the city centre there is Nicolaus Copernicus International Airport, where major European budget airlines are based. This makes travelling from Wroclaw very convenient and often cheap.

The city holds many centres of the Ukrainian diaspora, including the Centre of Ukrainian Culture, Switłycia, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. These sites allow Ukrainians not only to obtain useful information but also to communicate with their compatriots. Given the sizeable Ukrainian population in the city, various events are frequently arranged specifically for them, including themed parties and performances by Ukrainian artists. There is no room for boredom. You can stay up to date by joining the social media group dedicated to Ukrainians living in Wroclaw.

Ukrainian citizens have access to assistance from the Consulate General of Ukraine directly in the city. This is an advantage for long-term stays in Poland, as consular matters can be resolved more quickly than if you had to travel to another city. Much has changed in Wroclaw and the region since this diplomatic post was established. The number of different activities of the Ukrainian community in the city has increased many times over. Active citizens have started to create a ‘Ukrainian ecosystem’. The presence of the consulate plays a significant role in this. So does, of course, the new wave of migrants from Ukraine that arrived when the full invasion began.

Many Ukrainian families choose Wroclaw because of its accessible education. Ukrainian children can easily enrol in Polish educational institutions. For those wishing to study in their mother tongue under the programme of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, the city has two Ukrainian schools that offer full-time education for grades 1 to 11. Parents can choose a preferred facility.

It goes without saying that Ukrainians residing in Wroclaw not only work but also enjoy their leisure time. And there are absolutely no problems with this either. This diverse city has something for everyone. When it comes to walking, the old town in the central part of the city is probably the most popular choice. Wandering through these historic streets feels like stepping into a whole other world. The walk along the embankment is no less spectacular. You can even take guided tours in Ukrainian to learn about the history of almost every building in the city centre.

.Lower Silesia is more than just an industrial region – it is also rich in picturesque places. Just a short drive from Wroclaw, you’ll find endless forests and pristine lakes. Within a few hours, you can reach the Jizera Mountains or Giant Mountains (Karkonosze) and climb up the highest peak in the region, Śnieżka. Each excursion outside Wroclaw is unique and brings a sense of novelty. Wroclaw is a really comfortable city to live in. Almost a quarter of a million Ukrainians have personally experienced this.

Oleksandr Martyniuk