The outdoor market in front of the Markthal in Rotterdam
Guide Poland → The Netherlands · community · checked 1 Nov 2026

The Polish community in the Netherlands

How many Polish people live in the Netherlands, where Polish Mass and schools are, and how to keep a piece of home close.

Photo: Pexels
In numbers

How many Polish people live in the Netherlands?

According to figures from the Dutch statistics office CBS, 244,835 people in the Netherlands had a Polish migration background in 2026: 190,458 born abroad and 54,377 born in the Netherlands. Others also come for seasonal work, mainly in building and horticulture.

244,835with a Polish background (2026)
190,458born abroad
54,377born in the Netherlands
69,580in South Holland
58,379in North Brabant

CBS figures for 2026, via AlleCijfers. All figures include people with Polish roots born in the Netherlands.

Where people live

Where Polish people live in the Netherlands

Most Polish people live in South Holland and North Brabant, and in North Holland with Amsterdam.

ZH
South Holland69,580 people from Poland: The Hague, Rotterdam and around.
NB
North Brabant58,379 people from Poland: Eindhoven, Tilburg, Breda.
NH
North Holland34,000 people from Poland, Amsterdam included.
Community life

A piece of home, close by

Mass
Polish parishesThe first Polish-language parish in the Netherlands was created in The Hague on 1 January 1996. Polish pastoral care across the country is run by priests of the Society of Christ.
Sch
Polish schoolsTwo Polish schools are linked to the embassy, in The Hague and in Brunssum. Saturday schools of the Forum of Polish Schools in the Netherlands add to Dutch schooling.
PL
The embassy in The HaguePassports and official matters. You apply for a passport in person after booking on e-Konsulat; an adult passport costs 140 euros.
Shop
Polish shopsIn many towns, and Polish food in the big supermarket chains too.
Mass
Polish Mass in The HagueThe parish of St John Paul II has Mass every Sunday at 9:30 and 11:30 at Westeinde 12a, and Sunday Masses in Hillegom and Leiden too.
Mass
Polish Mass in AmsterdamThe Polish parish of the Holy Spirit has Sunday Mass at 12:00 at Pieter Calandlaan 196, and Polish Masses in Aalsmeer, Beverwijk, Westwoud and Almere.
1944
Breda: the Polish military cemetery153 Polish soldiers rest in the Polish Military Honorary Cemetery in Breda, and so does General Stanisław Maczek, who died in 1994 aged 102.
1944
Arnhem 1944The war cemetery in Oosterbeek, near Arnhem, holds 79 graves of Polish soldiers, most from the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade.
2007
Open labour market since 2007The Netherlands gave workers from Poland free access to its labour market in 2007.
TV
Polish TVThe channels from home, live in the Netherlands.Read the TV guide →
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Miss home?

The channels you grew up with, here

The news from home, your series, the big matches and the kids' cartoons in Polish. Live in the Netherlands, on your TV.

How to watch Polish TV in the Netherlands →
Advertisement: almost 400 Polish channels live with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Online

Where Polish people in the Netherlands meet online

Much of the community talks on Facebook: jobs, flats, advice and events, in Polish.

FB
Your town's groupSearch Facebook groups for “Polacy w Holandii” or “Polacy w Hadze”.
PL
The embassy's pageThe Polish embassy in The Hague.gov.pl →

Stay safe: groups are great for jobs and flats, but never send money or photos of your ID to someone you only know from a group.

Quick answers

Questions people ask

How many Polish people live in the Netherlands?

244,835 people had a Polish migration background in 2026 (CBS): 190,458 born abroad and 54,377 born in the Netherlands. Seasonal workers come on top: in 2014 CBS counted about 80,000.

Where do most Polish people in the Netherlands live?

In South Holland (The Hague, Rotterdam) and North Brabant.

Is there Mass in Polish in the Netherlands?

Yes. In The Hague the parish of St John Paul II has Mass every Sunday at 9:30 and 11:30 (Westeinde 12a); in Amsterdam the Holy Spirit parish at 12:00 (Pieter Calandlaan 196).

Are there Facebook groups for Polish people in the Netherlands?

Yes. Search Facebook groups for “Polacy w Holandii” or “Polacy w Hadze”.

Where do I get a Polish passport in the Netherlands?

At the embassy in The Hague or any other Polish consular office, in person, after booking on e-Konsulat. The fee is 140 euros, in cash or by card.

Can I get a Polish ID card at the embassy in the Netherlands?

No. Consulates do not issue Polish ID cards: you apply in Poland, at any municipal office (urząd gminy).

Are there Polish schools in the Netherlands?

Yes. The Polish school at the embassy in The Hague, at Colijnplein 9, teaches primary classes 1 to 8 and liceum classes 1 to 4.

Can I watch Polish TV in the Netherlands?

Yes. Our Polish TV in the Netherlands guide shows every option, from the free TVP Polonia channel to all-in-one subscriptions.

More for Polish people in the Netherlands

Guides for you

Polish TV in the NetherlandsEvery Polish channel, live, and how the official apps compare.The Polish community in the NetherlandsHow many, where people live, Polish Mass and schools, and where people meet online.Moving from Poland to the NetherlandsA plain checklist: before you go and your first weeks.
Sources