ABSTRACT
At the moment of Poland's accession to the European Union (EU) in 2004, Germany was by far the most popular destination for Polish migrants, with circular or incomplete migration being a characteristic phenomenon of the pre-accession period. In the first decade after accession, Germany lost the title to the UK, to regain it only after numbers in the UK dropped due to Brexit. Nevertheless, the number of Polish migrants in the country was continuously rising. The research material for this chapter – qualitative interviews with 18 individuals residing in Germany – demonstrates that while economic push and pull factors were important, the main factor influencing the choice of destination for migrants heading to Germany was geographic proximity. Some even forewent more favourable offers in other countries to remain close to Poland. Germany also attracted a significant number of Polish multiple migrants, who had previously lived in other destinations. Their arrival was influenced by economic conditions in the various destinations and, in some cases, was also related to life stage, particularly becoming parents – Germany was perceived as a destination offering stability and the proximity of grandparents.
