Foreign-born population – 2025 | 16.5% of the population | Main countries of birth: Türkiye (8%), Poland (6%), Suriname (6%) |
Size: 3 million, 51% women | Evolution since 2015: +52% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, the Netherlands received 171 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑6.2% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 47% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 12% labour migrants, 25% family members (including accompanying family) and 15% humanitarian migrants. Around 21 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 2 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 254 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 31% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Syria and Poland were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Syria registered the strongest increase (6 200) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑8 300) in flows to the Netherlands compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑25%, to reach around 24 000. The majority of applicants came from Syria (3 300), Eritrea (3 100) and Türkiye (1 500). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Eritrea (1 700) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑8 200). Of the 16 000 decisions taken in 2025, 48% were positive.
Emigration of Dutch citizens to OECD countries increased by 5% in 2024, to 45 000. Approximately 23% of this group migrated to Spain, 17% to Belgium and 13% to Germany.
In July 2025, an interministerial policy study on how to manage labour migration was published. Among other recommendations, the study suggests making better use of the labour potential in the Netherlands, such as migrants already in the country and innovation. The study also formulated recommendations on the integration of labour migrants.
In November 2025, the Senate approved the Labour Provision Accreditation Act (Wtta), introducing a mandatory certification system for temporary employment agencies, including financial guarantees and compliance requirements, with entry into force scheduled for 1 January 2027.
An issue regarding the position of EU self-employed workers in the Netherlands is the problem of false self-employment. A bill introducing a presumption of an employment relationship to improve the legal position for workers who receive less than a certain amount of remuneration per hour was adopted by parliament. It is scheduled to take effect on 1 December 2026.
The Netherlands also prepared for the transposition of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, due to apply from June 2026. Draft national legislation was debated during 2025-2026, with some proposals adopted and others rejected by the Senate, notably measures to criminalise irregular stay, which did not pass at national level.
The House of Representatives passed the Two-Status System Act (Wet invoering tweestatusstelsel) which introduces a distinction between refugees with “A status” and those granted subsidiary protection “B status”. Permit holders with B status will face stricter requirements for family reunification.
Dutch authorities increased the use of accelerated procedures for asylum applications, expanded the capacity of (migrant) detention and strengthened enforcement of return decisions. Reception capacity remained under pressure, prompting the government to scale back and reorganise accommodation facilities. In parallel, investments continued in agreements with third countries aimed at preventing irregular migration and facilitating returns.
Temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees was extended following a decision at the EU level, until 4 March 2027, ensuring continued access to residence, accommodation, healthcare, education and the labour market.
After March 2027 the temporary directive will be extended until 2028, with a restriction in scope.
At the same time, the government progressively adjusted social assistance rules, reducing allowances for beneficiaries with sufficient income and increasing contributions towards accommodation costs. In parallel, authorities are working on a long-term transition framework to prepare for the post-2028 period to further promote the self-reliance and participation of displaced persons from Ukraine who have not yet returned.
Integration policy focussed on employment and Dutch language proficiency. Measures under the national Action Agenda for Integration and an Open and Free Society aimed to strengthen the open and free society, ensure that newcomers participate as soon as possible, and foster social cohesion. The 2025 decisions by the European Court of Justice and the Dutch Council of State stipulate that there can be no fines imposed to those falling under obligatory civic integration policy.
For further information: www.government.nl
