Netherlands: immigration

How many immigrants come to the Netherlands each year?

A total of 309 thousand migrants arrived in the Netherlands in 2025, 8 thousand fewer than in 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Immigration from other EU countries and from outside the EU both fell, while the number of Dutch nationals returning stayed the same. Asylum migrants and highly skilled migrants from outside the EU fell in particular. Almost half came from outside the EU and EFTA, and nearly 37% from within the EU.

CBS counts people who register with a Dutch municipality and expect to stay at least four months. Over the past 27 years, an average of 9% of immigrants a year were asylum migrants.

Official sources: CBS: Immigration down in 2025, especially asylum and knowledge migrants

How many asylum applications does the Netherlands receive?

The Netherlands received 24.1 thousand first-time asylum applications in 2025, 8 thousand fewer than in 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS) based on IND data. A further 16.5 thousand family members followed, the most since 2013. In the first quarter of 2026, nearly 6 thousand people made a first application, 33% more than a year earlier, with people of unknown origin the largest group.

Since the EU Migration Pact took effect on 12 June 2026, the IND publishes monthly figures under the new procedures, which are not fully comparable with earlier series.

Official sources: CBS: Fewer asylum requests and more following family members in 2025 · CBS: 33 percent more asylum requests in Q1 of 2026 · IND: Monthly asylum figures following the Migration Pact

How fast is the Dutch population growing?

The population of the Netherlands grew by just over 23 thousand in the first half of 2026, compared with nearly 37 thousand in the first half of 2025, according to provisional figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). At the end of June the population was 18.15 million. CBS says fewer asylum seekers registered with municipalities in particular.

More people died than were born, so all of the growth came from migration. Population growth has been slowing since 2022. CBS publishes monthly population figures on StatLine and a full annual breakdown early in the following year.

Official sources: CBS: Population growth slowed in the first half of 2026

What salary does a highly skilled migrant need in the Netherlands?

For 2026, a highly skilled migrant aged 30 or over must earn at least €5,942 gross a month, according to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The threshold is €4,357 for migrants under 30, and a reduced criterion of €3,122 applies to some recent graduates. The EU Blue Card threshold is also €5,942.

The amounts change every 1 January, and the threshold that applies is the one in force on the date of the application. Employers must be recognised sponsors with the IND. CBS reports that the number of highly skilled migrants from outside the EU fell in 2025.

Official sources: IND: Required amounts income requirements

How many Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands work?

On 1 May 2025, 61% of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands were in paid employment, up from 57% a year earlier, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). CBS corrected the percentages in this release on 26 September 2025.

Ukrainians who came after the Russian invasion in February 2022 fall under the EU's temporary protection rules and do not need a work permit, which CBS says puts them in an exceptional position compared with other migrants from outside the EU. CBS publishes separate research on the labour market position of asylum migrants, who face more restrictions.

Official sources: CBS: Around 6 in 10 Ukrainian refugees are in paid employment

What share of the Netherlands' population are immigrants?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in the Netherlands at 16.2% in 2024. It was 11.8% in 2015. Europe & Central Asia median: 11.7%; the Netherlands is 16th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 38th highest.

Are more people leaving the Netherlands than arriving?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in the Netherlands was 104,681 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -25,401 (2006) to 224,472 (2022). Europe & Central Asia median: 158; the Netherlands is 3rd highest of 52. Worldwide: 16th of 193.

How many refugees live in the Netherlands?

283,935: that is the number of refugees in the country in the Netherlands for 2025, according to UNHCR. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 62,365; the Netherlands is 9th highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 29th of 169.

How many refugees have fled the Netherlands?

159: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in the Netherlands for 2025, according to UNHCR. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 533, and the Netherlands placed 32nd highest of 49. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 140th highest.

How big are remittances in the Netherlands' economy?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 0.4% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 0.4% of GDP; its low point was 2008, at 0.2% of GDP. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.4% of GDP, and the Netherlands placed 36th highest of 47. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 97th highest.