Immigration to the Netherlands Drops Again in 2025
For the third year in a row, the Netherlands has recorded a decrease in the number of people moving to the country. In 2025, the total number of arrivals stood at 309,000, which is 8,000 fewer than the previous year. These figures come from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the country's national statistical office.
Key Migration Trends
Notably, the number of asylum seekers dropped significantly, reaching nearly 35,000 in 2025—a decline of more than 4,000 compared to 2024. Asylum seekers accounted for about 11% of all immigrants to the Netherlands that year. Additionally, the inflow of highly skilled migrants from outside the EU fell to 14,000 specialists, down from roughly 26,000 in 2022.
The sharpest declines were observed among professionals from:
- India
- Turkey
- Russia
- China
- South Africa
Overall, half of all immigrants in 2025 came from countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area. 37% arrived from EU member states, while 14% were Dutch nationals—mostly people returning after living abroad.
Immigration to the Netherlands peaked in 2022, coinciding with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With the current downward trend, experts suggest this could have implications for the labor market and the country's social services.
The decline in immigration to the Netherlands may reflect shifts in national migration policy, as well as potential economic and social consequences.
Fewer asylum seekers and highly educated professionals could affect sectors dependent on foreign labor and strain social welfare systems. This may prompt the government to reassess its strategies for immigration and the integration of newcomers into society.
The recent decline in immigration to the Netherlands mirrors a broader trend observed across Europe, where refugee inflows have sharply decreased after years of growth. This shift raises important questions about the future of migration policies and the potential impact on labor markets and social services in the region.