Emigration from the Netherlands
In 2025 the Dutch population grew to about 18.13 million – entirely because of migration.
More people of Dutch origin left the country than came back. Source: CBS (Statistics Netherlands).
Where Dutch-born emigrants go
Belgium and Spain top the list – one is close, cheaper to live in; the other offers the sun.
Share of all Dutch-born emigrants. Source: CBS, dashboard population.
Back to their parents’ country
Nearly 40% of Dutch-born people with foreign-born parents who emigrate, move to their parents’ country.
Share moving to the parents’ country of origin (2024). Many Polish-origin emigrants are children moving with their parents; 33% of Moroccan-origin emigrants moved to Belgium. Source: CBS.
The main reasons to emigrate
Housing shortage
44% of first-time buyers seriously considered emigrating because of the housing market – 49% among people in their thirties.
Cost of living
Cheaper homes and daily costs just across the border, in Belgium and Germany.
Work and career
A job, a transfer or a business opportunity abroad.
Love and family
Following a partner, or moving closer to family.
Back to their roots
Migrants and their children returning to the country of origin.
Sun and retirement
Spain and Portugal attract pensioners and people working remotely.
Study
Students and graduates who continue their studies or career elsewhere.
Moving on
Knowledge migrants and labour migrants who move on to their next country.
Housing figures: Viisi Startersbarometer, July 2025.
Leaving is easy – coming back is not always
Your permit
A long stay abroad can cost your residence permit. Check the limit first.
Your nationality
Two nationalities? Renew your Dutch passport on time.
Your way back
Arrange your return – a return visa, the option procedure or the EU route.
Questions about emigration
How many people leave the Netherlands each year?
In 2025, 214,821 people emigrated – compared with 208,537 in 2024 (CBS).
Do more Dutch people leave than come back?
Yes. In 2025 net migration of people of Dutch origin was −15,300.
Where do Dutch people emigrate to?
Most often to Belgium and Spain (13.8% each), followed by Germany (9.2%).
Why do people leave?
Housing, cost of living, work, family and a return to the country of origin are the main reasons.
Staying, coming back or moving on
Permanent residence
Five years in? A permanent permit or EU long-term resident status travels better.
eu-permanent.nl Open website CitizenshipDutch citizenship
Naturalisation or the option procedure – and keeping your Dutch passport.
dutch-citizenship.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
Coming back with a partner from abroad? The partner route explained.
partner-visa.nl Open website EU lawThe EU route
Lived with your family in another EU country? EU law may bring you back together.
yari-immigration.nl/eu-law-eu-route.html Open websiteInformation valid for 2026, based on ind.nl, government.nl, netherlandsworldwide.nl, belastingdienst.nl, svb.nl and cbs.nl. Rules can change – always check the latest information with us or on the official websites.