Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the Netherlands had a total foreign-born population of 2,514,000, representing 14.3% of the total population.
- As of January 2023, 25.2% of the population aged 15-74 in the Netherlands had a migration background, with 13.5% first-generation and 11.7% second-generation.
- In 2021, non-Western migrants made up 9.1% of the Dutch population, totaling approximately 1,600,000 individuals.
- In 2022, the Netherlands saw 281,000 immigrants arrive, a record high increase of 23,000 from 2021.
- Immigration from EU countries to the Netherlands totaled 112,000 in 2022.
- In 2022, 50,000 Ukrainian refugees immigrated to the Netherlands under temporary protection.
- In 2022, 172,000 people emigrated from the Netherlands.
- Emigration to EU countries was 85,000 in 2022.
- 28,000 Dutch nationals emigrated in 2022, up 8%.
- In 2022, 36,540 asylum applications were lodged in the Netherlands.
- Syrians filed 12,000 first asylum applications in 2022.
- Recognition rate for asylum in 2022 was 68% for first applications.
- In 2022, employment rate of non-Western migrants aged 15-74 was 62%, compared to 77% for natives.
- 45,000 naturalizations granted in 2022.
- Unemployment rate for Western migrants: 4.5% in 2022, vs 3.2% natives.
The Netherlands is an increasingly diverse nation due to sustained, high levels of immigration.
Asylum and Protection
Asylum and Protection Interpretation
Emigration and Return Migration
Emigration and Return Migration Interpretation
Immigration Flows
Immigration Flows Interpretation
Integration and Naturalization
Integration and Naturalization Interpretation
Population and Demographics
Population and Demographics Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Lars Eriksen. (2026, February 13). Netherlands Immigration Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/netherlands-immigration-statistics
Lars Eriksen. "Netherlands Immigration Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/netherlands-immigration-statistics.
Lars Eriksen. 2026. "Netherlands Immigration Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/netherlands-immigration-statistics.
Sources & References
- Reference 1CBScbs.nl
cbs.nl
- Reference 2OPENDATAopendata.cbs.nl
opendata.cbs.nl
- Reference 3INDind.nl
ind.nl
- Reference 4LONGREADSlongreads.cbs.nl
longreads.cbs.nl
- Reference 5ECec.europa.eu
ec.europa.eu
- Reference 6ASYLUMINEUROPEasylumineurope.org
asylumineurope.org
- Reference 7UNHCRunhcr.org
unhcr.org
- Reference 8OECDoecd.org
oecd.org






