Over 745,000 EU Nationals Now Call the Netherlands Home
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Loading... - Giorgia Parisi
- 19 Feb 2025
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A recent Eurostat report reveals that approximately 745,000 EU nationals currently reside in the Netherlands, contributing to a total of 1.52 million non-Dutch residents in the country. This statistic underscores broader migration trends across Europe and highlights the Netherlands' role as a destination for EU citizens seeking new opportunities.
According to the February 2025 Eurostat report titled ‘EU Population Diversity by Citizenship and Country of Birth,’ non-Dutch nationals make up 8.5 percent of the Dutch population, with 4.3 percent holding citizenship from another EU member state. The largest groups of EU nationals in the Netherlands include Poles, Germans, and Romanians, reflecting migration patterns observed throughout the European Union.
Historically, the Netherlands has attracted foreign workers, particularly in sectors that require manual labor. However, the new Dutch government has prioritized curbing immigration, aiming to reduce reliance on low-skilled migrant workers. This shift in policy may impact the dynamics of EU migration in the country.
Across the European Union, approximately 14 million people live in a member state different from their country of birth. Countries like Germany, Spain, France, and Italy host the largest numbers of foreign-born residents, while Poland and Romania have the lowest proportions of migrants, at less than 5 percent.
In the Netherlands, economists are advocating for a change in economic strategy, suggesting that the country should move away from dependence on cheap labor from abroad. The government is considering new regulations to limit migration for work purposes, including for EU nationals.
The data also reveals that foreign-born residents in the Netherlands tend to be younger than the native population. Only 6.8 percent of foreign-born residents are children, compared to 16.7 percent of native-born citizens. This demographic trend raises important discussions about labor force sustainability and the implications of changing population dynamics.
As stricter migration policies may be on the horizon, EU nationals in the Netherlands could face increased restrictions, particularly for lower-skilled jobs. However, sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as healthcare and technology, are likely to continue welcoming foreign talent.
For now, the Netherlands remains home to a substantial population of EU expatriates, reflecting the country's ongoing appeal due to its robust economy and high quality of life. As migration policies evolve, the future landscape for EU nationals in the Netherlands will be shaped by both economic needs and governmental priorities.
