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Dutch Population Reaches 18.13 Million as 2025 Growth Slows for Third Year

Preliminary CBS figures attribute the deceleration to a smaller net migration gain.

Overview

  • The Netherlands counted 18,131,238 residents at year-end 2025, up by 87,211 on a preliminary basis.
  • Net migration totaled about 95,000 people in 2025, down from 108,000 in 2024, with roughly 307,000 immigrants and 212,000 emigrants; Syrians were the largest migrant group (about 23,000 net) and Ukrainians second (about 13,000).
  • Natural change remained negative for the year, with about 7,500 more deaths than births as low fertility and ageing persisted.
  • Growth was highly uneven across the country, led by Flevoland and several Gelderse Vallei municipalities, with Noordoostpolder recording the highest increase at 24 per 1,000 residents.
  • Groningen was the only province to shrink, a trend influenced by temporary registrations tied to the Ter Apel reception center in Westerwolde.