Highly skilled migrants stay longer

July 1, 2025


Recent research shows that highly skilled migrants (kennismigranten) tend to stay in the Netherlands longer than other labor migrants. This trend is particularly notable when compared to labor migrants from the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, who are more likely to leave within five years of arrival.

Between 2005 and 2016, the Netherlands welcomed approximately 225,000 labor migrants from EU/EFTA countries and 76,000 highly skilled migrants from outside the EU/EFTA. While the majority of EU/EFTA labor migrants were Polish, significant numbers also came from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. Among highly skilled migrants from outside the EU/EFTA, the largest groups were from India, the United States, China, Turkey, and Japan.

Lenght of stay

Nearly seven out of ten labor migrants and highly skilled migrants left the Netherlands within five years. However, the percentage of highly skilled migrants who stayed longer increased over time. For example, among highly skilled migrants arriving between 2013 and 2016, 62% left within five years, compared to 70% in earlier periods. This indicates a growing tendency for highly skilled migrants to settle for longer periods.

Indian highly skilled migrants, in particular, are increasingly likely to remain. Of those arriving between 2005 and 2008, 79% left within five years, whereas among those arriving between 2013 and 2016, only 65% did so.

Factors influencing duration of stay

  • Family situation: Migrants who arrive with a partner and/or children are more likely to stay. This effect is even stronger if the partner also works in the Netherlands. For the highly skilled migrants, 38% arrived with a partner, compared to 25% of other labor migrants.
  • Employment and income: Those with stable employment and higher incomes are more likely to stay longer. Interestingly, migrant with flexible contracts sometimes stay longer than those with permanent contracts. Possibly because migrants with permanent contracts have more opportunities elsewhere.
  • Home ownership: Migrants who purchase a home in the Netherlands are much more likely to remain. Migrants with a combination of being married, working and owning a home have an average stay of 16 years.
  • Age and nationality: Younger migrants and those form certain nationalities (e.g. India) are increasingly likely to stay longer.

Living arrangements

A majority of both labor migrants and highly skilled migrants live alone during their first year in the Netherlands. Specifically, 72% of EU/EFTA labor migrants and 62% of highly skilled migrants do not live with a partner or children initially. However, those who do arrive with family, especially with a working partner, are significantly less likely to leave within five years.

Conclusion

The data clearly show that highly skilled migrants are establishing deeper roots in the Netherlands compared to other labor migrants. Factors such as family presence, employment status, and home ownership play a crucial role in encouraging longer stays. This trend is particularly evident among Indian highly skilled migrants and those who build a family life in the country.