The number of residence permit applications in the Netherlands for highly educated foreign workers – including highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders, and Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) – has further declined in the first four months of 2025. Figures from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) confirm that the downward trend, which began in 2022, is continuing without pause.
In 2022, 33,020 applications were submitted under the ‘Knowledge and Talent’ category. This number fell to 25,870 in 2023 and further declined to 21,730 in 2024. Preliminary figures for January through April 2025 indicate a continued decrease.
Several factors are clearly contributing to this trend. Economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions are causing many employers to adopt a more cautious approach, temporarily slowing down international recruitment. At the same time, the ongoing housing shortage and increasing pressure on public services are making the Netherlands a less attractive destination for international talent.
The persistent decline in residence applications for highly skilled workers underscores the shifting landscape of global labour mobility. For employers, it is now more important than ever to respond strategically. To attract and retain international talent, organisations must critically reassess their global hiring strategies and focus on making the Netherlands a more appealing choice for highly skilled migrants. Competitive employment packages, relocation support, and smooth onboarding processes can make the difference between securing or missing out on scarce talent.
🔍 Does your organisation need support with optimising recruitment and selection processes, or guiding international talent through the relocation journey? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to explore practical solutions to help make your organisation more attractive and accessible to international professionals.
