How many South Africans moved to the Netherlands in 2025?
The Netherlands issued 3,459 first residence permits to South African citizens in 2025, the main official indicator of how many moved there (Eurostat, data updated on 22 October 2026). That is 270 fewer than in 2024 (3,729), a change of −7.2%. By reason: family 1,395 (40.3%), work 1,218 (35.2%), other reasons 728 (21.0%), education 118 (3.4%). 3,132 of them (90.5%) were valid for 12 months or more.
Netherlands · South African citizens · 2025: 3,459 first residence permits
The Netherlands issued 36.3% of all first permits given to South African citizens in the EU in 2025 (9,529). Every EU country.
Source: Eurostat, First permits by reason, length of validity and citizenship (migr_resfirst), data updated on 22 October 2026, downloaded on 28 October 2026 (definitions). First residence permits, persons. Re-use: Eurostat copyright notice (free re-use with acknowledgement, CC BY 4.0).
What this number is, and what it is not
- It is the number of South African citizens who received a residence permit in the Netherlands for the first time in 2025: a permit valid for at least 3 months, for family, education, work or other reasons. A permit also counts as "first" when the person had none for the same reason in the 6 months before.
- It is not a count of moves: some people who receive a permit never move, or leave soon after.
- It leaves out South Africans who also hold an EU passport (the statistics cover non-EU citizens only), stays shorter than 3 months and renewed permits.
- It is not the number of South Africans living in the Netherlands, which is much larger.
Why South Africans moved to the Netherlands in 2025: permits by reason
| Reason | 2025 | Share | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family | 1,395 | 40.3% | 1,584 | −11.9% |
| Education | 118 | 3.4% | 153 | −22.9% |
| Work | 1,218 | 35.2% | 1,303 | −6.5% |
| Other | 728 | 21.0% | 689 | +5.7% |
| All reasons | 3,459 | 100% | 3,729 | −7.2% |
Source: Eurostat, First permits by reason, length of validity and citizenship (migr_resfirst), data updated on 22 October 2026, downloaded on 28 October 2026 (definitions). First residence permits, persons. Re-use: Eurostat copyright notice (free re-use with acknowledgement, CC BY 4.0).
Family: joining or accompanying a family member. Education: study and other education. Work: paid employment (Eurostat's "employment reasons", also called remunerated activities), for example EU Blue Cards, other skilled work and seasonal work. Other: international protection and humanitarian status, permits for residence only, and other or unspecified reasons.
South Africans moving to the Netherlands, year by year (2019–2025)
| Year | All reasons | Family | Education | Work | Other | Valid 12+ months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2,506 | 1,035 | 157 | 824 | 490 | 2,209 |
| 2020 | 1,857 | 789 | 105 | 575 | 388 | 1,663 |
| 2021 | 3,083 | 1,305 | 181 | 1,134 | 463 | 2,791 |
| 2022 | 4,806 | 2,095 | 180 | 1,989 | 542 | 4,144 |
| 2023 | 4,475 | 1,964 | 169 | 1,723 | 619 | 3,900 |
| 2024 | 3,729 | 1,584 | 153 | 1,303 | 689 | 3,347 |
| 2025 | 3,459 | 1,395 | 118 | 1,218 | 728 | 3,132 |
Source: Eurostat, First permits by reason, length of validity and citizenship (migr_resfirst), data updated on 22 October 2026, downloaded on 28 October 2026 (definitions). First residence permits, persons. Eurostat revises past years when countries correct their data. Re-use: Eurostat copyright notice (free re-use with acknowledgement, CC BY 4.0).
Questions people ask
How many South Africans moved to the Netherlands in 2025?
3,459 South African citizens received a first residence permit in the Netherlands in 2025 (Eurostat). That is 270 fewer than in 2024 (3,729), a change of −7.2%.
How many South Africans moved to the Netherlands in 2024?
3,729 South African citizens received a first residence permit in the Netherlands in 2024.
Why do South Africans move to the Netherlands?
The most common reason in 2025 was family (1,395 permits). By reason: family 1,395 (40.3%), work 1,218 (35.2%), other reasons 728 (21.0%), education 118 (3.4%).
How many South Africans moved to Europe in 2025?
The 27 EU countries issued 9,529 first residence permits to South African citizens in 2025; the Netherlands issued 36.3% of them. All countries.
Is this the number of South Africans living in the Netherlands?
No. It counts only new permits issued in 2025. People who have lived there for years, renewed their permits or have an EU passport are not included.
Visas and statistics for the Netherlands on this site
- Netherlands visa income requirements 2026
- Netherlands highly skilled migrant permit: income requirement
- Netherlands EU Blue Card: income requirement
- Netherlands Schengen visa rejection rate 2025
- Visa refusal rates for South Africa: Schengen, UK and more
Where else South Africans moved in 2025
Who else moved to the Netherlands in 2025
How many South Africans moved to Europe in 2025 · Who moved where: all nationalities · Visa income calculator