The number of British people moving to the Netherlands increased further during 2019 compared with previous years. The announcement was by the Dutch national statistics agency on 31 Jan 2020, coinciding with Brexit – the very day that Britain waved goodbye to the EU.

The data released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that emigration from the UK to the Netherlands has seen an upwards trend ever since 2010, steadily increasing in recent years. Conversely, the numbers of Dutch heading in the direction of the UK has been lower.

In 2019, the total number of native British people moving to live in the Netherlands was 6.7 thousand, which is a 60-percent rise on the 2015 number. The number of Dutch nationals moving to Britain is on a downward trend and, in 2019, the figure was 2.6 thousand – the lowest total in 20 years.

[Source: CBS]

Post-Brexit: What now for the British in the Netherlands?

Since Britain has now officially left the EU, the 45,000 British nationals living in the Netherlands may be left wondering about their status. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is currently contacting all such residents.

The quick answer is that no action currently needs to be taken. During the transition period up to 31 Dec 2020, British people can continue to live, work and study in the Netherlands as long as they have a valid passport. During the course of 2020, invitations will be sent out by the IND to individuals so they can apply for a residence document. Further information can be found on the IND Brexit page.

[Source: IND]