Temporary residence permits; purpose of stay and nationality

Temporary residence permits; purpose of stay and nationality

Nationality Periods Ordinary permit by purpose of stay Family reunification / formation Husband / wife (Number) Ordinary permit by purpose of stay Other regular permits Victim of human trade (Number)
New Zealand 2023* 70 0
Rwandan 2023* 15 0
Ugandan 2023* 20 40
Source: CBS.
Explanation of symbols

Table explanation


This table shows the number of temporary residence permits granted for the first time. Permits are differentiated by purpose and the nationality of the persons concerned. Permits are differentiated by purpose and the nationality of the persons concerned. This table contains both asylum permits and ordinary residence permits. Ordinary permits are given to non-Dutch persons mainly for work, study, family reunification, or family formation. Children of non-Dutch persons, born in the Netherlands and not in the possession of the Dutch nationality also need a residence permit. Since April 2014, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service also issues combined permits for residence and work: single permits (GGVA). These are included in the table since 2014. All permits in the table have a validity period of three months or more.

Data available from: 2008.

Status of the figures:
The figures up to 2022 are final. The figures for 2023 are provisional.

Changes as of August 2024:
A number of nationalities for which more than 50 permits were granted in 2023 were not included in the table. These are now visible and concerns the following nationalities: British, Namibian, Senegalese, Uruguayan.

When will new figures be published?
The new figures for 2024 will be available in June 2025.

Description topics

Ordinary permit by purpose of stay
Individuals whose request for a regular permit has been granted receive an ordinary permit. They did not come here for asylum, but for example to work, to study, for family reunification or for family formation. Non-Dutch persons who want to stay in the Netherlands for more three months and are not EU, EER or Swiss nationals, need a residence permit.
Family reunification / formation
Residence permit which is granted in connection with family reunion.

Family reunification:
One or more family members are settling in the Netherlands to be reunited and live with their families who have emigrated in the past.

Family formation:
This may concern marriage, relationship and children under 18. It is for people who come to the Netherlands for marriage, registered partnership or live with a partner already in the Netherlands (with whom this person has never lived before).

Husband / wife
Husband or wife, registered partner or unmarried partner.
Other regular permits
Permits issued in connection with other purposes. Such authorisation was granted until 2013 to unaccompanied minors.
Victim of human trade