Foreign workers in the Netherlands are more likely to stay longer if they earn a higher income or have a partner, according to new research by the Dutch economic policy bureau CPB.

Most foreign workers leave the Netherlands after a period of time, but their decision to stay or go depends on their position in the labour market, as well as economic conditions in the Netherlands and their country of origin, the CPB said.

The CPB study, based on anonymised data covering 1999 to 2022, examined the length of stay of foreign workers and the factors influencing their departure.

It found that one in four foreign workers are still in the country after 10 years, but when it comes to people working on a highly-skilled migrant visa, the figure is 35%.

Income, the CPB said, plays a key role. After five years, 87% of foreign workers earning more than €6,000 a month remain in the Netherlands, compared with 78% of those earning between €2,000 and €3,000, and 64% of those earning between €1,000 and €2,000.

Having a partner — particularly one who is Dutch-born or with whom the worker lives — is also linked to a longer stay.