The Netherlands is on course to grow demographically to around 20.6 million inhabitants by 2070, according to the latest long-term population forecast published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

While the population will continue to increase over the coming decades, the pace of growth is expected to slow. International migration, including illegal migration, will remain the main driver of population growth as society ages rapidly.

CBS projects the population will rise from about 18.1 million at the end of 2025 to roughly 19 million by 2037, before reaching 20.6 million in 2070. From 2025 onward people aged 65 and over will outnumber those under 20 for the first time, a gap that will widen significantly in the coming years. 

By 2070, the total number of elderly people is expected to reach 5.4 million, putting sustained pressure on healthcare systems, pensions and the labour market. Nevertheless, unlike in parts of central Europe, the Dutch authorities appear reluctant to adopt a more constructive population policy.