paroolSep 14, 2026, 11:50

Opinion from Amsterdam's Research and Statistics department: ‘The image of 2025 as a record year for migration in Amsterdam is incorrect’

Amsterdam's Research and Statistics department clarifies that 2025 was not a record year for migration, as reported figures were inflated by administrative backlogs cleared for other municipalities. Because these temporary registrations did not reflect actual residents moving into the city, comparisons between 2025 and 2026 are considered inaccurate.

The Amsterdam Research and Statistics department has clarified that 2025 was not a record year for migration in the city, despite recent claims to the contrary. The confusion stems from a misinterpretation of CBS figures which included over 11,500 registrations and deregistrations in 2025. These records were created when Amsterdam assisted other municipalities in clearing administrative backlogs in the Personal Records Database at a special office in Bos en Lommerplein. Because these individuals never actually resided in the city, they do not reflect true population growth.

Statistical experts emphasize that comparing 2026 preliminary data to 2025's inflated figures is misleading. Official migration statistics are often subject to delays, particularly regarding international emigration, which is why the city department focuses on annual rather than monthly trends. Current evidence suggests that migration patterns in early 2026 are largely consistent with pre-2025 levels, indicating that the city is not becoming less transient than previously suggested by media reports.

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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