43% of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands do not want to return home

Almost half of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands do not intend to return home even after the end of hostilities and the restoration of civilian infrastructure. These are the results of a survey conducted by the Research and Documentation Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Justice (WODC).

According to the study’s findings, 43% of refugees do not intend to return to Ukraine even if the situation in the country becomes safe to live in. Another approximately 37% are uncertain about their future decision, and only around 21% said they are ready to go back. At the same time, 83% of respondents said they definitely plan to remain in the Netherlands for the next two years.

The study’s authors note that the share of Ukrainians who do not wish to return has been growing over time not only in the Netherlands but also in other EU countries. The document also emphasizes that among young people the desire to stay in the Netherlands is more pronounced, while older people and those whose spouses remain in Ukraine more often consider the possibility of returning.

According to WODC data, 75% of Ukrainian refugees would like to obtain Dutch citizenship in the future if such an opportunity arises. More than 50% of respondents said they frequently worry about whether they will be granted permission to stay in the country long-term.

The survey was conducted in two waves — at the end of 2023 and between September and December 2025. Its participants were 5,800 Ukrainian citizens over the age of 15 who had received asylum in the Netherlands. No data on the margin of statistical error is provided.