Netherlands Unemployment Rate
The Netherlands unemployment rate rose to 4.0% in September 2025, an increase from 3.9% in August 2025. This marks the highest rate since September 2021. The increase is due to more people seeking jobs than available positions. Labor market tightness is easing, shown by fewer vacancies per unemployed person. Unemployment is expected to continue rising gradually through 2025. The Netherlands' record low unemployment rate was 2.9% in February 2020 and record high was 7.9% in February 2014.
Monthly Historical Data (2003-2025)
(in %)Recent Events
Netherlands Unemployment Rate : Definition
The Netherlands unemployment rate represents the share of the Dutch labor force, aged 15-74, that is jobless and actively seeking employment. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) calculates this percentage by dividing the number of unemployed individuals by the total labor force, adhering to International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines.