Economy

The Dutch economy is the fifth largest in the euro zone and is known for its stable industrial relations, historically moderate unemployment and inflation, sizable trade surplus and important role as a European transportation hub. The World Bank (2014) ranked the Netherlands’ US$854 billion gross domestic product (GDP) seventeenth out of 144 countries studied. The Legatum Institute ranked the Netherlands tenth out of 142 countries on its Economy Sub-Index (2015).

Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 2 percent of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. High-tech exports account for a significant 24 percent of total manufactured exports. In 2013, the Netherlands exported US$556 billion in goods and services and imported US$490 billion. The country’s major trading partners include Germany, Belgium, the U.K. and the United States.

In 2015, the country’s GDP is forecast to grow 1.5 percent. Unemployment is forecast to drop to 6.5 percent and inflation should remain around 1.0 percent.

Finding a Job

The Netherlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union (EU) and offers job opportunities for expats, especially if you speak Dutch. If you have skills and experience in engineering, finance, IT, marketing, sales or customer service, your prospects for finding a job may be good. The Netherlands is home to a wide range of global companies, including Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Phillips, Unilever, Heineken and ING Group.

Job search strategies you can use in the Netherlands are similar to the U.S. Industry associations are an excellent way to find out about international opportunities in your field. Check job listings in local newspapers and online. Be sure to send unsolicited applications to targeted employers and contact temporary work or staffing agencies online or onsite. Most importantly, check out local online forums and bulletin boards in the area you have chosen. Locals can be a great source for opportunities.

One of the best ways to find a job in the Netherlands is a recruitment agency. These agencies are an important part of the Dutch labor market because almost all companies use the help of an agency to find employees. Most agencies are a member of an employer’s federation, either ABU or NBBU. They ensure that employees receive adequate benefits. Recruitment agencies are free of charge to job candidates.

To get you started, here is a list of websites that may help you in your job search:

Craigslist Amsterdam

SimplyHired

Career-Jet

Trovit

Renego

dmoz

careersinholland

Starting a Business

Starting a business in the Netherlands is easier than most countries. The World Bank ranked the Netherlands twenty-first on its annual Starting a Business Index and twenty-seventh on its Ease of Doing Business Index out of 189 countries ranked.

The Legatum Institute ranked the Netherlands thirteenth out of 142 countries on its Entrepreneurship and Opportunity Sub-Index (2015). Legatum also found that nearly 75 percent of the Dutch said the country is a good place for entrepreneurs to start a business.

For an excellent, detailed overview of business opportunities in the Netherlands, visit the export.gov website, click on Doing Business in the Netherlands and then click on the Country Commercial Guide. It is prepared annually at U.S. embassies through the combined efforts of several U.S. government agencies. The guide presents a comprehensive analysis of the Netherland’s commercial environment from economic, political and market analyses.

To help you start and manage a business in the Netherlands, the World Bank offers this step-by-step guide and detailed report.

The Dutch government offers entrepreneurs help through its Ambitious Entrepreneurship Action Plan. The government provides over 30 actions to support start-ups and entrepreneurs.