The Netherlands has a very open market economy with a legal system that operates well and therefore provides great legal certainty for citizens and businesses. Access to the Dutch market is easy.

Key sectors of the Dutch economy include agri-food, horticulture, chemistry, energy, creative industries, high-tech, life sciences and health, logistics, water management.

The very low unemployment rate is expected to increase from 3.8% in 2019 to 4.4% in 2020 (CBS October 2020). Business investment is slowing down due to international uncertainties and the Corona virus.

The Netherlands is a country of entrepreneurs, a trading country with a very long international trading tradition. Exports provide 1/3 of prosperity and 2.1 million jobs. In 2017, the value of exports amounted 83% of GDP.

Exports are the growth engine of the Dutch economy. A slowdown in growth in Germany, protectionism in America and uncertainty over China are having an immediate impact. Around one third of Dutch imports are intended for re-export. This is creating a lot of work opportunities for the less skilled.