Haarlemmermeer hits milestone: more jobs than residents for the first time
Haarlemmermeer now has more jobs than residents, with 167,121 positions available. While this signals economic growth, rising unemployment and social assistance benefits highlight ongoing challenges for vulnerable groups in the region.
| Key Data Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Total jobs (2026) | 167,121 |
| Residents (Jan 1, 2026) | 166,693 |
| Job growth (2024-2025) | +1.4% (+2,330 jobs) |
| Businesses (2025) | 20,660 |
| Jobs at Schiphol area | 61,827 (+2%) |
| Social assistance recipients | 2,091 (+2%) |
| Unemployment benefits | 1,815 (+16%) |
| Office vacancy rate | 14% (down from 16%) |
| Vacant office space | 167,000 m² |
The municipality of Haarlemmermeer is responsible for monitoring local economic trends, including employment rates, business growth, and social welfare. This data helps shape policies to support residents and businesses, ensuring sustainable development in the region.
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More jobs than residents in Haarlemmermeer
The annual employment report for the municipality of Haarlemmermeer has been released. It presents figures on jobs, benefits, and business establishments, among other topics. The number of jobs in the municipality has reached an all-time high of 167,121. On January 1, 2026, Haarlemmermeer had 166,693 residents. With a ratio of 100.3 percent, the municipality now has more jobs than residents.
The report is based on the results of the annual employment survey conducted among local entrepreneurs. Employment in Haarlemmermeer increased by 1.4 percent on April 1, 2025, compared to April 1, 2024. During this period, 2,330 jobs were added. The number of businesses grew from 20,293 to 20,660 between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025. More businesses were established (+1,512) than left or closed (-1,244), resulting in a net increase of 268.
Existing businesses drive job growth
The job growth in 2025 is primarily attributed to companies already established in Haarlemmermeer rather than new ones. While new businesses, including relocations to Haarlemmermeer, startups, and self-employed individuals, created 2,500 new jobs, 3,295 jobs were lost due to closures or relocations. Fortunately, existing businesses added 3,125 new jobs, resulting in a net increase of 2,330 jobs.
Schiphol and international businesses
The number of people working in the Schiphol area rose by 2 percent to 61,827. Thirty-seven percent of Haarlemmermeer’s workforce is employed in the Schiphol region. While the number of jobs at international businesses in Haarlemmermeer had been rising in recent years, it declined by 1.6 percent between 2024 and 2025 due to the departure of a major European company. Nevertheless, international businesses still accounted for 35,500 jobs, representing 21 percent of all employment in Haarlemmermeer.
Increase in benefit recipients
The number of residents receiving social assistance benefits rose by 2 percent, from 2,049 to 2,091 by the end of 2025. This increase was particularly noticeable among (vulnerable) young people, a trend also seen nationwide. Similarly, the number of unemployment benefits in Haarlemmermeer increased by 16 percent, from 1,558 to 1,815, following the national trend. According to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), a key factor in this rise is the increased number of reorganizations in 2025.
Decline in office vacancy rates
There was positive news regarding office vacancy rates, which decreased from 16 percent to 14 percent in 2025. However, 167,000 square meters of office space still remain vacant in Haarlemmermeer. The municipality is therefore exploring alternative uses for these spaces. One policy allows for housing migrant workers in vacant offices. Additionally, 6,600 square meters were converted into residential space in Nieuw-Vennep, and 600 square meters in Hoofddorp.