New municipal research reveals the economic impact of 520 international organisations and more than 110 embassies and consulates in The Hague region, linking them to nearly 45,000 jobs and €8.6 billion in annual expenditure.
The Hague’s reputation as the international city of peace and justice is built on more than its diplomatic missions, international courts and organisations. Its international community is also a major contributor to the local and regional economy, supporting employment, business activity, education and cultural exchange.
According to the latest Monitor International Organisations in The Hague, commissioned by the Municipality of The Hague and conducted by research agency Decisio, the region was home to 520 international organisations in 2025. Their number has increased by 211% since 2005, when the municipality began monitoring the sector, and by 5.9% compared with the previous measurement in 2023.
These findings demonstrate the continued growth of The Hague’s international profile and the importance of the organisations that have chosen the city and its surrounding region as their base.
An International Centre for Peace and Justice
The Hague hosts a diverse network of international organisations, diplomatic missions, non-governmental organisations and institutions working in areas ranging from international law and human rights to security, humanitarian affairs and development.
Among its best-known institutions are the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, based at the Peace Palace, the International Criminal Court, OPCW, ESA, Eurojust and Europol. The wider international ecosystem also includes NGOs, knowledge institutions and organisations whose activities connect The Hague with governments, businesses and civil society around the world.
Diplomatic missions are an essential part of this environment. The presence of more than 110 embassies and consulates, alongside international organisations and their professional networks, helps sustain the city’s distinctive international character.
Together, these institutions make The Hague a centre for diplomacy, international cooperation and the development of solutions to global challenges.
A Substantial Economic Contribution
The latest municipal research quantifies the sector’s economic importance. International organisations are associated with approximately 44,900 jobs across the region, including around 29,700 in The Hague itself. These figures encompass both direct employment within the organisations and indirect employment generated through suppliers and other businesses.
The study identifies approximately 19,700 direct jobs within international organisations and a further 25,200 indirect jobs across the wider economy. These activities support a broad range of professions, from legal, policy and research specialists to staff working in hospitality, catering, security, logistics and other services.
The sector accounts for approximately 10% of The Hague’s economy. Its presence generates an estimated €8.6 billion in additional annual expenditure across the region, of which approximately €4.4 billion reaches organisations and businesses as revenue and added value.
The economic benefits extend well beyond the organisations themselves. International staff, visiting delegations, conferences and professional events generate demand for hotels, restaurants, transport, retail, event venues and other local services.
The research estimates that international organisations attract approximately 1.66 million business visitors annually and host more than 11,000 events each year. These activities contribute to the regional economy while creating opportunities for businesses and professionals to engage with an international clientele.
Employment and Opportunities Across the Region
The impact of the international sector extends across a wide range of occupations and skill levels. According to the study, 58% of the jobs associated with the sector are accessible to practically trained workers. This proportion rises to 76% among indirect jobs, including those in hospitality, security, logistics and facilities management.
These findings underline that the benefits of hosting international organisations are not confined to diplomats, lawyers or other highly specialised professionals. They also support employment opportunities for people working in essential services and across the regional supply chain.
The economic relationship between international organisations and local businesses is therefore an important part of the region’s wider prosperity.
Education, Knowledge and Cultural Exchange
The international community also contributes to The Hague’s educational and cultural environment. International schools help make the region attractive to diplomatic families and international professionals, while higher education institutions bring together students and researchers from different countries.
Institutions such as Leiden University’s The Hague Campus, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the University of the Arts The Hague contribute to the city’s academic and cultural life. The Royal Academy of Art and the Royal Conservatoire, in particular, connect international perspectives with artistic education and creative practice.
The presence of international organisations also creates opportunities for conferences, public discussions, exhibitions and exchanges of expertise. These activities connect the city’s diplomatic community with academic institutions, cultural organisations, businesses and residents.
Sustaining The Hague’s International Position
The latest figures confirm that The Hague’s international sector is both a defining feature of the city and a significant economic force. The growth from the first municipal monitoring exercise in 2005 to 520 organisations in 2025 reflects the region’s continuing role as a base for institutions working on international law, peace, justice and other global concerns.
Maintaining this position requires more than attracting organisations. It also depends on a supportive operating environment, suitable accommodation, international education, accessible transport and services that meet the needs of organisations, their staff and visiting delegations.
For The Hague and its surrounding region, the international community is therefore not simply a symbol of global engagement. It is an important source of employment, expenditure, knowledge and cultural exchange, connecting the city’s international mission with the everyday life and economic activity of the region.
Source: Municipality of The Hague and Decisio, Monitor International Organisations in The Hague, 2025 data, published in June 2026.
