WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s unemployment rate declined significantly in 2025, falling from 7.8 percent in 2024 to 5.1 percent, according to the latest Labour Force Survey published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Curaçao.
The results are part of the Social Survey 2025 (Enkuesta Sosial), in which the traditional Labour Force Survey (Arbeidskrachtonderzoek, AKO) was integrated. The survey was conducted between September and November 2025 and provides an overview of developments in the labour market, including employment, unemployment, labour participation and the number of people actively seeking work.
According to CBS, there were 3,828 job seekers in 2025. The decline in the unemployment rate was linked partly to an increase of 6,251 people classified as economically inactive.
The labour force, which includes both employed people and job seekers, decreased from 78,013 people in 2024 to 74,807 people in 2025. This represents a decline of 3,206 people.
The number of employed residents also decreased slightly. In 2025, Curaçao had 70,980 employed people compared with 71,919 in 2024, a reduction of 939 people.
CBS explains that according to international definitions used to compare Curaçao’s figures with other countries, a person is considered unemployed only when they are actively looking for work and are available to start within two weeks.
The full publication, “The Labour Force of Curaçao 2025: The Supply Side of the Labour Market,” is available through the CBS Curaçao website.