GITNUXREPORT 2026

Netherlands Security Industry Statistics

The Dutch security industry is growing significantly across both physical and digital sectors.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, the Netherlands employed 85,000 people in the private security sector, a 3.2% increase from 2022.

Statistic 2

There were 1,200 licensed private security companies operating in the Netherlands as of 2023.

Statistic 3

Average annual salary for security guards in the Netherlands was €32,500 in 2023.

Statistic 4

42% of security personnel in the Netherlands held a BD-certification in 2022.

Statistic 5

Female representation in the Dutch security workforce reached 18% in 2023.

Statistic 6

Cybersecurity firms employed 25,000 professionals in the Netherlands in 2023.

Statistic 7

15% growth in security guard jobs in urban areas like Amsterdam and Rotterdam from 2021-2023.

Statistic 8

Number of security training academies increased to 45 in the Netherlands by 2023.

Statistic 9

Top 10 security companies held 35% market share in terms of employment in 2023.

Statistic 10

Apprenticeships in security filled 4,200 positions in 2022.

Statistic 11

Turnover per employee in Dutch security firms averaged €55,000 in 2023.

Statistic 12

28% of security companies reported labor shortages in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 13

Migrant workers comprised 22% of the security workforce in 2023.

Statistic 14

Security managers' average salary was €68,000 annually in 2023.

Statistic 15

65% of security firms were SMEs with fewer than 50 employees in 2023.

Statistic 16

Average profit margin for top Dutch security firms was 8.7% in 2023.

Statistic 17

Total R&D investment in security tech reached €450 million in 2022.

Statistic 18

EBITDA for the largest security company was €120 million in 2023.

Statistic 19

Venture capital funding for Dutch cybersecurity startups totaled €210 million in 2023.

Statistic 20

Operational costs rose 6.4% to €2.9 billion industry-wide in 2023 due to wages.

Statistic 21

Revenue growth in alarm monitoring services was 9.2% averaging €580 million in 2023.

Statistic 22

Tax incentives claimed by 60% of security firms saved €45 million in 2022.

Statistic 23

Debt-to-equity ratio averaged 0.45 for security SMEs in 2023.

Statistic 24

Insurance premiums for security firms increased 11% to €180 million total in 2023.

Statistic 25

Export revenues contributed 12% to total industry income in 2023.

Statistic 26

M&A activity saw 18 deals worth €320 million in the security sector in 2023.

Statistic 27

Cash flow from operations averaged €1.2 billion across major players in 2023.

Statistic 28

Subsidy uptake for green security tech was €25 million in 2023.

Statistic 29

ROI on cybersecurity investments averaged 320% for Dutch firms in 2023.

Statistic 30

Price increases for guarding services averaged 4.8% in 2023.

Statistic 31

In 2023, the Dutch private security services market reached a value of €3.2 billion, marking a 5.1% year-over-year growth driven by increased demand for manned guarding.

Statistic 32

The cybersecurity segment within the Netherlands security industry grew by 12.3% in 2022, reaching €1.1 billion in revenue due to rising cyber threats.

Statistic 33

Total security expenditure in the Netherlands hit €4.8 billion in 2023, with physical security accounting for 62% of the total spend.

Statistic 34

The alarm systems and monitoring market in the Netherlands expanded to €650 million in 2022, up 7.8% from the previous year.

Statistic 35

Dutch security industry export value stood at €280 million in 2023, primarily to EU neighbors.

Statistic 36

In 2023, the video surveillance market in the Netherlands was valued at €420 million, with a projected CAGR of 8.2% through 2028.

Statistic 37

Overall security technology market size in the Netherlands reached €1.2 billion in 2022, fueled by smart city initiatives.

Statistic 38

The Dutch guarding services sector generated €2.1 billion in turnover in 2023, representing 65% of the private security market.

Statistic 39

Access control systems market in the Netherlands grew to €180 million in 2023, driven by corporate upgrades.

Statistic 40

Biometric security solutions market value in the Netherlands was €95 million in 2022, with 15% annual growth.

Statistic 41

Intrusion detection systems market in the Netherlands totaled €210 million in 2023.

Statistic 42

Perimeter security market size reached €140 million in 2022, boosted by infrastructure projects.

Statistic 43

Dutch security consulting services revenue was €320 million in 2023.

Statistic 44

Event security market value stood at €150 million in 2023, recovering post-COVID.

Statistic 45

Retail security services generated €450 million in the Netherlands in 2022.

Statistic 46

72% of Dutch security companies adopted AI-driven surveillance by 2023.

Statistic 47

Biometric access systems usage grew 25% in corporate Netherlands in 2022-2023.

Statistic 48

Cloud-based security management platforms were used by 58% of firms in 2023.

Statistic 49

Drone surveillance deployment in security increased by 40% in 2023.

Statistic 50

45% of CCTV systems in the Netherlands featured facial recognition in 2023.

Statistic 51

IoT security devices numbered 1.2 million installations in Dutch homes and businesses by 2023.

Statistic 52

Blockchain for secure data sharing adopted by 12% of security firms in 2023.

Statistic 53

5G-enabled security cameras rolled out in 30% of smart cities by 2023.

Statistic 54

AI analytics in video surveillance processed 2.5 petabytes of data daily in 2023.

Statistic 55

Mobile security apps downloaded 1.8 million times in the Netherlands in 2023.

Statistic 56

Quantum-resistant encryption piloted in 8% of cybersecurity firms by 2023.

Statistic 57

Robotic patrols implemented by 15 major security providers in 2023.

Statistic 58

Edge computing for security reduced latency by 60% in 2023 deployments.

Statistic 59

VR training simulations used by 35% of security academies in 2023.

Statistic 60

NFC and RFID integrations in access control hit 80% penetration in offices by 2023.

Statistic 61

Predictive analytics tools forecasted 92% accuracy in threat detection in 2023 tests.

Statistic 62

Smart locks market saw 22% adoption in residential security by 2023.

Statistic 63

Cyber incidents cost the Dutch economy €2.1 billion in 2023, spurring industry growth.

Statistic 64

Physical burglaries decreased 15% from 2022 to 2023 due to enhanced security measures.

Statistic 65

Ransomware attacks on Dutch businesses rose 28% in 2023.

Statistic 66

Smart city security projects forecasted to add €500 million by 2028.

Statistic 67

Demand for remote guarding projected to grow 18% annually through 2027.

Statistic 68

ESG compliance in security firms expected to reach 75% by 2025.

Statistic 69

Airport security market to expand at 6.5% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 70

Post-COVID event security demand surged 22% projected to stabilize at 12% growth.

Statistic 71

AI ethics regulations to impact 40% of security tech by 2026.

Statistic 72

Home security subscriptions forecasted to hit 2.5 million by 2027.

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From video surveillance networks analyzing petabytes of data daily to guarding services generating billions in revenue, the Netherlands' security industry is a dynamic and expanding force, fueled by technological innovation and rising demand.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, the Dutch private security services market reached a value of €3.2 billion, marking a 5.1% year-over-year growth driven by increased demand for manned guarding.
  • The cybersecurity segment within the Netherlands security industry grew by 12.3% in 2022, reaching €1.1 billion in revenue due to rising cyber threats.
  • Total security expenditure in the Netherlands hit €4.8 billion in 2023, with physical security accounting for 62% of the total spend.
  • In 2023, the Netherlands employed 85,000 people in the private security sector, a 3.2% increase from 2022.
  • There were 1,200 licensed private security companies operating in the Netherlands as of 2023.
  • Average annual salary for security guards in the Netherlands was €32,500 in 2023.
  • 72% of Dutch security companies adopted AI-driven surveillance by 2023.
  • Biometric access systems usage grew 25% in corporate Netherlands in 2022-2023.
  • Cloud-based security management platforms were used by 58% of firms in 2023.
  • Average profit margin for top Dutch security firms was 8.7% in 2023.
  • Total R&D investment in security tech reached €450 million in 2022.
  • EBITDA for the largest security company was €120 million in 2023.
  • Cyber incidents cost the Dutch economy €2.1 billion in 2023, spurring industry growth.
  • Physical burglaries decreased 15% from 2022 to 2023 due to enhanced security measures.
  • Ransomware attacks on Dutch businesses rose 28% in 2023.

The Dutch security industry is growing significantly across both physical and digital sectors.

Company and Employment Data

  • In 2023, the Netherlands employed 85,000 people in the private security sector, a 3.2% increase from 2022.
  • There were 1,200 licensed private security companies operating in the Netherlands as of 2023.
  • Average annual salary for security guards in the Netherlands was €32,500 in 2023.
  • 42% of security personnel in the Netherlands held a BD-certification in 2022.
  • Female representation in the Dutch security workforce reached 18% in 2023.
  • Cybersecurity firms employed 25,000 professionals in the Netherlands in 2023.
  • 15% growth in security guard jobs in urban areas like Amsterdam and Rotterdam from 2021-2023.
  • Number of security training academies increased to 45 in the Netherlands by 2023.
  • Top 10 security companies held 35% market share in terms of employment in 2023.
  • Apprenticeships in security filled 4,200 positions in 2022.
  • Turnover per employee in Dutch security firms averaged €55,000 in 2023.
  • 28% of security companies reported labor shortages in 2023 surveys.
  • Migrant workers comprised 22% of the security workforce in 2023.
  • Security managers' average salary was €68,000 annually in 2023.
  • 65% of security firms were SMEs with fewer than 50 employees in 2023.

Company and Employment Data Interpretation

The Netherlands' security sector is growing not just in numbers but in quality and diversity, with more certified professionals and women joining its ranks, yet it's grappling with significant labor shortages that even a 15% urban job boom can't mask, all while top firms consolidate power and salaries remain modest for the boots on the ground.

Financial Performance

  • Average profit margin for top Dutch security firms was 8.7% in 2023.
  • Total R&D investment in security tech reached €450 million in 2022.
  • EBITDA for the largest security company was €120 million in 2023.
  • Venture capital funding for Dutch cybersecurity startups totaled €210 million in 2023.
  • Operational costs rose 6.4% to €2.9 billion industry-wide in 2023 due to wages.
  • Revenue growth in alarm monitoring services was 9.2% averaging €580 million in 2023.
  • Tax incentives claimed by 60% of security firms saved €45 million in 2022.
  • Debt-to-equity ratio averaged 0.45 for security SMEs in 2023.
  • Insurance premiums for security firms increased 11% to €180 million total in 2023.
  • Export revenues contributed 12% to total industry income in 2023.
  • M&A activity saw 18 deals worth €320 million in the security sector in 2023.
  • Cash flow from operations averaged €1.2 billion across major players in 2023.
  • Subsidy uptake for green security tech was €25 million in 2023.
  • ROI on cybersecurity investments averaged 320% for Dutch firms in 2023.
  • Price increases for guarding services averaged 4.8% in 2023.

Financial Performance Interpretation

While the industry is patriotically fortifying our digital borders and raking in impressive cyber ROI, the real security guard at the gate is being politely asked to work harder for a slender 8.7% profit, all while his wages and insurance costs keep climbing faster than a fence-jumper.

Market Overview

  • In 2023, the Dutch private security services market reached a value of €3.2 billion, marking a 5.1% year-over-year growth driven by increased demand for manned guarding.
  • The cybersecurity segment within the Netherlands security industry grew by 12.3% in 2022, reaching €1.1 billion in revenue due to rising cyber threats.
  • Total security expenditure in the Netherlands hit €4.8 billion in 2023, with physical security accounting for 62% of the total spend.
  • The alarm systems and monitoring market in the Netherlands expanded to €650 million in 2022, up 7.8% from the previous year.
  • Dutch security industry export value stood at €280 million in 2023, primarily to EU neighbors.
  • In 2023, the video surveillance market in the Netherlands was valued at €420 million, with a projected CAGR of 8.2% through 2028.
  • Overall security technology market size in the Netherlands reached €1.2 billion in 2022, fueled by smart city initiatives.
  • The Dutch guarding services sector generated €2.1 billion in turnover in 2023, representing 65% of the private security market.
  • Access control systems market in the Netherlands grew to €180 million in 2023, driven by corporate upgrades.
  • Biometric security solutions market value in the Netherlands was €95 million in 2022, with 15% annual growth.
  • Intrusion detection systems market in the Netherlands totaled €210 million in 2023.
  • Perimeter security market size reached €140 million in 2022, boosted by infrastructure projects.
  • Dutch security consulting services revenue was €320 million in 2023.
  • Event security market value stood at €150 million in 2023, recovering post-COVID.
  • Retail security services generated €450 million in the Netherlands in 2022.

Market Overview Interpretation

Despite the Dutch spending over €4.8 billion to feel secure, their strategy clearly shows a preference for human muscle over digital firewalls, as the €2.1 billion guarding sector towers over its cyber counterparts and underscores that even in our high-tech world, a good watchful eye is still the country's most trusted defense.

Technological Adoption

  • 72% of Dutch security companies adopted AI-driven surveillance by 2023.
  • Biometric access systems usage grew 25% in corporate Netherlands in 2022-2023.
  • Cloud-based security management platforms were used by 58% of firms in 2023.
  • Drone surveillance deployment in security increased by 40% in 2023.
  • 45% of CCTV systems in the Netherlands featured facial recognition in 2023.
  • IoT security devices numbered 1.2 million installations in Dutch homes and businesses by 2023.
  • Blockchain for secure data sharing adopted by 12% of security firms in 2023.
  • 5G-enabled security cameras rolled out in 30% of smart cities by 2023.
  • AI analytics in video surveillance processed 2.5 petabytes of data daily in 2023.
  • Mobile security apps downloaded 1.8 million times in the Netherlands in 2023.
  • Quantum-resistant encryption piloted in 8% of cybersecurity firms by 2023.
  • Robotic patrols implemented by 15 major security providers in 2023.
  • Edge computing for security reduced latency by 60% in 2023 deployments.
  • VR training simulations used by 35% of security academies in 2023.
  • NFC and RFID integrations in access control hit 80% penetration in offices by 2023.
  • Predictive analytics tools forecasted 92% accuracy in threat detection in 2023 tests.
  • Smart locks market saw 22% adoption in residential security by 2023.

Technological Adoption Interpretation

From buzzing drones and robotic patrols to biometrics and AI watching over everything from our homes to petabytes of city data, the Netherlands has quietly built a security landscape so technologically dense that even the future is wondering how it got here.

Trends and Forecasts

  • Cyber incidents cost the Dutch economy €2.1 billion in 2023, spurring industry growth.
  • Physical burglaries decreased 15% from 2022 to 2023 due to enhanced security measures.
  • Ransomware attacks on Dutch businesses rose 28% in 2023.
  • Smart city security projects forecasted to add €500 million by 2028.
  • Demand for remote guarding projected to grow 18% annually through 2027.
  • ESG compliance in security firms expected to reach 75% by 2025.
  • Airport security market to expand at 6.5% CAGR to 2030.
  • Post-COVID event security demand surged 22% projected to stabilize at 12% growth.
  • AI ethics regulations to impact 40% of security tech by 2026.
  • Home security subscriptions forecasted to hit 2.5 million by 2027.

Trends and Forecasts Interpretation

The Dutch security industry is caught in a paradoxical dance, where its success in physically locking down the real world has only accelerated a costly digital crime wave, proving that for every burglar thwarted a cybercriminal gleefully fills the void.

Sources & References