Youth Unemployment in Europe 2026: Country Rankings

Young people across Europe face different challenges entering the job market. Find out which countries have the highest and lowest youth unemployment rates and explore the reasons behind the differences

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Landing a first job is rarely easy, and in some European countries the search feels like an obstacle course. The gap between nations is striking: youth unemployment in Europe ranges from 7.4% to 30.8%. Visual Capitalist reports on this, having compared the situation in 31 countries for August 2026 using Eurostat data. Romania posts the worst result, Germany the best, and some surprises are waiting in the North. Let’s look at what lies behind the numbers.

Read also: which European countries have the most job openings in 2026.

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Youth Unemployment in Europe: Where Are the Highest Rates?

In August 2026, almost 3 million Europeans under 25 were out of work. The EU average stood at 15.4%, and the eurozone at 15.0%. A quick note on how this is measured: the rate is calculated among economically active people aged 15–24 (16–24 in the UK), not among all people of that age. Students who are not looking for work are not counted.

Top 10 Countries with the Toughest Start for Young People

- Romania – 30.8%

- Estonia – 28.4%

- Sweden – 23.8%

- Finland – 23.3%

- Spain – 22.7%

- Luxembourg – 20.8%

- France – 20.6%

- Italy – 20.3%

- Portugal – 19.8%

- Belgium – 19.1%

Romania’s rate is twice the EU average and more than four times Germany’s. Next come Slovakia (17.4%), Croatia and the United Kingdom (16.4% each), Latvia (16.0%), Greece (15.6%), Hungary (15.4%), Denmark (15.0%), Slovenia (14.3%), Norway (13.6%) and Bulgaria (13.5%).

Photo – Visual Capitalist

A Surprise from the North: Sweden and Finland Fare Worse Than Spain

It was long assumed that young people have it hardest in Southern Europe. The new figures upend that picture. Youth unemployment is 23.8% in Sweden and 23.3% in Finland, against 22.7% in Spain.

The direction of travel differs too. Over the past year Spain improved by 2.3 percentage points, while France lost 1.2. Their numbers are nearly identical, yet the two countries are moving in opposite directions.

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Why Do Young People Find Jobs Faster in Germany?

At 7.4%, Germany leads by a wide margin. The Netherlands (8.8%), Switzerland (9.0%) and Malta (9.7%) follow.

One explanation for Germany’s success is dual vocational training. Apprentices study at a company and a vocational school at the same time, earn a wage and build experience before they even have a diploma. About half of school leavers choose this route, with more than 300 occupations on offer. In 2025, 89% of Germans aged 25–34 with a vocational qualification were employed, slightly more than among their peers with a university degree. Training on the job is not the only reason for low unemployment, but it builds a clear bridge between school and paid work.

Read also: how much does the middle class earn in Germany in 2026?

Spain: How Did the Country Overcome a Peak of Over 50%?

In 2013, youth unemployment in Spain exceeded 50%. Today it stands at less than half of that peak. At the same time, the country has tackled another long-standing problem: unstable contracts.

Before the latest major labor reform, short contracts were routine for young workers. In 2021, nearly a third of contracts for people under 25 lasted two weeks or less, and career growth on such terms is hard to imagine. The reform restricted temporary hiring, and the share of temporary employment in the economy fell from 25.4% at the end of 2021 to about 16% in 2024.

See the ranking of the best countries for digital nomads in 2026 at the link.

A Rough Start Costs More Than a Few Months of Job Hunting

The price of unemployment early in life goes beyond an empty wallet today. A study based on UK data showed that long spells without work in youth reduce earnings years later. The strongest effect came from months without a job between the ages of 18 and 20.

Where Should Young People Looking for Work Abroad Start?

A high national rate does not mean there are no vacancies at all. The average hides differences between regions, industries and skill levels. Before choosing a country, it is worth checking three things:

- which specialists the country is short of right now;

- which language is used in the workplace and whether your level is enough;

- which set of documents is required for a visa and a work permit.

The last point is where people most often stumble: losing a single certificate is enough for an application to be delayed or rejected. That is why working abroad remains quite achievable for young people even in countries with high unemployment, provided you prepare in advance and aim for in-demand professions.

The Work Guide from Visit World explains which documents you need to prepare for a work visa to your chosen country and walks you through the application procedure. The material is tailored to your citizenship and destination, so you see the requirements for your exact case.

Enter your citizenship and destination on the guides page and get the PDF by email within minutes.

Quick reminder! The Netherlands remains one of the most promising labor markets in Europe for foreigners: employers lack specialists in technical professions, healthcare, logistics, IT and a number of other sectors. We have already covered the most in-demand jobs in the Netherlands, salary levels, opportunities for candidates who do not speak Dutch, and the rules for obtaining a work permit in 2026.

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