My List0Plan appointmentSearch through our website
en

Why Rotterdam

Welcome to Rotterdam, the gateway to Europe. International city with a distinct character, energetic, always in motion, eyes on the future. Dynamic port city, where a vibrant mix of more than 170 nationalities and many cultures, subcultures and communities make for a diverse, inclusive and open urban culture. It’s no wonder that more and more international companies and expats settle and build their future in Rotterdam.

Living in Rotterdam

Rotterdam has a unique urban vibe. The diverse and multicultural nature of Rotterdam’s population is visible and tangible in its art, culture, nightlife, culinary culture, business community and literally on the streets. Practically everybody here speaks English fluently.

As an expat you’ll easily find a home here, either in the city centre, or in one of Rotterdam’s scenic green suburbs. Popular areas for expats are Kralingen, Hillegersberg, Rotterdam Noord (North) and the city centre, but the quickly evolving areas south of the river Maas are also attracting an increasing number of expats. Besides the diversity and quality of its neighbourhoods, the relatively low cost of living and housing in Rotterdam compared to other cities contributes to its growing appeal.

Een foto van mensen op het terras van Wolly aan de Waterkant aan het Noordplein

Safe, open, accessible

Rotterdam is safe, well organised and easy to travel around. It’s quite open and less crowded than many other international urban hubs, with green belt areas and water nearby wherever you are in the city.

Rotterdam boasts an excellent public transport system (bus, tram, metro, watertaxi) and is close to two international airports (both Schiphol International Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport are less than 30 minutes from Rotterdam Central Station). And of course Rotterdammers, being Dutch, love to ride their bikes, which is actually one of the fastest ways of getting around the city. All these aspects contribute to Rotterdam being an ideal city for international families to settle and build their lives.

Photo of Zuidplein bus terminal

Education and talent development

Speaking of families, Rotterdam has several highly regarded international schools for primary and secondary education and world class institutes for higher level education, including:

Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus Medical Centre and the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (where in general education is offered in English). Because of the rapid growth of Rotterdam’s international business community and innovation ecosystem, education and talent development are key concerns for the city. Municipality, businesses, research and knowledge institutes all actively work together to provide special programs and hubs where people can develop and deploy their talents.

Photo of a group of three young Asian looking women together in a room. They are looking at, and conversing over their laptops.

Team Rotterdam International Center

If you have questions that aren't answered with the information you find on this website, please reach out to us: