Rotterdam Investor Guide
Starting up or expanding your business abroad comes with challenges. Rotterdam makes it easy for you. Our city, the Gateway to Europe, is perfectly located, offering top connectivity and infrastructure, a fast growing innovation ecosystem, talent and an ambitious, future-focused mindset.
Doing business
Rotterdam is the perfect location for your business development. Its unique location, smart port, the ‘make it happen’ mindset and willingness to collaborate and innovate and its drive to be a world leading city in urban resilience, sustainability and energy transition make this city an increasingly popular investment location.
About Rotterdam
Rotterdam is dedicated to driving the change towards a resilient and sustainable urban future. Here, companies, research and knowledge institutions and governmental bodies actively collaborate to design and implement innovative and creative solutions for global challenges such as energy transition, circular economy and digitalisation.
Economic overview and business climate
Explore the Netherlands’ business climate and economic overview. Learn about market conditions, government policy and opportunities for companies.
Great infrastructure and market access
Discover Rotterdam’s infrastructure and market access to Europe. Benefit from world-class logistics, global connectivity and a gateway to EU markets.
Taxes and incentives
Understand corporate tax in the Netherlands, including VAT, tax rates, and requirements for businesses. Learn how Dutch taxes impact your company setup.
Talent and labour market
Learn how to hire talent in the Netherlands. Understand work visa requirements, permits and access to a highly skilled international workforce.
Access to capital
If you're an investor looking for a country or city for your investment, availability of and access to capital is a critical factor. Rotterdam offers you a strong start-up infrastructure with co-working spaces, incubators, accelerators and innovations hubs, providing essential resources and access to funding. Our entrepreneurial community attracts venture capital firms and angel investors and supportive government policies, incentives and grants help to create a conducive environment for companies to thrive.
Business locations
Looking for business locations in Europe? Look no further. Rotterdam is a dynamic business hub with an impressive skyline and modern architecture. Its diverse economic environment is reflected in its 4 major business districts that cater to needs of different industries and companies. Strategically located within Western-Europe, Rotterdam offers highly competitive price-quality on real estate and a diverse offer of appealing business locations that are connected through a reliable and extensive public transportation system.
Innovation and business ecosystem
Rotterdam is a great place to do business. The city offers a unique mix of factors that support business development and make international entrepreneurs feel right at home. With a strong Rotterdam economy, a vibrant tech ecosystem, and a reputation as a Rotterdam innovation city, it’s an ideal location for companies investing in the Netherlands or setting up business in Europe.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
Rotterdam, a key industrial and logistics hub, is setting the global standard for sustainability and energy transition. As a dynamic port city with a rich history of innovation, Rotterdam is committed to addressing climate change and creating a resilient, climate-neutral future.
Quality of life
The high Rotterdam quality of life and dynamic vibe make the city an appealing choice for international workers and companies looking to attract top-notch talent. Rotterdam combines the amenities of a modern multicultural city with the benefits of a calmer and more affordable second-tier city. The city tops international rankings as the world’s 4th best city for quality of life and 5th most liveable city for expats, making it a strategic advantage for businesses setting up in the Netherlands or expanding in Europe.