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
Rotterdam and the Netherlands offer a highly business-friendly environment, with a stable economic, political and social climate and low business risks. International businesses are welcomed by local, regional and national governments. This openness is reflected in supportive government policies, our Make It Happen business culture and the ease of doing business in English. Combined with the strong Rotterdam economy and high Netherlands quality of life, the city is increasingly recognised among the best countries to invest in Europe.
Great infrastructure and market access
For any internationally operating business, proximity and access to markets is key. The city and port of Rotterdam are ideally located and provide great access to the EU single market, supporting international market access and investing in Europe. From here you can reach over 170 million consumers in a 500 km (300 mile) radius, contributing to the strong Rotterdam economy and positioning the city among the best countries to invest in Europe.
Taxes and incentives
Doing business in Rotterdam means you have the benefits of local and national governments actively stimulating entrepreneurship through a competitive corporate tax structure along with financial assistance such as incentives, grants, subsidies and support programs. Are you wondering about topics such as company tax rates or capital gains tax in the Netherlands? Check the information on this page.
Talent and labour market
The greater Rotterdam region has a valuable asset that is important for international companies starting or expanding their operations abroad: a diverse and world-class local talent pool, characterised by deep industry expertise and outstanding business and technical skills. The Netherlands ranks as the 5th most talent competitive country in the world thanks to the availability of highly skilled international talent. For companies looking to bring expertise from abroad, Rotterdam offers a welcoming environment thanks to the excellent quality of life, thriving international community and the one-stop-shop services from the Rotterdam International Center.
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.