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.
Excellent education system, highly skilled local talents
The Dutch education system ranks among the best in the world, sustaining a highly skilled talent pool. The Rotterdam region provides a steady supply of skilled graduates across disciplines, with two universities and numerous higher and vocational education institutions. Erasmus University Rotterdam is a top 20 university in West-Europe, offering more than 80 programmes. This university is known for delivering top talents in business and marketing (ranking #10 and #5 in Europe). Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a top 5 university in West-Europe and offers great access to creative technical talent. The institution scores high on engineering & technology programmes with particular strengths in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and architecture (#1, #1 and #3 in Europe).
Along with industry expertise, the Dutch stand out as a digitally savvy and multilingual workforce. The local Dutch workforce is well-connected thanks to the excellent digital infrastructure. It boasts the highest level of digital skills in Europe, highly beneficial for remote and hybrid environments. The Dutch also have the highest proficiency of English in the world and are used to doing business in English. This is cited by many international companies as a key factor for their decision to establish business in the Netherlands.
Diverse workforce meeting international business needs
Rotterdam is a modern and dynamic city with over 170 nationalities. Home to a diverse community, this city offers a multi-lingual environment with people and business from different backgrounds. Rotterdam's openness to cultures and languages is valued by international businesses, because this diversity is reflected in the local workforce. Dutch professionals are familiar with working in multicultural settings, speak English fluently and many are also proficient in other languages. This makes it easy for international companies to operate within the business community.
The local talent pool includes pan-European talent as European Union (EU) regulations allow people to live and work across member states without a work permit. Moreover, 32% of international graduates from Dutch universities stay to work in the Netherlands. These talents bring their backgrounds and native language skills to the Netherlands, which are assets for businesses looking to engage with a global market.
Welcoming environment for international talent
Rotterdam is an appealing choice for international talent thanks to its international orientation, diverse community and excellent quality of life. Rotterdam’s image as an inclusive and innovative city with ambitious sustainability initiatives helps to attract high-skilled talents that are passionate about environmental and social issues and are eager to contribute to finding solutions for global challenges.
Companies based in the Netherlands have direct access to the talent pool of all EU member states and can also bring in highly skilled workers from outside of the EU, thanks to transparent and supportive immigration policies and immigration treaties with US and Japan. The Netherlands offers fast-track immigration procedures to allow employers to hire highly qualified internationals from outside the EU more easily (‘Highly Skilled Migrant Visa’). These internationals can also benefit from tax advantages through the 30% facility, allowing them to receive 30% of their salary tax-free to compensate for moving costs. In Rotterdam, international employees are welcomed by the Rotterdam International Center, whose experts assist them with formal procedures and relocation needs.
Efficient, nurturing work environment
The Dutch business ecosystem fosters a motivated workforce by providing pleasant working conditions while maintaining an efficient work environment and facilitating life-long learning. Flexible employment laws and cooperative labour relations in the Netherlands provide business with a stable environment while wages, labour cost and salaries are competitive compared to other European countries. Employee training is a high priority for companies and talent is trained through programmes that actively match the education system with industry needs.
The Netherlands also has the most inclusive workplaces in the world and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are high on the agenda. Along with a strong balance between work and life, this creates an excellent breeding ground for developing a talented, productive and motivated workforce that grows with business community and keeps the economy competitive.
More information
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency for information about labour market; labour relations; wages; education; work & residence permits.
Rotterdam International Center and Immigration and Naturalisation Authority (IND) for information about work and residence permits.
About us
We are the official Investment Promotion Agency for the Rotterdam region. From location advice and fact-finding trips to connecting you with partners and networks, we help you start and grow your business.
