Working in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is an exciting, cosmopolitan city undergoing constant development and brimming with possibility. As a global gateway and Europe’s largest seaport, it offers tremendous opportunities for career-focused individuals. Still, you may find that looking for work here can be tougher than expected.

Compared to the national average, Rotterdam’s rate of unemployment is considerably higher. This can make competition for jobs fierce. The process can be even more challenging for non-EU citizens, as employers must prove that no EU citizen can fill the vacancy before offering you a position.

Job market in Rotterdam

Known as the gateway to Europe, Rotterdam is home to the continent’s largest seaport. This strategic location drives the city’s economy, with logistics and maritime industries forming the backbone. In recent years, Rotterdam has also emerged as a global hub for architecture, with internationally renowned firms based in the city.

If you work in the retail sector, you may find securing work in Rotterdam relatively easy. The healthcare and welfare industries also have significant opportunities. Academia and teaching remain viable career paths, thanks to institutions like Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Additionally, the city’s vibrant energy and chemical industries offer roles for specialists.

Specialised skills and the ability to speak Dutch can significantly improve your chances of finding work, but given Rotterdam’s cosmopolitan and diverse population, fluency in Dutch is not always a requirement. For expats, the Dutch government’s ‘30 percent ruling’ may allow you to receive up to 30 percent of your salary tax-free, easing your financial transition.

Finding a job in Rotterdam

To find a job in Rotterdam, start by checking online job portals or connecting with a recruitment agency. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Monsterboard, and Nationale Vacaturebank are excellent resources for job listings and insights into company cultures and work environments.

Networking is essential. Having contacts in Rotterdam often yields better results than solely relying on job postings. If you are targeting a specific company, check their website for job openings and consider directly reaching out to HR or a recruitment consultant, even if no positions are listed. This proactive approach can highlight your initiative, a quality valued by Dutch employers.

For EU citizens, working in Rotterdam is straightforward as no work permits are needed. Non-EU citizens, however, will typically require an employer-sponsored work permit. Employers must demonstrate that no suitable EU candidate is available, so securing a job offer before moving is essential.

Work Permits for the Netherlands

Useful links

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Nationale Vacaturebank
• Monsterboard

Work culture in Rotterdam

Although company culture varies between organisations and fields of work, there is a general perception of business culture in the city. Punctuality is critical when working in the Netherlands, and honesty and directness are appreciated.

Doing business in Rotterdam may entail a communication style that you might find unfamiliar. Meetings tend to skip the small talk and dive right into the agenda in a very direct and straightforward manner. While this way of communicating may be efficient, it can feel a little blunt at first. Given the emphasis on collaboration, teamwork, and valuing every member’s opinion, decision-making can still be a slow process.

You are entitled to at least 20 days of paid annual leave, and some companies offer more. Employees can also benefit from a decent employment package covering transport costs and, in some cases, partial school fees for children attending a private school.

Read more about Business Culture in the Netherlands.