Rotterdam is an exciting, cosmopolitan city undergoing constant development and brimming with possibility. Still, expats looking for work here often report that the search is tougher than expected.
Compared to the national average, Rotterdam's rate of unemployment is high, so competition for jobs can be fierce. The search may be even tougher for non-EU citizens, whose hiring company would need to prove to authorities that no EU citizen could fill the vacancy.
Job market in Rotterdam
Known as the gateway to Europe, Rotterdam is home to the continent's largest seaport. The city's most prominent industries are shipping, logistics and trade. Energy, chemicals and business services are other major sectors. Unlike in Amsterdam, tourism is only a small part of Rotterdam's economy.
Expats working in the retail sector usually find securing work in Rotterdam to be fairly easy, and healthcare and welfare industries are also prominent in the city. Academia and teaching are also potential career paths to pursue thanks to the number of top colleges and universities in the city, such as Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Expats who can offer specialised skills and speak Dutch have a better chance of finding work, but given Rotterdam's cosmopolitan and diverse population, fluency in Dutch is not always a requirement.
Finding a job in Rotterdam
Expats looking for work can make use of online job portals or join a recruitment agency. Job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor advertise the latest job vacancies and can give job seekers an idea of expected salaries, company culture and working environments.
It helps to have contacts in Rotterdam as word of mouth will often yield better results than responding to job postings. We also advise expats interested in a specific company to check their website for available job listings. A worthwhile strategy may be to contact the HR or recruitment consultant at one's desired workplace regardless of whether a position has been advertised. This rather forward approach shows initiative, a quality valued by Dutch employers.
Job fairs and career workshops in the city are also a good way to start networking and find work – anyone from recent graduates to entrepreneurs with start-up ideas can benefit from these events.
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 expats are unfamiliar with. Meetings tend to skip the small talk and dive right into the agenda in a very direct and straightforward manner. This way of communicating may seem efficient if a little blunt at first, but given the emphasis on collaboration, teamwork and valuing every member's opinion, decision-making can nevertheless be a slow process.
Expats working in Rotterdam are entitled to at least 20 days of paid annual leave, and some companies offer more. Expat employees could also benefit from a decent employment package covering transport costs and, in some cases, partial school fees for employees with children attending a private school.
Further reading
►Learn more about the general work culture in the Netherlands
►For the essentials on money matters, read Banking, Money and Taxes in the Netherlands
Are you an expat living in Rotterdam?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Rotterdam. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad can be intimidating, but learning about medical options such as family health insurance early on can help you successfully settle in.
- Comprehensive family coverage, wherever you go
- Paediatric coverage for well-child visits & immunisations
- Access to dental and orthodontic care
- 24/7 multilingual customer service
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!