The Netherlands is becoming more and more one of the top destinations for internationals, and this comes as no surprise when you think that the Netherlands is ranked #5 of the happiest countries in the world in 2021, according to Forbes.
Quality of life, work-life balance as well as the presence of many international companies that choose the Netherlands as their European headquarters, are some of the reasons why this country has become such a popular destination for expats.
Here you can find the top 5 Dutch cities to work in as an expat, as well as which industries are the most prominent in each city.
1. Amsterdam
The Dutch capital is known for its diverse and multicultural ambience, and it attracts a lot of international talent as it hosts a significant number of international companies. Netflix, Tesla Motors, and Adidas are only a few of the major multinational companies that are headquartered in Amsterdam. If you are planning to relocate to Amsterdam but you don’t speak fluent Dutch, it should not be a problem to find a job there, as many of these multinationals usually seek to hire a highly-skilled, multilingual workforce from different foreign countries in order to cover several markets. Another advantage that Amsterdam has to offer is its proximity to Schiphol Airport, one of the largest airports worldwide, which makes Amsterdam highly accessible no matter where you are coming from.
2. Rotterdam
Known for its unique modern architecture and urbanism, Rotterdam is the second biggest city in the Netherlands and it is home to Europe’s largest seaport, which makes this city highly accessible as well. Like in Amsterdam, knowledge of Dutch is not always a requirement for working in Rotterdam, due to its diverse and cosmopolitan nature. The most prominent industries are shipping, trade, logistics, and [green] energy.
3. The Hague
The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and it is known as the administrative and royal capital of the country. The Dutch parliament, the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and many other international organizations as well as embassies are seated in the Hague, making the city the political heart of the Netherlands. That being said, there are many employment opportunities, especially within diplomacy and international affairs.
4. Eindhoven
Eindhoven is placed among the top destinations on global investors’ target lists due to its large presence in growing industries such as education, tech, and life sciences. From the small village that it was in the past, Eindhoven has now been transformed into a huge industrial site, where many factories, tech companies and start-ups are located. If you are interested in an IT or engineering career, your chances of finding employment in Eindhoven are many!
5. Utrecht
Only 20 minutes away from Amsterdam, Utrecht is an impressive, picturesque city, with unique beauty and a very pleasant atmosphere. The Utrecht Sustainability Institute is responsible for sustainable development, renewable energy and circular economy systems, which makes the city a desirable destination for anyone seeking a career in sustainable development.
The Netherlands is a hub for innovation, it has an advantageous location, and many international firms choose it as their European headquarters. While Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, Eindhoven, and Utrecht are some of the top cities to work in, there are other Dutch cities that are equally attractive and offer many career opportunities, such as Arnhem and Wageningen.
At Jimble, we are specialized in Talent Mobility and we have supported thousands of expats to relocate to the Netherlands. Head over to our contact page and schedule an appointment with one of our skilled experts to discuss all your questions extensively.
