Living in Rotterdam: the ultimate expat guide

Rotterdam's economy thrives on its strategic position as Europe's gateway for international trade. The Port of Rotterdam contributes over EUR 60 billion annually to the Dutch economy and directly or indirectly supports more than 500,000 jobs. Beyond logistics, the city has developed strong sectors in technology, healthcare, creative industries, and professional services.

Key Employment Sectors

The largest employment sectors in the Rotterdam region include healthcare and well-being (15% of jobs), retail (10%), and specialist business services (9%). The port drives demand for professionals in logistics, supply chain management, maritime engineering, and international trade. Major employers include Unilever, Shell, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and numerous shipping companies. The technology sector is expanding rapidly, with growing opportunities in IT, data science, and sustainable energy.

Work Permits and Visa Requirements

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals can work freely without permits. Non-EU citizens typically require a Highly Skilled Migrant permit (Kennismigrant), which offers fast-track processing when sponsored by an IND-recognized employer. In 2025, minimum salary thresholds are EUR 5,688/month for those aged 30+, and EUR 4,171/month for those under 30. Recent graduates benefit from a reduced threshold of EUR 2,989/month.

The table below summarizes key employment indicators for Rotterdam:

Sources: EURES, IND

Rotterdam hosts some of the Netherlands' most prestigious higher education institutions, attracting over 36,000 students to Erasmus University Rotterdam alone, with approximately 24.5% being international students from more than 100 countries. The city's universities are renowned for business, economics, medicine, and social sciences.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus University Rotterdam ranks among the world's top 200 universities (QS World Rankings 2025: #158). The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) is consistently ranked among Europe's best business schools. EUR offers numerous English-taught programs at bachelor's and master's levels. Tuition fees for 2025-2026 are EUR 2,601 (statutory fee for EU/EEA students) and EUR 12,700 – EUR 24,600 for non-EU students, depending on the program. The university comprises seven academic schools covering economics, law, social sciences, medicine, and philosophy.

Other Institutions

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Rotterdam) offers practical, career-oriented programs with strong industry connections. Codarts Rotterdam specializes in performing arts, while Willem de Kooning Academy focuses on art and design. For those interested in joint programs, EUR partners with TU Delft for programs in Nanobiology and Technical Medicine.

Admission and Student Life

International applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 90). Application deadlines vary by program, with most falling between January and May for September intake. Student housing is competitive; early registration through platforms like ROOM Rotterdam or SSH is essential.

Sources: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Rotterdam offers diverse educational options for expat families, from Dutch public schools to international institutions following British, American, or International Baccalaureate curricula. The Dutch education system is highly regarded, with compulsory education from ages 5 to 18. Many international families opt for schools that ease transitions and provide globally recognized qualifications.

International Schools in Rotterdam

The Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) serves students aged 3-18, offering the IB Diploma Programme and personalized learning. Annual tuition fees for 2025-2026 range from EUR 17,900 to EUR 25,100, plus a one-time Capital Development Fee of EUR 3,000. The Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) provides IGCSE and IB programs for ages 11-18, with fees between EUR 8,890 and EUR 10,290 annually. The American School of The Hague, located nearby, offers a complete American curriculum for ages 3-18.

Dutch Education Options

Dutch public schools are free and offer high-quality education, though instruction is in Dutch. Some schools offer bilingual programs (tweetalig onderwijs) combining Dutch and English. For younger children, daycare (kinderdagverblijf) costs approximately EUR 8-10.50 per hour, though government subsidies can significantly reduce this. Expat families should register children promptly, as waiting lists for popular schools can be long.

Enrollment Requirements

International schools typically require previous school records, proof of English proficiency, and sometimes entrance assessments. Registration should begin 6-12 months before the intended start date. Dutch schools require registration with the municipality (gemeente) and proof of residence.

Sources: Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam, Rotterdam Partners

Rotterdam's housing market offers more affordable options than Amsterdam, though competition remains strong due to high demand. The city features diverse neighborhoods, from historic areas with traditional Dutch architecture to modern developments with cutting-edge design. Approximately 60% of Rotterdam residents live in rented accommodation.

Rental Prices and Market Conditions

Average rents in Rotterdam continue to rise, though the city remains more affordable than Amsterdam. One-bedroom apartments in the city center average EUR 1,400-1,700/month, while outside the center, prices range from EUR 1,100-1,400/month. Three-bedroom apartments in central areas cost EUR 2,000-2,500/month. Rental platforms like Funda, Pararius, and HousingAnywhere list available properties. Be prepared to act quickly and provide proof of income (typically 3-4 times the monthly rent).

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

Kralingen offers an upscale residential feel with proximity to Erasmus University, ideal for academics and families. Blijdorp, near the zoo and international schools, attracts families with its green spaces. Kop van Zuid features modern high-rises and waterfront living, popular with young professionals. Hillegersberg provides a suburban village atmosphere with excellent schools. For budget-friendly options, Delfshaven offers historic charm, while Charlois and Feijenoord provide more affordable housing with improving amenities.

The table below shows typical monthly rental costs:

Sources: Pararius, Numbeo

Rotterdam's cultural scene reflects its innovative spirit, with world-class museums, bold architecture, and a thriving arts community. The city offers diverse entertainment options from historic windmills to cutting-edge galleries, ensuring there's always something to discover.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Museumpark district concentrates several major institutions. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen houses masterworks from Van Gogh to Dalí, while its groundbreaking Depot offers public access to art storage facilities. Kunsthal Rotterdam presents approximately 20 temporary exhibitions annually, featuring contemporary art, photography, and design. The Maritime Museum celebrates Rotterdam's seafaring heritage, and Wereldmuseum showcases global cultures. For architecture enthusiasts, the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) and Markthal are must-sees, while the Euromast offers panoramic city views from 185 meters.

Parks, Sports, and Entertainment

Kralingse Plas provides an urban oasis with sailing, cycling, and lakeside dining. Blijdorp Zoo is one of Europe's finest, featuring an impressive Oceanium. Football fans can experience matches at De Kuip (Feyenoord Stadium). The Katendrecht district has transformed into a trendy hub with galleries, restaurants, and the Fenix Food Factory. Day trips to the UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk windmills (35 minutes by Waterbus) offer quintessential Dutch scenery.

Annual Events

King's Day (April 27) brings citywide celebrations. The North Sea Jazz Festival (July) attracts world-renowned artists. Rotterdam Summer Carnival showcases Caribbean culture, while the International Film Festival Rotterdam (January/February) premieres independent cinema. The Rotterdamse Dakendagen opens rooftops across the city for unique urban exploration.

Sources: Rotterdam Tourist Information, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

Daily life in Rotterdam combines Dutch practicality with international flair. The city's efficient infrastructure, cycling culture, and diverse amenities make it easy to settle into a comfortable routine. English is widely spoken, particularly in business and service industries, easing the transition for newcomers.

Getting Around

Rotterdam boasts an excellent public transport network operated by RET, including 5 metro lines, 10 tram lines, and extensive bus routes. The OV-chipkaart (EUR 7.50) enables seamless travel across all modes. Since 2025, contactless payment with debit cards is also accepted. Metro services run from approximately 05:30 to 00:30. Cycling is integral to Rotterdam life, with over 600 km of bike paths. Second-hand bikes cost around EUR 50-150, or services like Swapfiets offer monthly subscriptions (approximately EUR 20/month). The Waterbus connects Rotterdam to nearby destinations including Kinderdijk and Dordrecht.

Lifestyle and Culture

Rotterdam's multicultural character shapes its food scene, with cuisines from around the world available in the Markthal and throughout the city. Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and budget options like Dirk and Lidl cater to varied preferences. Weekly markets offer fresh produce. The Dutch value work-life balance, with most shops closing by 18:00 on weekdays (later on Thursdays) and Sundays traditionally being rest days, though many shops now open 12:00-17:00. Weather is typically mild but rainy; waterproof clothing is essential.

Sources: RET Rotterdam, Rotterdam Tourist Information

Rotterdam offers a more affordable lifestyle than Amsterdam while maintaining excellent urban amenities. Monthly costs vary significantly based on lifestyle choices, accommodation location, and family size. The tables below provide realistic budget estimates for a single person and a family of four.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

The following estimates are based on moderate spending habits and accommodation outside the city center:

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo (2025)