Living in Rotterdam as an Expat

Rotterdam is the most international city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. More than 170 nationalities, almost 53% of the population has at least one parent born outside the Netherlands. Erasmus University annually attracts more than 36,000 students, a quarter of whom are international. The Port of Rotterdam, the largest in Europe, brings a constant stream of international workers in logistics, energy, and shipping.

The city has its own character. Direct, no-nonsense, proud of itself. Where Amsterdam is historical and touristy, Rotterdam is modern and working. The architecture is post-war and bold. The people are straightforward. And the rental market, compared to Amsterdam, is more accessible: lower prices, more space, and less extreme competition during viewings.

Registration: The Rotterdam International Center

The first step after arrival is registration with the municipality. The Rotterdam International Center at Weena 725, near Central Station, is the one-stop-shop for internationals. Municipal registration, BSN number, and IND appointment are arranged here in one visit, entirely in English.

Those coming as highly skilled migrants via a recognized employer complete the process in two to three weeks. For others, the waiting time can increase to four to six weeks. Schedule your appointment before your arrival. You will need a valid passport and a rental contract as proof of address.

After the BSN, the DigiD (digital identity for government affairs) and health insurance follow. The Rotterdam International Center also advises on tax, bank accounts, education, and the 30% ruling.

The Rental Market: Cheaper than Amsterdam, but Rising Rapidly

The average rental price in Rotterdam is 18.31 euros per square meter (early 2025). In Amsterdam, it is 23.82 euros. This saves hundreds of euros per month on an average apartment. But prices in Rotterdam are rising faster: 8.3% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1.2% in Amsterdam. The market is becoming tighter.

Landlords generally apply an income requirement of three times the gross monthly rent. English-language contracts are common in the expat segment. The deposit is one to two months' rent. Furnished apartments are available but more expensive than unfurnished (with floors and curtains, without furniture) or bare (completely empty).

Popular homes in neighborhoods such as Kralingen, the city center, and Katendrecht receive more than forty responses and are rented out within two to three weeks. Respond quickly and immediately provide a complete file: passport, employment contract, payslips, and employer's statement.

On HousingMatchers, you will find an overview of all available rental properties in Rotterdam. You can filter by district, price, and type of property.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Kralingen is Rotterdam's most established expat neighborhood. Quiet, green, with Kralingse Bos and Kralingse Plas within walking distance. Erasmus University is nearby. Rental prices range from 1,400 to 4,500 euros per month. It is the most expensive neighborhood in the city, but the first choice for international professionals and academics.

Hillegersberg-Schiebroek is popular with families. Villa areas, an old village center, and two international schools: the Nord Anglia International School and the Japanese School. Spacious homes, a quiet streetscape, and good connections to the city center.

Blijdorp offers a relaxed atmosphere with good accessibility. The zoo, Vroesenpark, and several international primary schools are located in the neighborhood. Rental prices are lower than in Kralingen. Metro line E connects Blijdorp directly to Central Station and The Hague.

Kop van Zuid attracts corporate expats with a preference for modern living. Luxury apartments in high-rise towers, views of the Maas and the skyline, world-renowned architecture. Wilhelminaplein is connected to the city center by metro in a few minutes.

The city center is for those who want everything within walking distance. Multicultural, urban, with a mix of students, young professionals, and internationals. Witte de Withstraat and Museumpark are the cultural axes.

Katendrecht and Oude Noorden are emerging neighborhoods for international creatives and starters. Affordable, authentic, and with a growing range of catering and culture.

The 30% Ruling

The 30% ruling applies throughout the Netherlands, including Rotterdam. The scheme allows eligible employees to receive up to 30% of their gross salary tax-free, for a maximum of five years. Conditions: lived more than 150 kilometers from the Dutch border before employment and a minimum gross annual salary of 46,660 euros (2025). From 2027, the rate will be reduced to 27%. The application goes through your employer.

Working in Rotterdam: Port, Energy, and More

Rotterdam does not have a single Zuidas but multiple working areas, each with its own sector.

Weena and the area around Central Station is the business center. Large office buildings house, among others, Unilever and insurance companies. The World Trade Center Rotterdam is located there.

The Port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and contributes 60 billion euros annually to the Dutch economy. More than 500,000 jobs are directly or indirectly linked to the port. Shell, BP, Vopak, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are major employers.

Brainpark, near Erasmus University and the A16, houses maritime and logistics companies: Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and Vopak. It is the city's logistical hub.

Erasmus MC is one of the largest employers in healthcare and medical research. The campus is located in the city center.

International Schools

Rotterdam has several international schools, concentrated in Hillegersberg and Blijdorp.

The Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) in Hillegersberg offers education from 3 to 18 years, with the IB program. School fees range from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 euros per year.

The Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) offers IGCSE and IB programs for high school students.

The Harbour International Primary School is a state-funded English-speaking primary school, meaning that school fees are significantly lower than private schools.

In the broader Rotterdam-The Hague region, there are about twenty international schools. Waiting lists exist, so enroll your child as soon as the move is confirmed.

Language and Healthcare

Rotterdam is one of the most English-speaking cities in the Netherlands. In shops, hospitality, and in the workplace of international companies, you can get by well with English. Official mail from the Tax Authorities and your health insurer comes in Dutch, but the Rotterdam International Center helps with translation and explanation.

For healthcare: everyone living or working in the Netherlands is obliged to take out basic health insurance (approximately 155 euros per month, 2025). The deductible is 385 euros per year. Register with a general practitioner in your neighborhood as soon as possible.

English-speaking healthcare options in Rotterdam: the Expat Health Clinic is a multilingual private clinic. The International Health Centre Rotterdam (iHCR) specifically targets international patients. The GP for Internationals at Erasmus MC serves international students and staff.

Rotterdam is a city for people who want to live there, not just be there. It lacks the canals and tourist glitter of Amsterdam but offers more space, lower rental prices, and a constantly evolving city in return. The infrastructure for internationals is good: its own expat center, English-speaking healthcare, international schools, and a rental market accustomed to international tenants. Those who choose Rotterdam choose a city that works.