Why Amsterdam
Join over 3,000 international companies that have invested in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and chosen to become part of our long history as a successful business hub and leading centre of trade. All of the relevant contacts are close at hand, and a wide network of internationally orientated service providers offer companies a competitive edge.
Amsterdam’s village-like charm is combined with a cosmopolitan vibe
International corporate headquarters
As the capital of the fifth-most competitive economy in the world, the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has what it takes to help your business excel. It has a high quality educational system, an efficient infrastructure, reliable cooperative government and a strong focus on innovation (World Economic Forum, 2015).
Companies such as Google, Tesla, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Netflix, Yakult, Booking.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Samsung, Adidas, Canon, Mitsubishi, Embraer and Tata Consultancy Services have all chosen to become part of our long history as a successful business hub and leading centre of trade.
Gateway to Europe
Be it by water, land or air, the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is incredibly well connected, gaining you full access to a vast European market. The award-winning Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is centrally located and flies to 323 destinations. High-speed rail services make it easy to work while traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels, Paris, London and Berlin, and the Port is ranked in the top 5 of Europe.
A connected city
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is a thriving tech hub. The area is home to the largest data transport hub in the world, the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX), and has the highest rankings of broadband penetration in Europe.
Amsterdam is one of the most multicultural cities in the world
Startup hotspot
Amsterdam is the place to be for startups and has always been a natural testbed for innovations. It recently ranked second on the European Digital City Index. Throughout the city, fresh and disruptive ideas are encouraged, nurtured and then scaled into real international businesses. With its rich history, pioneering spirit of commerce, healthy work/life balance and cultural diversity, it’s no wonder that the city is a hotspot for entrepreneurs from across the globe.
Nurturing this growth, the city is home to an impressive ecosystem of accelerators, incubators, and high-ranking knowledge institutions. Top universities along with the ACE Venture Lab also make the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area an epicentre for science-based technology and innovation.
Vibrant city, rich surroundings
Amsterdam’s village-like charm is combined with the cosmopolitan vibe and cultural life of a European capital. Services for the international community such as international schools and a dedicated Expatcenter are excellent, helping newcomers feel at home after a short time. Also, Amsterdam is one of the top cycling cities in the world. Cycling is a simple and healthy way to get anywhere in the city. Besides the Dutch countryside, lakes and seashore are all just a short ride away.
Diverse multilingual population
With a strong tradition of tolerance, inclusion and open-mindedness and a home to 180 different nationalities, Amsterdam is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. 90% of Amsterdam residents speak English and the average resident speaks two or more languages. International companies employ over 30 nationalities – making it easy to do European and worldwide business in Amsterdam.
Excellent business value
Amsterdam is considerably more competitive than other cities when it comes to costs for office space, labour, utility & transportation, and effective corporate tax rates. KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives 2016 report ranks the Netherlands as Europe's most cost competitive market for business. The Netherlands has a competitive tax system, and its tax treaties with the majority of the world’s trading nations prevent double taxation for businesses. The Netherlands actively promotes R&D activities through a favourable corporate tax structure, and through specific R&D tax incentives to stimulate innovation. In addition, many highly-skilled migrants qualify for a 30% personal income tax exemption.
The best talent
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is home to multiple different research and vocational universities and colleges of applied sciences, with two of its universities ranked among the very best in the world. The city has a long tradition of quality innovative education and excels in academic teaching, research, and publication. Courses are often taught in English, and international students that graduate at BA/MA level can apply for an Orientation Year visa that helps them kick start a career in the Netherlands.
Of the million internationals working in the Netherlands many are knowledge migrants on a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. Very few places in Europe compare to the Netherlands in terms of the sheer volume of its highly educated and highly skilled workforce. The country ranks eighth in the world on the Human Capital Index (World Economic Forum, 2015) and fifth in terms of labour productivity (OECD Statistics, 2013).
Focus industries
Amsterdam is a major center for Transport & Logistics, Fashion & Apparel, Financial & Insurance Services, Food & Beverages, Aerospace, Information Technology, Creative, Marketing & Media, Not for Profit, Life Sciences, Creative, Marketing & Media and Real Estate.
Learn about our Focus industries.
