5 hotspots skilled South Africans are moving to in the Netherlands

·25 Feb 2025

Immigration experts have noted an increase in skilled South Africans looking to move to the Netherlands, and they’re moving to cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven.

According to the latest statistics from the Netherlands’ Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, an estimated 41,300 South Africans live in the Netherlands—a large portion of which are highly skilled professionals.

“We’ve seen a clear rise in South Africans looking to move to the Netherlands, especially in IT, engineering, and finance,” said Andreas Krensel, an expert in African immigration law at IBN Immigration.

Krensel noted that this emigration trend from South Africa to the Netherlands is driven by tax incentives, job opportunities and working hours, and the ease of transition.

“Most Dutch professionals only work around 35 hours a week, often with the flexibility to work remotely,” Krensel said.

A major draw for South African professionals is the abundance of career opportunities in the Netherlands. The country faces a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technological fields.

Reports highlight that Dutch institutions are not producing enough graduates to meet the demands of its growing tech industry, with many students opting for non-technical disciplines.

This talent gap has created a high demand for professionals in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and engineering.

Consequently, Dutch companies are actively recruiting highly skilled ICT professionals and engineers from abroad, including South Africa.

Additionally, the country’s immigration policies are designed to be welcoming, with relatively straightforward work permits for skilled professionals.

“The Netherlands actively recruits skilled professionals, and work permits are relatively straightforward,” Krensel said.

He added that the transition is easier than in many other countries, thanks to the widespread use of English and a legal framework that simplifies the immigration process.

*Expert in African immigration law at IBN Immigration, *Andreas Krensel*.*

Another significant factor driving this trend is the Dutch government’s tax incentives for highly skilled foreigners.

Eligible expatriates to receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free. Tax Consulting South Africa confirmed that this is a major draw for professionals in South Africa’s higher tax brackets.

“These incentives, particularly favourable in sectors like finance and technology, add an extra layer of motivation for South Africans contemplating a move to the Netherlands,” the firm said.

Apart from financial advantages, Krensel said the Netherlands offers a really good work-life balance that resonates with many South Africans seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle.

“Most Dutch professionals also only work around 35 hours a week, often with the flexibility to work remotely. Career growth is a big one,” Krensel said.

This emphasis on family and leisure time appeals to South Africans looking for a balanced professional and personal life. The opportunity to earn competitive salaries is also a strong incentive.

Highly sought-after roles include civil and electrical engineers, software engineers, and cybersecurity specialists, with salaries ranging from R1 million to R1.6 million per annum (approximately R83,000 to R130,000 per month).

Krensel highlighted five cities where South Africans tend to settle. Most relocations are to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven.

These urban centres are particularly popular due to their vibrant job markets and high quality of life.

Amsterdam, as the capital city, is a hub for international business and finance, attracting many expats with its busy lifestyle and cultural diversity.

Rotterdam is known for its booming tech and engineering sectors, while The Hague appeals to a variety of professionals.

Utrecht is favoured for its central location and growing tech industry, and Eindhoven is becoming a hotspot for high-tech manufacturing.

However, he added that many jobs in the Netherlands offer remote work, so South Africans settle all over the country, even from home in South Africa.