Important Updates
Important Updates
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 22, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Forthcoming
August 22, 2025 | United StatesPartners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists
August 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 22, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Forthcoming
August 22, 2025 | United StatesPartners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists
August 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 2: Retaining Tech Talent, Policy Recommendations and the Road Ahead

April 8, 2025

The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 2: Retaining Tech Talent, Policy Recommendations and the Road Ahead

Countries / Territories

  • BelgiumBelgium
  • NetherlandsNetherlands

Related contacts

Photo Soraya Driessen

Soraya Driessen

Client Engagement Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+31 2 0808 8063

Related industries

  • Technology

Related insights

  • The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 1: Impact of Policy Shifts and Challenges in 2025

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Amsterdam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo Soraya Driessen

Soraya Driessen

Client Engagement Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+31 2 0808 8063

Related industries

  • Technology

Related insights

  • The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 1: Impact of Policy Shifts and Challenges in 2025

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Amsterdam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo Soraya Driessen

Soraya Driessen

Client Engagement Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+31 2 0808 8063

Related industries

  • Technology

Related insights

  • The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 1: Impact of Policy Shifts and Challenges in 2025

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Amsterdam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Soraya Driessen

The Netherlands faces growing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled talent as demand continues to rise, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors. With an aging population and increasing skills gaps, the country must address gaps in education, immigration policies and talent retention to stay competitive. 

Part One in this blog series provided an overview of the policy shifts and the challenges facing the Netherlands’ tech sector in 2025, particularly considering recent political shifts and changes in immigration policies. Part Two delves into key policy recommendations and potential solutions to address these challenges, focusing on aligning educational programs with business needs, improving retention strategies for international talent and streamlining immigration pathways for specialized tech workers.  

Challenges in retaining STEM talent 

One of the key challenges the Netherlands faces is aligning its educational system with the demands of the labor market—particularly in the tech and innovation sectors. For example, the Technical University of Eindhoven, which focuses exclusively on STEM degrees, graduates around 1,600 master’s in science students each year. Approximately 30% of these graduates are international students, a figure that includes both non-Dutch EU citizens and those from outside the EU.

Recent proposals to cap international student enrollment could limit both the outflow of highly skilled Dutch-educated professionals and the inflow of precisely the kind of talent needed to sustain the country's tech-driven economy.

Another significant challenge is retaining international talent post-graduation. While the “search year” permit provides a relatively accessible post-graduation path, many students face uncertainty about their options and are discouraged by a shifting political climate. However, several key tech regions in the Netherlands have now identified international student retention as a policy priority, which could lead to more targeted support and clearer pathways.

A recent study by Dutch organization for internationalization in education, NUFFIC, found that five years after graduation, around 25% of international students still reside in the Netherlands, and 80% of them are employed. One-year retention rates have seen a modest increase since 2018. Notably—and perhaps unsurprisingly—graduates from institutions in the Eindhoven region are the most likely to remain in the country, reflecting the area’s strong focus on international talent retention.

Read Fragomen’s previous blog on the search year permit and how international students can plan their post-graduation journey in the Netherlands to learn more.

Gender diversity in STEM 

Another important issue is the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. In the Netherlands, only around 20% of STEM students are female, limiting the pool of specialized talent available to tech companies. Some regions, such as Brainport, have made efforts to encourage more female students to pursue STEM degrees to help address this issue. 

Can the Netherlands secure its tech future through policy and investment?

In 2024, the Dutch government launched “Project Beethoven,” a €2.5 billion investment in the Brainport region. This project focuses on improving infrastructure such as the electricity grid, enhancing technical education and vocational training programs and investing in housing projects. The Ministry of Finance commissioned an employer and employee survey on the announced changes to the 30% ruling, discussed in Part 1 of this series, and how the 30% ruling has impacted international employers and expats in recent years.  

While these are positive signs, if proper steps are not taken, the Netherlands is unlikely to be able to maintain its leadership position when it comes to tech and innovation; this will affect the full supply chain, leading to companies no longer wanting to invest or establish themselves in the Netherlands, and ultimately impact the Dutch labor market.  

Furthermore, proposals by the new government to draw up a shortage occupation list and rework the European Blue Card scheme as its implemented in the Netherlands should be carefully evaluated.  

Future recommendations for policymakers

As the Netherlands continues to position itself as a global leader in innovation, policymakers must address several challenges to ensure the country remains competitive in attracting international talent: 

          • While the sponsorship system works well, applications can be complex, and timelines are long. The compliance requirements that come along with a recognized sponsor status are often not suited for large multinationals, where various delocalized teams may be responsible for tracking personnel changes. 
          • The highly skilled migrant scheme is effective but losing appeal as countries like Ireland process skilled migrant applications more quickly, without requiring immigration sponsorship status. Additionally, Ireland’s approach—focusing on excluded roles rather than approved ones—provides greater flexibility for applicants.
          • Recent changes in compliance enforcement, along with a shift toward stricter interpretation without prior leniency, have also impacted perceptions of the program.

As other European countries adopt more attractive immigration policies, the Netherlands must adapt. The rise of remote work, increased focus on inclusion and the demand for specialized talent make it crucial for policymakers to recognize the impact of changes like those to the 30% ruling. 

Despite the concerns around migration and the business climate in the Netherlands, the country remains a strong player. The Netherlands has been a steady example for other European countries when it comes to business-friendly immigration policy; that the system of recognized sponsorship works well; and that the administrative ease with which international companies can bring in their valuable talent is unmatched by many of the EU countries in the immediate environment.  

No major changes have been proposed to the main corporate immigration schemes yet, although there is an increased focus on compliance across all types of immigration. The Netherlands continues to be a great gateway to the rest of Europe, and a welcoming and steady place for businesses to expand and international talent to land. 

How Fragomen can help

Navigating the complexities of the Dutch immigration system can be challenging for businesses. Fragomen provides tailored insights and support to help companies remain compliant with evolving regulations while attracting top talent to stay competitive in the global market.

Need to know more? 

For questions regarding immigration to Netherlands or other related queries, please contact Client Engagement Manager Soraya Driessen at [email protected]. 

This blog was published on 8 April 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

Countries / Territories

  • BelgiumBelgium
  • NetherlandsNetherlands

Related contacts

Photo Soraya Driessen

Soraya Driessen

Client Engagement Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+31 2 0808 8063

Related industries

  • Technology

Related insights

  • The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 1: Impact of Policy Shifts and Challenges in 2025

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Amsterdam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo Soraya Driessen

Soraya Driessen

Client Engagement Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+31 2 0808 8063

Related industries

  • Technology

Related insights

  • The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 1: Impact of Policy Shifts and Challenges in 2025

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Amsterdam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo Soraya Driessen

Soraya Driessen

Client Engagement Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+31 2 0808 8063

Related industries

  • Technology

Related insights

  • The Netherlands and Global Tech Talent Part 1: Impact of Policy Shifts and Challenges in 2025

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Amsterdam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.