Maastricht region

Maastricht Region lies in the heart of Western Europe. In fact, the region shares a border of just 6 km with the Netherlands and over 220 km with Belgium and Germany. The main cities on Dutch ground are Heerlen (87.000 inhabitants), Sittard-Geleen (92.000) and Maastricht (122.000). You’ll hear a mix of languages. English is widely spoken, but out and about you may also hear people speaking French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Looking for a well-connected spot to find your feet in the Netherlands? If so, Maastricht Region could be the perfect choice. Lively cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and even Paris, are less than a few hours away by car, train, or plane.

The international allure of Maastricht Region is also reflected in its demography. There is a large international community. Global companies that have settled along the Meuse River attract professional talent from all over the world. And, housing the most international university in the Netherlands, Maastricht University welcomes scores of international students. Fun fact: 50% of its student population are from countries outside of the Netherlands.

The Maastricht region is no stranger to knowledge and innovation. The University of Maastricht, for example, works closely with small businesses and large companies in the region such as DSM, Medtronic, Rockwool, and Canon. These partnerships tighten the ties between education and the employment market. It’s this relationship that results in many exciting work and study opportunities.

At the centre of the region’s knowledge economy is Brightlands. At these campus locations, experts in business and science collaborate. Their work is resulting in groundbreaking developments in a variety of sectors, from circular chemistry, and health to data science and intelligent digital services. On-site, almost 30,000 people work on innovations that will help define tomorrow’s world.  

Looking to work among industry leaders in energy and circularity? Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen has plenty to offer. The site’s industrial park has welcomed just shy of 150 companies including multinationals such as  Arlanxeo, AnQore, DSM, Fibrant, OCI Nitrogen, and SABIC.

At Brightlands Smart Services Campus (Heerlen) we work together to ensure that knowledge in the field of data science leads to new smart digital services that improve the quality of life. The goal of the AI-hub Brightlands is to bring together AI expertise in Limburg to solve social and economic challenges in Limburg. With its partners, AI-hub Brightlands works on the AI building blocks Data Sharing, Human-centered AI, Research and Innovation, Startups and Scaleups, Human Capital and is active in the application areas Public Services and Safety, Financial Services, Healthcare and Health and Technical (process) industry, Built Environment and Education. In addition, AI-hub helps SMEs with digitization issues.Meanwhile, at Brightlands Health Campus (Maastricht) brilliant researchers, doctors and entrepreneurs work together on valuable innovation in healthcare, medicine and life sciences. Here companies such as Mosa Meat (creating production methods for cultured meat) and PathoFinder (a privately owned molecular diagnostics company) are headquartered.

In Heerlen the medical logistics sector is booming. AVANTIS the first German-Dutch business park located on the border between Aachen and Heerlen offers companies a unique fast access via Germany and Belgium to the rest of Europe. You can start your Dutch career here at companies such as Medtronic, Ceva Logistics, or Doc Morris.

Art, food, shopping, or music: there’s never a dull moment in the Maastricht Region. People travel from far and wide to discover the region’s cultural offerings and leisure activities. Look up the most popular places to visit in the Netherlands and you’re sure to find this most southern part of the Netherlands on most, if not all, lists of recommendations.

Looking to explore new opportunities in the Netherlands? Think about adding Maastricht Region to your list for consideration. It’s a region with an international mindset where people truly respect the quality of life on offer. Maastricht Region is also a place where people are excited to work together and across borders. In short, it’s the ultimate place to grow!