The Dutch Tech Exodus: How Amazon Layoffs Are Reshaping Europe's Secondary Markets and Investment Opportunities

In 2025, Amazon's aggressive cost-cutting and restructuring efforts triggered a seismic shift in the global tech labor market. Layoffs spanning AWS, devices, and corporate departments—targeting up to 10% of staff in key areas—set off a ripple effect: displaced workers began migrating en masse to the Netherlands. This exodus, driven by the allure of a better work-life balance, affordable living, and digital nomad-friendly policies, is reshaping not just corporate landscapes but also real estate dynamics and investment opportunities in secondary European markets.

The Netherlands: A Magnet for Tech Workers

The Netherlands has emerged as a prime destination for Amazon employees seeking to escape the high-pressure, high-cost environment of U.S. tech hubs. Cities like Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are now seeing a surge in demand for housing and coworking spaces. The country's MVV visa for remote workers, which allows non-EU professionals to live and work in the Netherlands for up to three years, has been instrumental in attracting this talent. Additionally, the Netherlands' reputation for quality healthcare, robust social safety nets, and a 32-hour workweek model has made it a beacon for professionals disillusioned with the 70-hour grind of Silicon Valley.

Real estate markets in secondary Dutch cities are already responding. In Utrecht, for example, house prices rose by 11.6% in 2024, with projections of 8.6% growth in 2025. Rotterdam saw an 8.9% increase in 2024, and its market is expected to grow by 7% in 2025. While Eindhoven's data is less explicit, its status as a tech and industrial innovation hub ensures it remains a key beneficiary of this trend.

Coworking and Remote Work Infrastructure: The New Gold Rush

The influx of remote workers has spurred a boom in coworking infrastructure. In Eindhoven, spaces like Space Venu and StartDock are expanding to accommodate demand, while Rotterdam's CIC Rotterdam and Utrecht's Workspace6 are seeing occupancy rates soar. These hubs, equipped with 80 Mbps+ internet and collaborative networks, are not just workspaces but ecosystems for innovation.

Investors are taking note. Coworking providers in Europe are seeing valuation growth, driven by the rise of hybrid work models and digital nomadism. For instance, companies like WeWork and local Dutch startups such as Hubgrade are positioning themselves as key players in this sector.

Beyond the Netherlands: A European Tech Renaissance

The migration trend is not confined to the Netherlands. European countries like Portugal, Germany, and Estonia have also rolled out digital nomad visas to capture this talent. Portugal's D8 visa, requiring a minimum income of €3,280/month, and Germany's Freelancer Visa for self-employed professionals are drawing professionals from the U.S. and beyond. Estonia, the first country to introduce a digital nomad visa in 2020, continues to refine its policies, offering a C-Visa (3-month stay) and D-Visa (long-term residency) for remote workers earning €37,000/year.

These policies are not just about attracting workers—they're about building ecosystems. Cities like Lisbon and Tallinn are investing in high-speed internet, tax incentives, and cultural amenities to create long-term hubs for remote professionals.

Investment Implications: Where to Put Your Money

For investors, the shift in tech labor migration signals a clear opportunity in three areas:

1. Real Estate in Secondary Markets:
   Secondary cities like Eindhoven, Utrecht, and Rotterdam offer a compelling mix of affordability and growth potential. As Amazon workers settle in these areas, demand for housing and commercial real estate will continue to rise. Investors should consider REITs focused on these markets or local developers like Vestia (Dutch housing association) and Pandion (logistics and industrial real estate).

2. Coworking and Remote Work Infrastructure:
   The demand for flexible workspaces is outpacing supply. Startups and established players in the coworking sector are well-positioned for growth. Look for companies with a presence in multiple European markets and a focus on sustainability and tech integration.

3. Digital Nomad-Friendly Services:
   From tax consulting firms (e.g., NomadX) to local service providers (e.g., Klarna for fintech), businesses catering to remote workers are thriving. The Netherlands' progressive tax policies for non-residents and its Schengen access make it a fertile ground for these services.

Conclusion: A New Era of Geographic Diversification

Amazon's layoffs have inadvertently catalyzed a global rethinking of work and living. The Netherlands, once a quiet tech backwater, is now a symbol of this transformation. For investors, the message is clear: the future of tech labor is no longer confined to Silicon Valley. It is decentralized, global, and increasingly rooted in secondary European markets. By aligning with this trend, investors can tap into a wave of innovation and growth that transcends borders—and reaps the rewards of a more distributed world.