The Netherlands is making it harder to attract international talent, and ASM says that’s a move that may come back to bite us.
As a leading supplier of semiconductor equipment, ASM is experiencing a boom in the face of AI. It’s preparing to open a new research and development centre in Almere.
But there’s just one problem.
The new research centre is a project worth several hundred million euros, and the technical industry is “crying out for talent,” according to Verhagen. However, it’s talent that the Netherlands can’t supply alone.
Paul Verhagen, the company’s CFO, is pushing for a change in Dutch immigration policy. In an interview with BNR Zakendoen, he warns that without expat-friendly policies, the company may simply have to set up shop in other countries.
International talent is a necessity
The new facility in Almere needs specialists that the Dutch education system simply doesn’t produce in sufficient numbers.
That means immigration policy becomes the business of chipmakers.
Verhagen argues the government needs to develop different policies for highly skilled workers.
The CFO tells BNR, “You’ll have to look at immigration policy and differentiate between highly educated and less educated workers. We’re only looking for people with academic degrees.”
What ASM needs from Dutch policy
Central to Verhagen’s argument is the 30% ruling — the tax benefit that allows eligible expats to receive 30% of their salary tax-free.
READ MORE | The 30% ruling in the Netherlands: The easy guide in 2026
The scheme has already been reduced and is set to drop further to 27% by 2027. Phasing it out entirely was also previously on the table.
Verhagen says the negative consequences are already showing up in ASM’s hiring: “I’ve already seen plenty of examples where we haven’t been able to attract people who we could have if the scheme hadn’t been tightened.”
Verhagen is also disappointed by the government’s plans to scale back English-language university programs. As a company dependent on internationally trained engineers, he says, “For technical education, the more English, the better.”
“This is not a threat”
ASM operates across multiple countries, and Verhagen makes clear: the investment decisions will follow the talent.
“That’s not a threat. It’s a simple fact,” states the CFO. “If you don’t have the people, you can’t start an R&D facility here,” he adds.
Verhagen acknowledges that prioritising certain groups sits awkwardly with Dutch notions of fairness.
At the same time, he reiterates that the semiconductor industry is flourishing, and the Netherlands stands to benefit enormously… only if it has access to enough talent.
“It’s hard to prioritise certain groups. I understand that’s difficult for politicians, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do it, because ultimately, it’s in everyone’s interest to invest in the country’s future earning capacity,” he concludes.
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They need cheap (extra salary due to less tax, not because more pay), obedient (due to visa dependancy), less-vocal (no clue about worker right and visa need), instant talents (read: modern slaves)… once not needed, easier to get rid off as these people are having less voice.. look all the “talents” littering Danish job market due to Novo Nordisk layoffs..