International House Antwerp Strengthens Economic Appeal
New collaboration unites city, province, and Flemish government to support international talent and businesses.
By Lien Vandenbroucke
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a modern building with large glass windows, representing a business hub or office.
The province of Antwerp and the city of Antwerp today launch International House Antwerp, a new collaborative venture aimed at supporting international talent and businesses in settling and integrating into the region.
This new initiative, backed by the Flemish government, consolidates existing information and services to guide international professionals and companies in Antwerp. With a world port, a strong economy, and an innovative business climate, the city and province aim to enhance their international appeal amidst growing competition for talent.
Approximately 100,000 employees of foreign nationality currently work in the province of Antwerp, nearly 60% of whom are from EU countries. International House Antwerp will support companies in attracting and guiding international staff, while also providing reliable information to professionals and students on work permits, housing, taxes, and daily life.
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"Attracting talent alone is not enough. We must also ensure that people quickly find their way here, feel welcome, and commit to our region long-term. With International House Antwerp, we give our companies an extra advantage and simultaneously strengthen the economic resilience of our entire province."
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"Attracting international talent doesn't start with an employment contract, but with feeling welcome. Anyone who has worked abroad or even just moved knows how difficult it can sometimes be to navigate our maze of regulations, services, and administrations. If this is not self-evident for Flemish people, it is even more so for people coming to Antwerp from elsewhere in the world. With International House Antwerp, we offer companies, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students a single reliable point of contact that helps them not only to work here but also to build a future."
The International House Antwerp website offers digital information on permits, registration, housing, and daily life, supplemented by personalized checklists. Physical support and networking events will also be provided.
Helma Vonk started as coordinator on September 1, 2026, and will shape the further development and networking around international talent. With this initiative, Flanders now has five International Houses, in addition to those in Limburg, Leuven, Kortrijk, and Ghent.
Johan Ramharter, Senior Vice President of Umicore Hoboken, emphasized the importance of attracting international talent for innovation and expanding their leading position in material technology.
