What counts
- Fixed gross monthly salary in the contract
- Fixed allowances in the contract, paid monthly
- A 13th month – only when paid in 12 equal monthly parts
- Salary paid into a bank account in your own name
Requirements
Do you qualify as a highly skilled migrant?
You need to meet all four conditions. We check them with you in the free consultation.
A recognised sponsor
Your employer must be on the IND public register of recognised sponsors. Without recognition this route is not possible.
A qualifying salary
At least €5,942 gross per month if you are 30 or older, €4,357 under 30 – or €3,122 for eligible recent graduates.
Market-level pay
The salary must be in line with the market and paid every month into a Dutch bank account in your own name.
No degree required
The salary and the employer decide. A diploma is not part of the conditions – unlike the EU Blue Card.
Key facts
TypeResidence permit for work
Entry visa (MVV)Depends on nationality
Salary 30+€5,942 gross / month
Salary under 30€4,357 gross / month
Recent graduates€3,122 gross / month
ValidityContract length, max. 5 years
IND fee 2026€423
Salary criterion
What counts towards the salary?
The IND checks the fixed gross monthly salary on the date of your application.
What does not count
- The 8% holiday allowance
- Bonuses, overtime and tips
- Payments in kind, such as a car or housing
- Cash payments or irregular amounts
Your age on the application date decides which amount applies. Turning 30 before the application is filed means the higher amount.
Compare
Highly Skilled Migrant or Blue Card?
Two work routes with different rules. Amounts are gross per month in 2026, excluding 8% holiday allowance.
| Highly Skilled Migrant | EU Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Must be an IND recognised sponsor | Any bona fide employer |
| Degree | Not required | Relevant degree (3+ years) or 5 years’ experience |
| Salary 2026 | 30+: €5,942 · under 30: €4,357 · recent graduates: €3,122 | €5,942 · recent graduates €4,754 |
| Minimum contract | No minimum | 6 months |
| Validity | Contract length, max. 5 years | Contract + 3 months, max. 5 years |
| Working in other EU countries | Not included | Short trips and moving after 12 months |
| If you lose your job | 3 months – 6 months after 2 years | 3 months – 6 months after 2 years |
| Partner may work | Yes | Yes |
No recognised sponsor, or planning to move within the EU? The Blue Card may fit better. See bluecardvisa.nl
For employers
Is your employer a recognised sponsor?
Employer with recognition
The fastest procedure in Dutch immigration:
- The employer files online through the IND business portal
- A decision often within 2 weeks
- Fewer documents with the application
- The sponsor reports changes to the IND within 4 weeks
Employer without recognition
There are two ways forward:
- The employer applies for recognition first
- Recognition costs €5,080 (€2,539 up to 50 employees)
- Or use the EU Blue Card – no recognition needed
- We advise on the fastest option for your case
Process
From job offer to residence card
1
Free intake check
We check the employer’s recognition, your salary and your age against the 2026 amounts.
2
Contract
You sign an employment contract or appointment letter with a salary that meets the criterion.
3
Application
The employer files through the IND business portal – together with the MVV if your nationality needs one.
4
Decision
Often within 2 weeks with a recognised sponsor. The legal maximum is 90 days.
5
Arrival
Collect the MVV, travel, register for your BSN, pick up your residence card and arrange Dutch health insurance.
Family
Your family can come with you
Partner and children
Your spouse, registered or unmarried partner and minor children can apply for residence with you.
Partner may work
Your partner has free access to the Dutch labour market – no work permit needed.
No exam abroad
Family members of a highly skilled migrant do not need to pass the civic integration exam abroad.
IND fees 2026
€254 for a partner and €85 per child – filed together with your application.
After you arrive
Your rights as a highly skilled migrant
Changing employer
- The new employer must also be a recognised sponsor
- The salary must meet the criterion on the new start date
- The new employer reports the change to the IND
If you lose your job
- 3 months to find a new job as a highly skilled migrant
- 6 months once you have held the permit for 2 years
- Starting a business or another route may also be possible
Permanent residence
- Permanent residence after 5 years and the civic integration exam
- EU long-term resident status is a second option
- Dutch citizenship can follow later
The 30% ruling
- A possible tax facility for employees recruited abroad
- Its conditions and salary limits have changed
- Check your situation with a tax adviser
All work permits
Every work permit at a glance
14 ways to work in the Netherlands – and which one fits your situation.
| Permit | Our guide | Recognised sponsor | Labour market test | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant | hsmvisa.nl | Required | No | Up to 5 years |
| EU Blue Card | bluecardvisa.nl | Optional | No | Contract + 3 months, max. 5 years |
| Intra-corporate transfer | ictvisa.nl | Optional | No | 3 years (trainees 1 year) |
| Researcher | On request | Required | No | Up to 5 years |
| Essential start-up personnel | On request | Not needed | No | Up to 3 years |
| Single permit (GVVA) | On request | Optional | Yes (UWV) | Usually up to 3 years |
| Seasonal work | On request | Not needed | Yes (UWV) | Up to 24 weeks |
| Trainee or apprentice | On request | Optional | No | Up to 1 year |
| Work experience, EU programme | On request | Optional | No | Up to 1 year |
| International Trade Regulation | On request | Not needed | UWV approval | Up to 3 years |
| Cross-border service provider | On request | Not needed | No | Up to 2 years |
| Orientation year | orientation-year.nl | Not needed | No | 1 year |
| Start-up | startup-visa.nl | RVO facilitator | No | 1 year |
| Self-employed | selfemployed-visa.nl | Not needed | RVO points test | 2 years (first permit) |
Costs
What it costs
Fees 2026
First consultation (30 min)Free
Our service feeFixed quote after the intake
IND fee – highly skilled migrant (2026)€423
IND fee – partner€254
IND fee – child under 18€85
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the Highly Skilled Migrant permit a visa?
It is a residence permit. Most nationalities first receive an MVV – an entry visa – and then collect the residence card in the Netherlands. Some nationalities do not need an MVV.
Do I need a university degree?
No. For this route only the salary and the employer count. A degree is required for the EU Blue Card, not for the highly skilled migrant permit.
My employer is not a recognised sponsor. What now?
The employer can apply for recognition first, or you can use the EU Blue Card, which does not need a recognised sponsor. We advise on the fastest option.
Does the 8% holiday allowance count towards the salary?
No. Only the fixed gross monthly salary and fixed allowances in the contract count – not holiday pay, bonuses or overtime.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner and minor children can apply with you, and your partner may work without a work permit.
What happens if I lose my job?
You have 3 months to find a new job with a recognised sponsor – 6 months once you have held the permit for 2 years.
How long does it take?
With a recognised sponsor the IND often decides within 2 weeks. The legal maximum is 90 days.
How much does the IND charge?
€423 for the main applicant in 2026, €254 for a partner and €85 per child.
Other routes
Other routes to the Netherlands
Work
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified professionals – any employer, with mobility across the EU.
bluecardvisa.nl Open website WorkIntra-Corporate Transfer
For managers, specialists and trainees moving to a Dutch branch of their company.
ictvisa.nl Open website BusinessStart-up visa
One year to build an innovative company, guided by a recognised facilitator.
startup-visa.nl Open website FamilyFamily reunification
Bring your children or other family members to live with you.
family-visa.nl Open websiteFigures valid for 2026, based on ind.nl. Amounts change every 1 January – always check the latest amounts with us or on ind.nl.