Netherlands · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Official route — published facts
Read off the responsible authority's own page. Only what it publishes appears here — a field we could not confirm is left out rather than estimated.
- Route
- Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant)
- Employer sponsorship
- Required — an employer must sponsor or nominate you
- Salary floor
-
- EUR 5,942 — Highly skilled migrant, 30 years or older Gross per month. IND revises these amounts every 1 January and 1 July. Where this figure is published ↗
- EUR 4,357 — Highly skilled migrant, younger than 30 Where this figure is published ↗
- EUR 3,122 — Reduced salary criterion (recent graduates / orientation year) Where this figure is published ↗
- Annual cap
- No published cap found — this is not the same as the route being uncapped.
The employer must be a sponsor recognised by the IND — an ordinary job offer is not enough to use this route.
Official page: Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗ · Read 2026-08
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Non-EU workers usually come via the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme through a recognised sponsor, or the EU Blue Card; EU citizens work freely. The IND handles permits, and a salary threshold applies to skilled routes.
Work and residence permits are handled by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The Highly Skilled Migrant scheme (via a recognised sponsor) and the EU Blue Card are the main routes.
- The Highly Skilled Migrant route requires an IND-recognised sponsor (employer) and a salary threshold.
- The EU Blue Card is available for higher-educated professionals.
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit.
- 1
Find a job with a recognised sponsor
Most skilled workers come as a Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) — you need a job with an employer that is a recognised sponsor of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
- 2
Meet the salary criterion
Confirm the role meets the applicable salary threshold for the Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card route.
- 3
Employer files with the IND
The recognised sponsor applies to the IND for your residence permit (and an entry visa, the MVV, if you need one).
- 4
Collect the entry visa (MVV) if required
If you need an MVV, collect it at the Dutch embassy or consulate after approval.
- 5
Enter and register
Enter the Netherlands, register in the municipal Personal Records Database (BRP), and collect your residence permit.
- 6
Renew and consider permanent residence
Renew before expiry; time as a Highly Skilled Migrant can count toward permanent residence.
- Job with an IND-recognised sponsor
- Salary threshold met (Highly Skilled Migrant / EU Blue Card)
- IND residence-permit application by the sponsor
- Entry visa (MVV) if required
- Municipal registration (BRP)
- Residence permit collected
- Health insurance
- PR pathway considered
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
Residence and work permits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) scheme?
A fast route where a recognised-sponsor employer hires you above a salary threshold, processed quickly by the IND.
Do I need a Dutch employer?
For most skilled routes yes — the employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor; the startup and self-employed routes are exceptions.
Is there a 30% ruling?
A tax facility for some incoming skilled workers exists but has been scaled back; check the current percentage and conditions.
Government portals
- Government of the Netherlands — Central government policy and public-service portal
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — Residence permits, visas, and naturalisation
- Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) — Dutch income tax, VAT, and tax-number registration
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) — Company registration and the business register