Highly skilled workers from outside the EU are increasingly being recruited by employers in the Netherlands. There are various residence permits available for working in the Netherlands, but the majority of this group work in the Netherlands under the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme. The Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme is, relatively speaking, the simplest and quickest way to employ a worker in the Netherlands. In this blog, we explain the conditions that must be met in order to make use of this scheme.
What conditions apply to highly skilled migrants?
first key requirement is that the employer must be recognised as a sponsor by the IND (the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service). To obtain recognised sponsor status, the employer must submit an application to the IND. Only after this recognition has been granted is the employer permitted to employ highly skilled migrants on the basis of an employment contract or a public service appointment.
In addition, the highly skilled migrant must meet the applicable salary threshold. As of 1 January 2026, the salary thresholds are as follows:
- For highly skilled migrants aged 30 and over: €5,942.00 gross per month;
- For highly skilled migrants under the age of 30: €4,357.00 gross per month;
- For recent graduates in the Netherlands or graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200, a reduced salary threshold applies: €3,122.00 gross per month.
These amounts are exclusive of the 8% holiday allowance. The highly skilled migrant must meet the applicable salary threshold each month, and the salary must be paid into the migrant’s bank account on a monthly basis. Any fixed monthly allowances may be included when assessing compliance with the salary threshold, provided they have been agreed and recorded in writing. In addition, the salary must be in line with market rates.
The salary thresholds are indexed annually. If a highly skilled migrant changes employer, the salary threshold applicable to the new employer is determined by the migrant’s age at that time. This rule does not apply where the highly skilled migrant qualifies for the reduced salary threshold. In such cases, the reduced salary threshold continues to apply even if the migrant changes employer. The reduced salary threshold is not dependent on age.
Residence permit
The validity period of the residence permit is linked to the duration of the employment contract, with a maximum term of five years. The residence permit remains valid for as long as the highly skilled migrant continues to meet the applicable requirements. The permit can be renewed repeatedly and is not tied to a specific employer.
For example, if a highly skilled migrant changes employer or no longer meets the requirements of the highly skilled migrant scheme, the employer must notify the IND within four weeks. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in a fine or, in certain circumstances, the withdrawal of the employer’s recognised sponsor status.
Questions?
Are you planning to employ workers from outside the EU in the Netherlands? Has your organisation not yet been recognised as a sponsor by the IND? Or do you have questions and/or require advice regarding the specific position of highly skilled migrants within your organisation? If so, please contact the lawyers at Ko & Co Advocaten.
