What is the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa?
The Highly Skilled Migrant visa (Kennismigrant) is the Netherlands' main route for international professionals. It is entirely salary-based — no degree, no labour market test, and no language requirement. The employer must be an Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) recognised sponsor, and the salary must meet the threshold for your age group: €5,942/month for applicants aged 30 and over, or €4,357/month for those under 30. Processing takes 2–4 weeks — the fastest in Europe. Your spouse can work any job without restriction.
Note: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute immigration advice. Requirements change — verify current figures at the official government source before applying.
Do you qualify?
This visa is for international professionals with a job offer from a Dutch employer that is an IND-recognised sponsor. The employer handles the application — including confirming the salary meets the required threshold. Once you have the offer, there are no further eligibility requirements. No degree, no language test, no labour market test.
You cannot apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant permit without a job offer from a Dutch employer registered with the IND as a recognised sponsor. The job must pay the required salary, which is outlined in the next section.
2026 salary requirements
Figures valid for January–June 2026, gross per month, excluding 8% holiday allowance. Thresholds update at least once a year (January) and sometimes mid-year (July). The IND assesses the salary against the threshold in effect on the date of the application — not the date of the contract.
Who qualifies for the reduced graduate threshold: Applicants who held (or were eligible for) a Dutch orientation year (zoekjaar) permit — typically graduates of Dutch universities or top-200 internationally ranked universities. The application must be submitted within 3 years of graduation.
How age is assessed: The threshold is determined by your age at the moment the employer submits the application. If you turn 30 two weeks after submission, the under-30 threshold applies.
What you need to apply
The employer submits the application on your behalf through the IND portal. You provide the documents; the employer handles the filing. Most of the process is digital.
What to expect, step by step
From signing the contract to starting work typically takes 2–6 weeks — the fastest of any European work visa. The main variable is whether you need a provisional residence permit (MVV). For applicants from countries requiring an MVV, the embassy appointment can add 1–3 weeks. Book the appointment as early as possible — ideally before the IND decision is expected, so the two run in parallel.
Sign the employment contract. Confirm the gross monthly salary meets the threshold for your age group. The employer must be a recognised sponsor — verify on the IND public register before signing.
The employer submits a combined TEV application (MVV entry visa + residence permit) through the IND's online portal. You do not apply yourself — the employer handles everything with the IND.
The IND targets a 2-week decision for recognised sponsors, and reliably hits this. For standard applications (non-recognised sponsors), processing can take up to 90 days.
If you need an MVV, collect it from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. If you are MVV-exempt, you can travel directly.
Register with your local municipality (gemeente) within 5 days of arrival. Obtain your BSN (citizen service number). Collect your physical residence card from the IND. Enrol in Dutch health insurance within 4 months of arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the new employer must also be an IND-recognised sponsor and must submit a new application for you. There is no gap allowed — ensure the new permit is in process before leaving your current employer. If you lose your job, you have a 3-month search period during which your residence permit remains valid.
Yes. Your spouse, registered partner, or unmarried partner and children under 18 can apply for dependent residence permits. Your partner receives an open work permit — they can work for any employer in any job without restriction. The Netherlands recognises married, registered, and unmarried partnerships, making family reunification accessible regardless of your relationship structure.
A separate tax benefit available to eligible expats. If you qualify, 30% of your gross salary is paid tax-free for up to 5 years, significantly increasing your take-home pay. The 30% ruling is not part of the visa — it's a tax arrangement between your employer and the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). Your employer must apply within 4 months of your start date, and your taxable salary (the remaining 70%) must meet a separate threshold (~€46,000 in 2026). The IND assesses your visa eligibility on full gross salary, not the reduced taxable amount.
No. The Kennismigrant is entirely salary-based. If the employer is a recognised sponsor and the salary meets the threshold, no degree, diploma, or qualification is required. This is unusual — most European work visas require proof of higher education. For certain fields (IT, engineering, finance), practical experience is the main qualifier, and the Dutch system reflects this.
Budget €500–€1,000 for the candidate. The residence permit application fee is around €210. Add MVV collection if applicable (~€210), health insurance (~€140/month from arrival), and any document translations or legalisation. The employer covers the IND application fees and sponsor registration costs (€5,080 if not already registered). Overall, significantly cheaper than UK or French work visas.
The salary thresholds are nearly identical (~€5,942/month for both in 2026). The Kennismigrant has faster processing (2 weeks vs. up to 90 days for the Blue Card), lower salary thresholds for under-30s, and no degree requirement. The EU Blue Card offers easier mobility to other EU countries after 18 months and a longer job search period (6 months vs. 3) if you lose employment. Most employers and applicants in the Netherlands choose the Kennismigrant route for its speed and simplicity; the Blue Card is mainly useful if EU mobility is a priority.
Not for the visa. There is no Dutch language requirement for the Kennismigrant permit. However, Dutch at the A2 level and passing the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen) are required for permanent residence after 5 years. Starting Dutch lessons in year 3 or 4 is recommended so you're prepared by the time you're eligible for PR. For daily life, English is widely spoken in professional settings, especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit (onbepaalde tijd). Requirements include: passing the civic integration exam (A2 Dutch), continuous employment or income, and no serious criminal record. The 30% ruling and your Kennismigrant period both count toward the 5-year requirement. IND processing for PR applications currently takes 3–12 months, so apply as soon as you're eligible.
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