For professionals hired by an IND recognised sponsor – the most common and fastest work route to the Netherlands.
The salary and the employer decide – no degree is required.
Two work routes, different conditions. Amounts are gross per month, excluding 8% holiday allowance.
| Highly Skilled Migrant | EU Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Must be an IND recognised sponsor | Any employer in the Netherlands |
| Degree | Not required | Degree (3+ years) or 5 years’ relevant experience |
| Minimum salary (2026) | Age 30+: €5,942 Under 30: €4,357 Recent graduates: €3,122 | €5,942 Recent graduates: €4,754 |
| Minimum contract | Shorter contracts possible | 6 months |
| Moving to another EU country | Not included | Possible after 12 months |
| If you lose your job | 3 months to find a new one | 3 months to find a new one (6 months after 2 years) |
| Partner may work | Yes | Yes |
It starts with a free 30-minute consultation.
We check your employer, salary and age against the 2026 thresholds.
We prepare the file with you and your employer, who submits it through the IND business portal.
With a recognised sponsor the IND often decides in about 2 weeks. The MVV entry visa is included where needed.
Collect your residence card, register at the municipality and start work.
It is a residence permit. Most nationalities first receive an MVV – a 90-day entry visa – and then collect the residence card in the Netherlands. Some nationalities are exempt from the MVV.
No. For this permit the IND looks at your salary and your employer, not your diploma.
The employer can apply for recognition, or the EU Blue Card may be an option – it does not require a recognised sponsor. We can advise you on both.
Yes. Your partner and children can apply for residence with you, and your partner is allowed to work.
You get 3 months to find a new job with a recognised sponsor. Contact us straight away so we can plan the next step.
€423 per application in 2026. Your employer usually pays this fee.
The first 30 minutes are free. Send your details, or contact us directly.