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Compare. Highly Skilled Migrant permit.

Two work routes with different rules. Amounts are gross per month in 2026, excluding 8% holiday allowance.

€5,942 gross / month · 30+€4,357 · under 30Partner may workDecision often within 2 weeks

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?

Recognised

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

Not recognised

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

Other routes

Other routes to the Netherlands

EU Blue Card

For highly qualified professionals – any employer, with mobility across the EU.

bluecardvisa.nl Open website

Intra-Corporate Transfer

For managers, specialists and trainees moving to a Dutch branch of their company.

ictvisa.nl Open website

Start-up visa

One year to build an innovative company, guided by a recognised facilitator.

startup-visa.nl Open website

Family reunification

Bring your children or other family members to live with you.

family-visa.nl Open website

Figures valid for 2026, based on ind.nl. Amounts change every 1 January – always check the latest amounts with us or on ind.nl.

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